Ch.29 The Library Comittee's President Has Privileges, But Lots of Work

I received a summons and went to the library alone.

"Fumu... this library really is big..."

'Tis unnecessarily elaborate, and ridiculously huge.

As I briefly mentioned a few days ago, 'tis far larger than the municipal library in this city, and it houses a much larger number of books.

Moreover, they stock obscure academic books, light novels and manga that do not often come across to the public, and even doujinshi (self-published comics).

In addition, it also houses a large number of reference books and academic textbooks for those who do not have much money, so 'tis used by students quite frequently.

In a typical high school, library usage might be low, but at this academy, 'tis actually quite high. In fact, 'tis at a level where you might think that almost every student has borrowed at least one book for personal reasons ja.

I use it occasionally too.

I like historical novels as well as light novels and manga. They also have crossword puzzles, so I use this place to make copies of those, and for various other purposes. 'Tis surprisingly convenient noja.

That being said, I never actually use my library card. Just reading on the spot is enough for me.

Anyway, I like this library ja.

In that sense, you could say that being on the library committee was by far the best choice I could make.

...Although, becoming committee president was completely unexpected.

"Excuse me, could I have a word?"

"Oh, committee president! Good afternoon!"

"Umu, good afternoon ja."

To find out why I had been summoned, I spoke to a female student who was doing committee work at the counter, and she greeted me cheerfully.

I think she is a first year.

"Do you want some candy?"

"Why candy noja? ...Well, I will take what I can get."

After the greeting, for some reason, I was given a piece of candy.

Milk candy, is it?

Fumu... Well, 'tis a candy I quite like, so I guess 'tis okay.

I have been developing an even stronger fondness for sweets lately.

However, perhaps because it has been in a pocket who knows how long, it feels slightly warm and almost melted... Oh well.

"So, what is the reason I was summoned here ja?"

"Um, Okumoto-san, the librarian, was looking for president."

"Understood ja. Where is the librarian?"

"He's in the librarian's office at the back."

"Thank you. Shall I go now?"

I want to finish this quickly so I can go home as soon as possible.

Oh, I think I will eat the candy now.

"Excuse me."

"Oh, Mahiro-cha—I mean, Ouka-san, I've been waiting for you."

As I entered the librarian's office, Librarian Okumoto, who was working on something, stopped what he was doing, turned around, and smiled at me. And he also almost called me Mahiro-chan.

"...You were about to say 'Mahiro-chan' just now, were you not?"

"Haha, not at all."

"...Haa. Well, you can call me whatever you want. Mahiro-chan or whatever."

"Then I'll call you Mahiro-chan."

The librarian said this with a big smile.

Are there no decent people at our school?

"So? What is the reason you summoned me ja?"

"That's easy. It's a job. The president's job."

"The president's job, you say? Is that something that can be finished quickly? Unfortunately, I would rather go home as soon as possible."

"Oh, right, you're newly married, aren't you?"

"...Well, that is true, but..."

Could it be that... not only the teachers, but even the custodians know that I am married?

...T-this is such a pain!

"Even though I say 'job,' it's nothing too difficult. It's mostly just explaining things."

"Really? Let me tell you, this is my first year on the library committee, so I cannot handle complicated tasks. I mean, on our first meeting, did you not say that my job was just to announce the names of people whose books had expired? Is there anything else I am supposed to do?"

"Of course there is."

"Why did you not say it back then noja?!"

I ask, feeling a slight anger at what he did not say back then.

Then, he explained it in a nonchalant manner.

"If I had said it back then, absolutely no one would have wanted to do it, right? Also, considering Mahiro-chan's personality, even if you had become the president, you would have tried to force the position on others by using your cuteness as a weapon, just like you did back then, wouldn't you?"

"Ugh..."

That is indeed the case ja...

If I had heard more about the job details back then, I might have tried to pass it off to someone else by saying something like, "Please!"... or rather, I definitely would have done that.

I absolutely hate troublesome things ja.

I want to do as little work as possible.

...It seems like I am headed towards becoming a kept man in the future...

Because those girls clearly do not want me to work, right? They say things like, "you're the wife, so you don't have to work."

But, I am already working a part-time job...

Oh, that reminds me, I have a shift tomorrow...

...However, I took some time off for personal reasons, and this would be my first shift after that.

