Chapter 92 – Mess. Second volume available?
Chapter 92 – Mess. Second volume available?
Several people were outside the library, and they seemed euphoric. Elma wasn't outside, but I could hear her voice inside. However, I couldn't understand what she was saying due to the noise from all the voices.
"Luan, what's happening?"
"I don't know. We'll have to go in to find out."
"But how are we going to get inside? There's a crowd in the way. Do you think this has something to do with your book?"
"I'm not sure... but maybe. Do you want to come, or are you staying here?"
"I'll stay here for now."
"Alright, I'll head over. Wait for me here."
"Be careful."
I approached and started walking through the crowd to the library door. Along the way, I overheard some interesting things. Lili was right; this is happening because of my book.
The reason is… Elma mentioned the second volume. As I approached the door, I saw a sign... [The Second Volume of Re: Zero Will Be Released Soon]. She didn't specify a date... and that's why this chaos is happening.
People thought it would be released today, but it will only be out in the coming days.
Elma did something stupid.
When I entered the shop, I saw Elma being pressured by some customers, and I had to step in between them.
"I already said the second volume will be released next week, please stop insisting!"
"We want to read it today! If you put a sign outside saying the next volume would be released, you must have it available!"
"Hey, cut that crap." I stepped in front of the man yelling at Elma. "If she said the second volume isn't for sale, it's because it isn't."
"And who do you think you are?" The man got closer, visibly irritated. He is a bald man of my height and has many muscles. He is an adventurer.
"Hey, Luan, don't worry, I've got this under control," Elma whispered so the others wouldn't hear. She did it so they wouldn't suspect I'm the author. There aren't many men named "Luan" in this world... I think I'm the only one.
"You think this is under control?" I pointed to the library door. Many people were eagerly waiting outside.
"But you don't need to get involved, you could get hurt! That man looks strong."
"I'm an adventurer too, Elma." I smiled at her, and she gave up trying to stop me.
I stared at the man, and I almost spat in his face. His expression disgusted me.
"Listen here, you idiot. The owner of this library is my friend, and I know she doesn't have the second volume here yet. It'll only go on sale in the next few days. Why don't you just obey me and leave? You can come back in a few days."
"Who do you think you're talking to, kid? Huh?" The man puffed out his chest to show off his muscles. I couldn't help but laugh. "Why are you laughing? You want to die?"
The man punched me, aiming straight in my face, but I stopped his hand. I grabbed his wrist and started squeezing.
I'm much stronger than he is. Too bad he didn't realize that sooner.
I made sure to break several of his fingers while the man screamed in agony.
The other customers bothering Elma started stepping back and slowly left the store. Once I released his hand, the man started crying uncontrollably and ran out of the shop.
The customers waiting outside noticed it was dangerous to stay and began to disperse.
"Hey, Elma."
"Yes?" Elma asked cautiously.
"No need to be scared, I don't usually act like this. I just did it to get rid of those guys. But you know… you did something really stupid, didn't you?"
"I'm sorry!" Elma lowered her head, frightened.
It almost seemed like I was intimidating her.
"Luan? Why are you bullying a lady?"
At that moment, Lili walked through the door.
####
After explaining everything that had happened, I took the second volume of Re: Zero from my bag and handed it to Elma. Her first reaction was to hug the second volume with tears in her eyes.
"What is it? Were you that anxious about it?"
"Of course! Do you know how many people have been asking about the second volume? Every day people would come in and ask!"
"And besides, you'll make a lot of money from it, right?"
"I don't care just about the money! It's also important to let customers enjoy a good story!"
"Sure, sure. So, can we go now? Will you handle everything?"
"Leave it to me! It'll sell even better than the first."
"About that, I was thinking of adding artwork on the cover. A picture illustrating the main characters. What do you think?"
"Hmmm… that might make things a bit more complicated, but I think it's possible. What kind of art are you thinking of?"
"It's a little hard to explain."
I tried to explain the artwork details to Elma as best I could. The style, the lines, I even drew some images. But I don't have much talent for it, so the drawings didn't turn out well.
But it was enough for Elma, who said she would hire someone to design the cover and then call me for the final verdict. Whether or not the cover will be used is up to me.
With everything sorted, I left the library with Lili.
"I didn't know you could draw so well."
"Those drawings weren't good. I'm not good at it."
"They were incredible. If you keep improving, you'll become a famous artist."
"You're praising me too much, just stop."
"I like giving compliments, hehe." Lili held my hand.
I had the urge to take her to my room and devour her.