Since it was just a cruise ship, the library here was far from the grandeur of ANHS library.

Most of the books on the shelves were common leisure reads.

Over the past few days, Hiyori Shiina had mostly been reading the novels she brought with her, while Kaoru Mitoma sometimes read the books she recommended and other times picked up some leisure reads.

After all, students couldn't bring much luggage on board.

Even though Hiyori had packed quite a few books in her suitcase, as Kaoru read through them, they gradually ran out.

Like the Detective Poirot she mentioned, the protagonist of Agatha Christie's works, who was no less remarkable than Sherlock Holmes, though the latter was more familiar to most people.

Hiyori had only brought "Death on the Nile" and "Murder on the Orient Express," and she didn't expect Kaoru to finish them both in one morning.

"There are many more exciting stories ahead. If you like her style, you can also check out Miss Marple."

Considering that Kaoru rarely read mystery novels, Hiyori patiently explained who Miss Marple was.

Miss Marple was another protagonist of Agatha Christie's, unlike Sherlock Holmes or Poirot.

She was just an ordinary old lady, and her cases were usually confined to her village.

Though she couldn't compare to the great detectives, her unique methods of deduction were refreshing, making one wonder how an old lady would solve the cases.

"You really are a mystery books fan."

At Kaoru's teasing, Hiyori blushed slightly, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"When I read, I can't help but immerse myself in the story. Every time I think about the characters and what they've done, they feel so vivid."

As she spoke, she suddenly became shy.

"And... when faced with the same case, I think along with them... and then, I want to solve the case faster than they do."

Although Hiyori lowered her voice in embarrassment, it was clear she was sincere, probably echoing the thoughts of every mystery fan.

After all, once the author presents a case, not only does the protagonist have to figure out how to solve it, but so does the reader.

Especially in classic mysteries, it's a battle of wits between the author and the reader.

It was evident that Hiyori loved classic mysteries, and such thoughts were quite natural.

Kaoru, on the other hand, was more fond of narrative tricks and anagrams.

"No wonder you always spot the key clues in the cases I've read before," Kaoru said curiously.

"But constantly thinking about how to solve cases, doesn't that get tiring?"

Hiyori shook her head and then gestured to the book in her hand.

"I'll take my time reading a book, it might take me a day or two."

"That's a very devout way to put it."

"Is it strange?" She tilted her head, seemingly recalling something, "Actually, besides mysteries, I also read other novels, not just mysteries!"

Kaoru Mitoma was quite surprised, unable to imagine what kind of novels a girl who had recommended hard-boiled mysteries to him usually read.

"Such a rude gaze!" Hiyori Shiina noticed his doubtful look, "Like Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Junichi Watanabe, Kobo Abe, I usually read them too."

"Junichi Watanabe?" Kaoru Mitoma's expression turned peculiar.

Originally, she didn't think much of it, but seeing his strange expression, Hiyori Shiina slowly realized, her face slightly reddening.

"Lewd."

It was the first time he heard this word from the girl's mouth, not like she was scolding someone, but with a somewhat light feeling.

Kaoru Mitoma suddenly understood why some people would willingly be scolded by a beautiful girl, because it really sounded pleasant.

"I haven't said anything yet."

"Anyway, it's lewd."

"Could it be that Shiina-san treats Watanabe novels as erotica?"

"Nonsense, not at all."

Hiyori Shiina raised the novel to cover her slightly flushed cheeks, because she not only thought of Junichi Watanabe's descriptions but also remembered what Kaoru Mitoma had done to Kamuro Masumi.

Now, the two were very close, and there weren't many people around, so he might do something to her.

Just thinking about this, Hiyori Shiina couldn't stop blushing.

She knew Kaoru Mitoma wouldn't make a move on her, after all, the two had been alone together for several days and Kaoru Mitoma had always been well-behaved.

But precisely because of this, she felt embarrassed.

Kaoru Mitoma shifted his gaze away from the girl, this reaction was too innocent.

After experiencing Kamuro Masumi's temper and Kikyō Kushida's two-facedness, a pure girl like Hiyori Shiina felt very fresh to him.

"Are there any other novels to read?" Kaoru Mitoma diverted his attention.

"No, I only brought a few books." Hiyori Shiina said with a bit of apology.

"Sorry, I read too fast." Kaoru Mitoma said, "Anyway, the trip is almost over, we can read more when we get back to school."

Hiyori Shiina smiled lightly, happily humming in agreement, because they would have another chance to exchange thoughts on novels.

"By the way, Shiina-san, what do you think of this exam?" Kaoru Mitoma suddenly asked.

Today was already the second day of the official exam, gradually entering the middle phase, and it would be over in one more day.

