Light Novel Chapter 40

メロンおいしゅうございました (Meron Oishuu Gozaimashita, lit: The Melon Was Delicious) is the fortieth chapter of the light novel series of The "Hentai" Prince and the Stony Cat.
==Plot==
Tension between the track-and-field club and the baseball club continues, with the baseball club continuing to disrupt their practice with stray balls. The unreasonable yet overpowering Gorilla-senpai of the baseball club shows no sign of budging, maintaining that the practice grounds belong to the baseball club as long as the sky is blue.
Youto steps up to intervene once again, commanded not by his own will but instead the by shadow that has been lurking around him. His mouth moves on its own, questioning Gorilla-senpai if he knew why the sky is blue, catching him off guard. In an intellectual tone, Youto first explains the science behind the Rayleigh scattering effect, before adding a philosophical twist — that the blue sky exists as a reminder of humanity's origins from the sea and of their growth as a species. He passionately urges both clubs to stop wasting their precious lives fighting under the blue sky and instead work together.
After his speech concludes, the silence is broken by the applause of a lone member of the baseball club. The applause soon spreads, with the rest of the club members joining in. Seeing the change in mood, Mai steps forward and takes over. She proposes a compromise: the track-and-field club will practice running and stretching outside the field when the baseball club is doing knocks. In return, the baseball club must keep their balls inside the designated area during track-and-field events like hurdles and throwing practice. They agree to the conditions, and Cozy-sama gives Youto a proud hug.
Over the course of the week, the shadow takes over Youto's actions many times, resolving various conflicts and problems. The students' attitude towards Youto has changed drastically, now regarding him as the school's hero. Walking down the hallway during lunch break, Youto is surrounded by girls when he spots the girl in the horse costume again. Fearing that she was hired by Tsukiko to spy on his daily life, Youto gives chase, following the girl as she stumbles her way into the Children's Welfare Clubroom.
Youto barges into the room, expecting to find the spy. However, what greets him is a half undressed Tsukiko changing out of the costume. She puts the costume back on, opening its mouth like a guillotine, and bites down on Youto like a carrot. She later explains that her reason for wearing the costume was to observe Youto from afar, and write her observation diary even on days that didn't belong to her.
She then confronts Youto that he's been acting weird lately, almost like a different person. Despite his joking responses, Tsukiko presses for an answer on what happened, so Youto explains to her what happened at the shrine, where his wish of becoming a hero was granted. Learning this, Tsukiko brings up her sister, who has been studying extremely hard for the past few days because someone made her very happy. Suspecting a connection, she speaks in a tone overflow with killing intent, her rage only quelling when Youto apologizes under the pressure.
Youto assures Tsukiko that he is fine with this turn of events, acknowledging that it brings the greatest happiness to the greatest amount of people. However, Tsukiko challenges Youto on whether this greater good truly included Youto himself. However, the bell rings, indicating the start of afternoon classes. Before Youto leaves, Tsukiko tries to say something, but ultimately stops herself.
After school, Mai finds Youto to introduce him to a new admirer — a kouhai from the baseball club. They have come to seek his help: Even though the track-and-field club and the baseball club have largely made up, Gorilla-senpai's attitude remains an issue. Finding Gorilla-senpai in a nearby classroom, the shadow challenges Gorilla-senpai directly, proposing a fair competition during the upcoming marathon tournament. If Youto wins, he will join the baseball club as an assistant and help reform it from within, ensuring peace between the clubs. If Youto loses, he will become Gorilla-senpai's personal servant. His competitor instincts firing up, Gorilla-senpai agrees to the terms.
Mai questions his decision to join the baseball club. The shadow, still inhabiting Youto, declares that Gorilla-senpai is actually not at fault, but is instead another victim of the school's poor system. He gives an inspiring speech that motivates the students to redirect their efforts to fighting the true enemy, earning another round of applause. Giving up, Mai returns to her own club.
The long-anticipated Sunday finally arrives. Youto makes his way to Ueno Park, meeting up with a bright and cheerful Azusa. Her excitement is palpable as she clings to Youto's arm, revealing that she hasn't slept at all in the past 48 hours.
Entering the National Museum of Western Art, they are greeted with Rodin's famous bronze sculpture, "The Gates of Hell," which catches Azusa's attention. She likens its size to a "whale full of water" in her quirky way of describing things. As they look at the massive sculpture, Youto tries to show off his knowledge, which is when the shadow takes over without warning. Youto begins to recite lines from Dante Alighieri's "Divine Comedy" about hell, before promising Azusa to answer whatever she wants to know about the art pieces.
When Youto regains his consciousness from his shadow self, the two are standing outside the museum. The day has progressed into evening. The intelligent hero had apparently remained in control as it guided Azusa through the exhibits, demonstrating its profound knowledge of the arts, but none of which Youto seems to have retained in his memories.
Youto is contemplating on his other self when Azusa notices him spacing out. Youto asks Azusa what she would do if she had an "other self" — someone who looks the same but is smarter, more capable, and more impressive. Reflecting on her past experience with the Cat God, Azusa answers that she couldn't do anything herself, and the best she could do was to give up. She then reasons that if such a person exists, they couldn't really be called an "other self," as they would not be an equal.
After some time, Azusa breaks the silence again, mentioning her observation that Youto seemed different in the museum, but dismisses her statement before elaborating. Though curious about what she meant to say, Youto finds himself lacking the courage to confirm.
==Characters==
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