Because Zaimokuza Yoshiteru only brought one copy of the manuscript, after Sato walked over, he could only lean in with Yukinoshita Yukino to read it together.
However, since there were too many people in the clubroom, he did not dare to get too close to Yukinoshita Yukino.
No, that wasn't right.
Even if there were no one else around, he still would not dare to get too close.
The girl known as the Ice Queen indeed carried a coldness that kept people at a distance. Getting too close would make one feel uncomfortable all over.
Keeping about half a body's distance between them, the two began to review Zaimokuza Yoshiteru's manuscript.
"Gulp!"
Seeing this, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru could not help but swallow. His hands hanging at his sides clenched unconsciously.
The atmosphere felt overly serious, almost as if he were really facing editors from a publishing house.
Looking at the two seated before him, cold sweat began to form on his back.
At this moment, the atmosphere was even more nerve-wracking than waiting for a report card to be handed out. The waiting itself felt unbearably long.
For Yukinoshita Yukino, it was simply in her nature. Her serious attitude was one of her most defining traits.
As for Sato, it was more of a subconscious action, a professional habit formed over a long time.
In fact, he had reviewed no fewer than eight hundred, if not a thousand, manuscripts. He had long since made manuscript reviewing a part of his daily life.
A complete disaster.
The moment Sato saw the manuscript, he passed judgment in his heart and could not help but frown.
Yukinoshita Yukino, who shared the same reaction, also frowned after reading a few lines.
This was a light novel?
She instinctively turned her head to glance at Sato. Seeing that he was also frowning, she felt slightly relieved.
Although she had little exposure to light novels, it was undeniable that they had achieved remarkable success in the entertainment industry and were widely loved by the public.
If what the masses enjoyed were light novels like the one in her hands, she would truly begin to question whether modern society had some kind of problem.
But now, it seemed there was still hope.
After finishing the first page of Zaimokuza Yoshiteru's novel, Sato had roughly gauged his level.
Without exaggeration, he felt that the current Zaimokuza Yoshiteru was not even as good as Gokou Ruri when she was still in her second year of middle school.
Compared to the current Gokou Ruri, there was even less basis for comparison.
The gap between the two could be described as the difference between heaven and… a first attempt.
The reason he compared him to Gokou Ruri was because his work bore great similarity to her early writing, yet in comparison, it was an extremely crude, downgraded version.
If Gokou Ruri's early work could at least be endured and read through, then forcing oneself to read Zaimokuza Yoshiteru's work would feel like being force-fed something disgusting.
The entire piece was the protagonist's monologue. Every page was filled with cringe-inducing chuunibyou lines. It was clear that Zaimokuza Yoshiteru had fallen deep into self-indulgence and could not pull himself out.
Most importantly, even when she was only in her second year of middle school, Gokou Ruri had almost no grammatical errors. Yet now, as a second-year high school student, Zaimokuza Yoshiteru had written numerous sentences that were simply baffling.
"What do you think, Nohara-kun?"
Yukinoshita Yukino rubbed her temples as she asked softly.
Sato looked at the manuscript in front of him with a headache, then suddenly raised his head and glanced at Hikigaya Hachiman.
A subtle change passed through his expression, and a faint smile appeared on his face.
Hikigaya Hachiman immediately sensed something was wrong.
Damn it… what is this guy planning now?
"If I remember correctly, Hikigaya seems to know quite a bit about light novels. How about making a few more copies and letting him take a look as well? We can proceed with the… judgment tomorrow."
Sato carefully chose his wording.
At times like this, I absolutely cannot be the only one suffering… no, that is not right. Joy shared is joy doubled.
This kind of experience should be shared.
Jud… judgment?
Hikigaya Hachiman's expression instantly turned ugly. What kind of content would make you use a word like that?
And also…
He suddenly turned his head to look at Zaimokuza Yoshiteru, who had visibly relaxed.
You idiot!
Do you not realize how serious this is?
"Ahem, actually I am not that knowledgeable about light novels… fine, I will go back and read it carefully!"
Hikigaya Hachiman tried to resist at first, but when Yukinoshita Yukino's cold gaze fell upon him, he immediately gave in.
"Hahaha! In that case, many thanks to everyone!"
Zaimokuza Yoshiteru let out another hearty laugh, as if he could not speak properly without laughing a few times first.
…
On the way home, Sato called Hiratsuka Shizuka to ask about Kanna.
"All the procedures have been completed. Since you want to raise her, then go ahead."
"But you need to keep a close eye on her in the future. Even though she is just a young dragon, she is still rated as an A-class existence. I do not need to tell you what kind of destructive power she has, right?"
"I understand that."
"As long as you understand. Do not come crying to me to clean up your mess when something happens later."
"Who would ask you to clean up my mess!"
"It is just a figure of speech!"
"Oh right, the subsidy for adopting a dangerous creature will be transferred to your bank account on time."
"There is even a subsidy?"
"Of course. After all, this is an A-class existence. No wonder people are jealous of your apartment. How is it that all of you keep picking up creatures like dragons? And not only that, they are either contracted or cute little dragons!"
"Well, who knows. Oh right, there is one more thing I would like to trouble you with."
"You actually have something to ask me? That is rare. Go ahead."
"Could you send over two gaming devices? I have classes during the day, so I want to find something interesting for Kanna to do…"
"Oh? You have some ideas. Alright, I will have someone deliver them to you right away."