Hiyori Shiina thought for a moment, softly saying, "If possible, I'd like to achieve Outcome One."

She was the VIP of the Snake group, for her, Outcome One was the most ideal ending, also in line with Class C's interests, followed by Outcome Two.

But with Class A knowing the rules, achieving Outcome One was too difficult and even Outcome Two couldn't be guaranteed.

"It might be a bit presumptuous, but does Shiina-san also want to advance to Class A?" Kaoru Mitoma continued to ask.

Hiyori Shiina shook her head, giving a very clear answer.

"I prefer to read books quietly." As she spoke, she added, "If necessary, I will also participate in class actions."

In other words, she wouldn't participate in actions if it wasn't necessary.

Although most people aspire to graduate from Class A, there are exceptions like Hiyori Shiina.

For her, being able to peacefully complete her high school life and read her favorite books is already a source of happiness.

"If I can achieve Outcome One, I can buy the novels I love."

Hiyori Shiina was seriously contemplating which books to purchase, as her reading list was extensive.

The reward for the VIP was a million personal points, enough for her to buy many books.

However, Ryuen hadn't told her the truth, so she hadn't noticed anything unusual about Kaoru Mitoma.

"I remember your Class C has over five hundred class points. Don't tell me you usually spend all of them on books?"

"I'm not a fool. I do have necessary living expenses, but there's no need to keep the remaining personal points."

Seeing her pouting expression, Kaoru Mitoma fell silent.

Wasn't this still an obsession with books?

"But I also know that Outcome One is hard to achieve, so I won't dwell on it too much," Hiyori Shiina said.

"Do you want to achieve Outcome One, Mitoma-kun?"

She remembered the conversation between Kaoru Mitoma and Honami Ichinose and was curious about Kaoru Mitoma's thoughts.

"I do, but reality doesn't always go as planned. One VIP is worth 50 points," Kaoru Mitoma replied vaguely.

Hiyori Shiina slightly opened her mouth but ultimately didn't reveal her identity.

She now represented the interests of Class C and couldn't make decisions alone.

*****

At 1 PM.

Kaoru Mitoma and Hiyori Shiina arrived at the Snake Group's room together.

After a while, the last member, Miki Yamamura, arrived late.

Thus, the third group discussion began.

Perhaps because the atmosphere last time was good, Honami Ichinose pulled everyone into playing cards again.

Since there was no attempt to continue targeting Kaoru Mitoma, Honami Ichinose received almost no punishment.

The ones who received the most punishments were Miki Yamamura and Kyogo Komiya.

It seemed as if they had forgotten about the VIP Student and everyone had a great time.

In the end, Honami Ichinose even suggested trying other games in the evening.

As the bell rang, the third group discussion ended peacefully.

Just as Kaoru Mitoma stepped out of the room, the voice of Kakeru Ryuen could be heard not far away.

"Tsk, I didn't expect you two to be in the Snake group."

Kakeru Ryuen casually walked up to Kaoru Mitoma, hands in his pockets, first locking eyes with Kaoru Mitoma before glancing at Honami Ichinose, who had yet to leave.

"Hahaha, Ichinose, you should be sitting in Kanzaki's spot. I didn't expect you to be assigned to such a hopeless trash team," Ryuen mocked Ichinose as if no one else was around.

"It seems you two are only capable of this level."

"The grouping was decided by the school. Rather than questioning why Mitoma-kun and I ended up in the Snake group, shouldn't you be pondering why Ryuen-kun wasn't assigned to the Snake group?" Honami Ichinose smiled.

"Or have you figured out the school's intentions, Ryuen-kun?"

Ryuen scoffed.

"It seems you don't understand anything."

"What do you mean by that?" Kaoru Mitoma didn't expose his thoughts, after all, it was somewhat of a trek to walk from the Dragon group's room to the Snake group's room.

Ryuen smiled, knowing that Mitoma must be aware of the VIP, but he also knew that Mitoma was unaware of the traitor in Class A.

Just thinking about that was enough to make Ryuen feel pleased.

"I heard from Hiyori about the VIP in the groups. It seems you haven't found your target yet," Ryuen proposed.

"I have a suggestion: how about we share information and collaborate to achieve Result One?"

Honami Ichinose glanced at Kaoru Mitoma, who looked puzzled.

"The exams are anonymous. What if someone betrays us?"

"Betray? Heh, I'm afraid someone has already betrayed us," Ryuen said ominously.

"Don't forget, three groups finished their exams last night. Someone might have taken action behind the scenes."

As he spoke, he deliberately cast a glance in Honami Ichinose's direction.

It was obvious that Ryuen wanted to stir up Ichinose's suspicions about someone.

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