I have not told them yet that I have developed the illness.

But the store manager is a nice person, so there should not be any problems. If I had to say, it would be the male colleagues who are going to be the problem.

The male-to-female ratio is roughly 4:6.

There are more female staff members, but... I am sure it will be fine.

Oh, I should not have been thinking about that right now.

"So, what is my job ja? Depending on the circumstances, I would like to refuse it from the bottom of my heart."

"The president doesn't have the power to veto."

"...I think we should just push it onto the vice-president, you know?"

"That would be a problem in itself. If the president doesn't know the information they should know at the regular briefing session, who knows what kind of disapproving looks they'll get?"

"I think the vice-president should go instead."

"...How much do you not want to work?"

"Basically, I just want to sleep noja. You know, like those people you often see at the office? The ones who do their work properly and leave on time. I am like that."

"Well, that's true of highly capable people... but unfortunately, this is an academy. Such behavior is not permitted. An academy is a place to cultivate a sense of responsibility."

"...Tch. I have no choice. Albeit reluctantly, I guess I will do my job..."

"How lazy can one person be...?"

This is such a hassle... I do not want to do it...

I would like to get rid of the other committee members who made me president someday.

'Tis not impossible.

...Ah! Could it be that 'Beast Transformation: Cat' is suitable for assassination? My night vision is good, and my body is flexible. If I consider that my athletic abilities are also improved... No, I will stop there. I have no intention of becoming a criminal.

That would be more troublesome.

"Shall I explain the job now?"

"Umu."

"Most of it will be what I said at the last committee meeting, but there are other things as well. Making announcements from the committee is also the president's job."

"Are we talking about that? The used book fair or whatever that committee often holds?"

"That's right. It's the thing where we collect unwanted books from students. Well, we do the larger-scale ones at the school festival."

Now that you mention it, I think I saw them last year.

While wandering around the school festival with Kengo and Yuya, we also stopped by the library.

So, I was beaming with delight when I found some historical novels and obscure light novels that I had been looking for for a long time.

I thought that was quite good.

"Besides that, there's also paperwork."

"...Paperwork? What, You are saying this school's committees even have tasks that are like those in a company?"

"Yes. This is also part of the school's policy. It's to give them experience in jobs they might do in society while they're still young."

"...But surely there are people like me who became committee president without wanting to, right? In that case, is it not rather harsh?"

It seems like those kinds of paperwork tasks are more often handled by people in management positions than by regular employees. Well, I suppose regular employees do them too, but important tasks are usually handled by those in management positions.

I can understand that, but surely some people will end up in jobs that do not involve that kind of work in the future.

Restaurant staff are a prime example of this.

If you think about it that way, it seems like it would be meaningless...

"Actually, many of the students who become president of committees at our school end up taking on those kinds of jobs."

"Why ja?"

"Their charisma."

"Charisma, is it..."

I do not have anything like that though.

What is this about charisma?

"Let me tell you, I am not the kind of person who attracts or charms people, or has any special qualities. I am but an ordinary former male high school student who developed 'TSF Syndrome.' Now I am just a pretty cute little girl."

"What are you talking about? That's quite the impressive display of charisma."

"What do you mean? I simply had pretty good initial specs. It was luck, pure luck. My family line is a bit strange in many ways. Not just the main family, but the branch families too."

Apparently, even Kami is a relative of mine.

I heard she is part of a branch family...

However, the surname Kami (神) makes me feel like it belongs to the main family rather than a branch family...

"Oh, so Mahiro-chan comes from a pretty strong family?"

"According to my parents and my late grandfather, this is the main branch of the family. I do not know much other than that."

"It's rare these days to find someone who understands that."

"I do not know, nor do I have any interest."

"That's so typical of Mahiro-chan. ...Anyway, I was in the middle of explaining the job. It's paperwork, but it's not that difficult."

"Is that true?"

"Yes. Basically, you just look through the documents that come from the student council and stamp them. By the way, you don't do this that often, it's about once a month."

"Hohou."

In that case, it certainly sounds easy.

"There are also other items that require permission from the library committee."

"Wait a minute... Does that not seem strange?"

"Where?"

"What kind of matter would even warrant permission from the library committee in the first place ja?!"

I have never heard of such a thing! A committee that has to grant permission, even though 'tis one of many committees!

What kind of situation is this?!

"Clubs, other committees, and the student council that want to use the library must submit an application here. This is, technically, under my and the library committee's jurisdiction."

"Is that not the kind of work the student council would normally do?"

"According to the headmaster, 'It's not good to concentrate too much power in the student council, and it's a burden to have all the work in one place, so no. Power needs to be distributed.'"

"...That does makes sense, but..."

"Right? They say they want to foster students' independence and things like that."

...If you only heard that much, one would think they were a normal, caring headmaster...but considering they are the headmaster of this academy, it seems like they have probably gotten into all sorts of trouble...

I have a feeling 'tis better not to trust them too much.

"...So, is it possible to borrow books while this place is being used?"

"It's technically possible. However, the tables and other furniture will be practically unusable. After all, the extracurricular activities at this school are very active. This library is quite convenient for various purposes."

"I see... But what exactly is this application to use the library ja? There is no way anyone would be using this place on such a large scale."

"Well, you know, if you don't do well on the test, there are remedial classes, right?"

"Yeah, it happens. The guys who always participate in club activities, and Kengo, always get anxious around that time."

"Right? Some clubs end up being suspended. That's when this library comes in handy."

"I see. Here, they will not have any trouble finding reference books and things like that. But I do not think that alone makes it worth applying for, do you? You can just study normally."

This library is larger than the municipal library, so naturally there are more places to sit and study.

In that case, 'tis probably not a place worth going to the trouble of applying for permission to use...

"Yes, Mahiro-chan is right. But Mahiro-chan, are you not familiar with the back of the library?"

"Somewhere in the back? Did something happen?"

I try to recall and remember the few memories I have of using the library.

...Now that he mentions it.

"I think if you go straight into the library and turn left at the end, there is a door that is usually closed."

"That's it. Actually, that room is set up like a study room, and the inside is really well-equipped for studying."

"Hou? So, what is the interior like noja?"

The idea of ​​having a well-equipped environment for studying is quite intriguing.

Even though I am but an ordinary person, I do study to a certain extent.

I do it lightly even before tests.

"First, there's a drink bar."

"...Is that not strange?"

"In addition, we have a delivery service, and if you order food through it, it will actually be delivered from the school cafeteria on a special conveyor belt."

"That is unnecessarily high-tech?!"

"Furthermore, it contains numerous books that cover all the units taught in each grade level."

"Is that not going a little too far?!"

"Right? That's why, of course, an application is required. If there wasn't one, it would constantly be contested, and it would become a hangout for delinquents."

"...Well, 'tis perfect as a hideout."

If we were to open it up freely, there would probably be people who would hang out there all the time, or even hide there during class. I see, in that case, an application would definitely be necessary.

"Besides studying, it's also used for meetings. The student council and election committee use it for those kinds of things. It has soundproofing equipment there, too."

"Wow, our library is amazing..."

Or rather, where are you focusing your efforts noja?

...I doubt it, but surely there are not any other places like this where the facilities are unnecessarily high tech, right? It would be strange if only the library had such unnecessary facilities.

Could it be that even the school nurse's office has a basement, equipped with facilities for performing surgeries and such?

Well, it is our school after all... I cannot deny the possibility...

"By the way, there is a charge for food delivery. The drink bar is free."

"That is so stupid."

"Well, because their existence can sometimes lead to improvements in academic performance."

"There are so many rich students here after all..."

But, I see.

If such a study environment exists, then academic ability may indeed improve.

After all, you can study with everything you need.

"Ah, the head of the library committee can skip the application process and use the services without any restrictions. It's a privilege."

"Hohou. So that means I can come and go freely in that place?"

"That's right. So please keep this."

Saying that, Librarian Okumoto handed me a green card.

In terms of size, is it about the size of a credit card?

"What is this ja?"

"The key to get into that room is in the librarian's office. You see it over there? That little door that you don't really know."

Librarian Okumoto pointed to the opposite side of the entrance to the librarian's office. There, as he had said, was a small black door.

If you look closely next to it, you'll see a slot that looks like you could insert a card into it.

"So, if I insert this, I can get the key?"

"That's right. Oh, by the way, it has double security, including fingerprint authentication. After all, there are occasionally idiots who try to steal the cards."

"I see. 'Tis very well thought out."

"Well, it's quite an expensive piece of equipment, after all."

Certainly.

'Tis safe to say the facilities are of a very high standard.

But in that case...

"Can they not just take my fingerprints with cellophane tape or something?"

"There's no need to worry about that. Actually, when it authenticates your fingerprint, it also detects a heat source. If there's any kind of gap between them, it's an instant failure. I think something as thin as cellophane tape would be fine."

"What kind of technical skills does this place have?! Normally, you cannot do that!"

"Well, as you can see, it can be done."

...Something is definitely wrong with this academy!

Where are you spending your money?!

Well, we do spend a lot of money on each event, but still!

"So, please feel free to use that place whenever you want. Well, of course, you can't if it's already booked..."

"I suppose so... But 'tis a bit far from the classroom... Besides, studying can be done at home or during class time. The advantage for me using it is—"

Just as I was about to say there wasn't any, Librarian Okumoto grinned and said:

"We have futons."

"ーWhat did you say?!"

A futon? Did you say futon?!

N-no way... there's no way... there should be no such thing in a room meant for studying...!

"We have two types: a bed type and a futon type. The bed is super soft and fluffy! The futon type is actually made of tatami mats."

"What a great environment! Wait, seriously? There is a futon?!"

"Yes, we have one. It's provided as a nap room. You can't concentrate on studying when you're tired, after all."

"W-what...!"

"The previous committee president have used it quite a bit. After all, it's a pretty demanding job."

"A futon...a futon, huh... Umuu, how wonderful..."

I never imagined there was such a wonderful space in the library.

Perhaps becoming the library committee president was a good thing after all?

...No, wait. Calm down, me.

'Tis a common saying that if something sounds too good to be true, there is usually a catch.

There must be something going on.

"So, are there any downsides?"

"Oh, you seem quite calm."

"Hmph, I was almost tempted to sleep just now, but... I reconsidered, thinking there might be a catch. So, what do you think noja?"

"It's not so much a 'behind-the-scenes' job, but as I mentioned earlier, it's actually quite demanding, being the library committee president."

"Fumu. But all we do is broadcast and approve applications, right?"

How does that lead to an overworked job?

Is there anything else?

"You understand that if you have privileges, you also have to do work commensurate with them, right?"

"Well, in exchange for having power, I probably have a lot more work to do than most people."

"In other words, that's what it comes down to. Approving the application means you have to manage all the schedules for club activities, committees, and the student council."

"So... that means I have to create a time schedule that avoids overlaps while also preventing any anxiety?"

"That's right. The two weeks before the exams are especially competitive. Well, there are quite a few club activities, so that's why the number of students applying increases."

"Uhee..."

Hearing what Librarian Okumoto said, I let out a voice that clearly conveyed my feeling of annoyance.

Is it really that complicated...?

Indeed, this school has a truly massive number of extracurricular activities.

The total number of students is also larger than that of a typical high school.

If that's the case, 'tis only natural that the number of club activities at the school will increase.

Some of the clubs even have really weird names.

"Oh, don't worry. It's basically first-come, first-served."

"Is that so?"

"I mean, wouldn't you be confused if someone showed up later and said, 'Let us go first!'?"

"Certainly."

"So, it's first-come, first-served."

"I see... But that raises a question ja."

"What is it?"

"Well, how do they apply? You are not seriously suggesting I stay at the library indefinitely, are you?"

That is just too much, okay? It will make me get home really late.

I really cannot stand having my sleep time cut short.

"By smartphone."

"By smartphone? This one?"

Looking bewildered, I took out my smartphone and showed it to the librarian.

He nodded in agreement and began to explain.

"That's right. Mahiro-chan, do you have any apps installed that are specifically for students of the academy?"

"Yes. I was told to put it in on the day I enrolled, so I put it in."

"That's good then. Please launch the app."

"Umu."

I opened the app as instructed.

There, a page containing my profile information, a so-called "My Page," is displayed.

The banners at the bottom of the screen include options for the bulletin board, news, application, chat, email, and My Page.

My personal page included not only my name, grade, class, and attendance number, but also my student number. Furthermore, it listed my club activities, committees, and positions, and even had a friend list.

Now that you mention it, this is the first time I have opened it.

Oh, so that is how it is.

But, friends?

So, this is a chat function that is only available between students, right?

"'Tis open."

"Now, your job title should be written there, so please tap on it."

"Umu."

As instructed, I tapped on the job title section, and the screen changed.

The page displayed was titled "Library Committee," and it contained four items.

These were things like "Loan Deadline," "Business Communication," "Study Room Reservation Confirmation," and "Study Room Application/Approval," respectively.

Fumu.

"What is this?"

"That's the Library Committee's page. By the way, other committees and the student council also have their own dedicated pages. Oh, and there are pages for club activities too."

"Fumu, that is quite convenient."

I cannot believe something like this existed.

This academy is overflowing with all sorts of convenient things.

"We often have opportunities to keep in touch."

"Well, I suppose so... So, how should I use this noja?"

"Yes, let me explain them one by one."

With that, Librarian Okumoto began his explanation.

The "loan deadline" section is apparently where you can see which students have three days left until their loan deadline, or whose loan deadline has already expired.

Apparently, they want us to broadcast this after seeing it.

What is privacy?

Next is "Business Communication." This is pretty much what the name suggests. Apparently, if there are any matters to communicate among the committee members, they will do so here. There are chats and other methods, but this is where they will communicate things that cannot be done through those.

Well, there are some things that need to be kept confidential, you see.

Next is "Study Room Reservation Confirmation." This one is pretty self-explanatory.

It simply lists which club or committee will be using it on which date and at what time.

I will have to look at this and decide where to put them in.

And finally, "Study Room Application and Approval".

Apparently, application forms come in here from representatives of each organization, mainly committee presidents, student council president, and club presidents.

The application form apparently includes the first to fifth preferred dates and times, the number of people using the service, whether or not delivery will be used, and the reason for use.

If this is insufficient, the application will not be approved.

That said, it seems this is ultimately up to my discretion.

For example, if I know that "this club has recently caused problems," i can reject their application.

That means I could accept it without hesitation if the information is uncertain, but if 'tis certain, I cannot accept it.

By the way, applications that do not state a valid reason can also be rejected. In fact, it seems that they are often rejected for that reason. Well, we cannot exactly approve it for unclear reasons. Those are quite an expensive piece of equipments.

"—That's everything."

"I see. So 'tis a job with a lot of responsibility."

"That's right. Oh, by the way, there are usage conditions for this study room."

"Should you not have said that earlier?"

"I forgot."

"...Okay, fine. So, what is the condition?"

"Basically, you have to be participating in one of these three things: the student council, a committee, or a club activity. So, as a rule, it's not available for general students."

"So, 'in principle' means there are exceptions, right?"

"Yes. Students who are barely passing or those who have been called in for remedial classes can use this space to gather."

"I see."

That is certainly a situation where you have no choice but to use it.

'Tis a matter of whether you get to go to the next grade or have to repeat a year.

In fact, I would almost certainly tell you to use it.

"They can submit their application between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM."

"Fumu. So, what is the deadline for accepting the application?"

"I'll leave that to Mahiro-chan."

"So, if I were to forget, would that not be a big problem?"

"Yes. So, we will give you a rough deadline. Please aim for about two days after submitting their application."

"Umu, understood ja."

"The reason is that it's a time when the students who applied are less likely to worry. Many of our students are easygoing."

"Certainly."

It seems like it would be acceptable for about two days.

...Well, I generally like to get things done early.

"Okay, I understand. So, is that all for the job?"

"Um... right. That's about it. Applications start tomorrow, so please check the app occasionally. Well, it will be displayed as an app notification, so you don't have to open the app every time."

"Fumu, I understand. ...Well then, I shall head home now."

"I'm sorry to keep you newlyweds here until this late."

"No, it does not matter. Even though I was forced, now that it has happened, I will do my best. 'Tis a matter of responsibility."

"Thank you very much. Please have a safe trip home."

"Umu. Well then."

After a brief farewell, I left the library.

When I went outside, 'twas quite dark.

It seems the conversation was longer than expected.

Time is...

"'Tis 6 p.m . Well, sounds about right."

I need to hurry home and make dinner for my husbands... no, I mean my wives!

...Even so, work is such a pain.

Previous | ToC | Next

ーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーーー

TL note: Sorry for taking so long. As you can probably tell, this chapter is almost doube the size of the usual chapters.