It was now the first Friday since the Management Game had begun.
During the game's duration, the academy was closed on Fridays, allowing students to remain logged into the simulation from morning until night, much like on Saturdays. In essence, Fridays had become dedicated holidays for focusing entirely on the game.
“...Yes, you’ve grasped the key points of all three quite well.”
On this day, I was on a video call with Takuma-san.
After reviewing the homework I had submitted, Takuma-san began to speak with an air of satisfaction.
“Tennoji-san, who aims to expand her company’s scale and revenue primarily through M&A. Hinako, who maintains a rock-solid position through steady, waste-free management. And Miyakojima-san, who creates one innovative product after another. It truly is three people with three distinct styles.”
Takuma-san briefly summarized the management strategies of the three individuals I had researched over the last few days.
“Miyakojima-san’s approach is particularly noteworthy....It is the way of a genius. In a positive sense, it’s almost like cheating. Most managers struggle through trial and error precisely because they lack that innate ability.”
Takuma-san spoke with genuine admiration.
To think that Narika, of all people, would be called a genius in this field, even over Hinako and Tennoji-san... It was surprising, yet it made perfect sense. Narika’s ideas were all formed from the user’s perspective. She wasn't just throwing out concepts at random.
If Hinako followed the Royal Road and Tennoji-san followed the way of the Hegemon, then Narika... since it was close to cheating, perhaps hers was the Unorthodox Path.
“Now then. Of these three styles, which one do you think you, Itsuki-kun, should imitate?”
Thinking it over for a moment, I felt like I couldn’t truly imitate any of them.
Currently, I lacked the funds to acquire companies, nor did I possess Hinako’s extraordinary analytical depth.
However, if I had to choose...
“...Tennoji-san’s policy of building up and invigorating new business ventures.”
“Correct. Expanding your new businesses or services is an urgent matter.”
Takuma-san nodded.
“Do you have any concrete ideas?”
“Well... how about increasing the number of target markets? That would expand the fundamental mechanisms for generating profit, and it would be viable in the long term.”
“Not bad at all....In fact, it's quite good. You’re starting to develop a proper management brain.”
Well, I had been studying as hard as I could just to keep up with Takuma-san’s teachings.
“However, let me offer one word of caution before you fall into a pitfall. It is vital not to judge a business solely by its profit margins.”
On the other side of the screen, Takuma-san’s expression became solemn.
“A corporation’s reason for being can be many and varied. Take a community-based supermarket, for instance... Retail is a disadvantageous field if you only consider profit margins, but it provides a high degree of contribution to the local economy. Beyond just providing goods, it serves the vital purpose of creating employment.”
This was something Hinako had also mentioned during the Noble Tea Party when we formed our alliance.
Every company has its own reason for existing, and that significance itself is not something to be measured by competition.
“Your service isn't a general e-commerce site that sells anything and everything; it’s a specialized gift shop. If you only look at profit margins, you will eventually clash with your own concept.”
“...You’re saying it’s important to stay consistent.”
“Exactly. It’s fine to look toward new markets, but don’t lose sight of your core concept just because you're lured by quick profits.”
Consistency makes a business easy to understand and easy to trust. That was likely what customers looked for in management.
In the end, the heart of management might just boil down to how much you are loved by the people.
Numbers like sales are important, but perhaps everything eventually comes down to emotion.
“I suggested creating a worldview partly to prevent you from wavering. It seems you’ve come up with your own answer for that as well.”
“Yes. I’ve gone with a stylish atmosphere that projects a sense of sophisticated, adult coolness. I’m going to start running advertisements with that theme.”
I had designed the Tomonari Gift e-commerce site to evoke the image that a relationship where people casually exchange gifts is mature and cool. In reality, all I had done was instruct the AI engineers to "make it look like this," but I felt the process was the same as in the real world.
“The policy is set, then. Let’s wrap up our consultation for today.”
“...I feel like we spent almost the entire time just confirming things I already knew.”
“That’s just a sign of how smoothly you’re progressing.”
Takuma-san continued.
“Typically, when an amateur starts a business from scratch, their ego tends to get in the way. They stuff the product with only the things they want to express or the things they want to sell....In that regard, you had a customer perspective from the very beginning. You have a knack for management, Itsuki-kun.”
“...Thank you very much.”
I was a bit surprised, as I hadn't expected to be praised.
I was genuinely happy.
Since I had been working so hard and feeling my way through the dark, receiving a compliment felt wonderful.
And since that praise came from Takuma-san—a man who was usually so strict—it gave me a real sense that I was actually on the right track.
“Your motivation seems high as well. Has there been some change in your state of mind?”
“I wouldn't call it a change in my state of mind, exactly, but ever since the Management Game started, everyone at the academy seems so full of life...”
I recalled the time yesterday when I was listening to my classmates talk in the gym.
“I decided that I wanted to enjoy this game, too. Actually, even if it is a fictional company, it's genuinely interesting to see the numbers grow.”
At first, I felt driven by a sense of crisis and duty, but now I felt a genuine desire to enjoy the game.
“I see. Management is fun and interesting.”
A thin smile played on Takuma-san’s lips.
“More than half of the students at Kikou Academy will become managers in the future, but that’s not simply because they want to inherit their parents' legacy. They all know the joy of management. They’ve realized its appeal through observing their parents since they were children....There is no other world as intellectual and stimulating as this one.”
As Takuma-san spoke with a hint of high spirits, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
Takuma-san really loves management.
He had always left me with a strong impression of being an enigma, but now, for the first time, I felt like I had glimpsed a part of his true self.
That didn't mean Takuma-san's values had changed, though. Even now, while claiming it was for the sake of Kegon-san and Hinako, he was still considering the possibility of dismantling the Konohana Group.
The fact that he had taken me on as a disciple likely wasn't for my sake, either. I didn't know the reason, but in his mind, teaching me management techniques must somehow link to his own interests.
Even so, taking that into account...
(This person really isn't a bad man.)
For better or worse, he was simply straightforward about what he wanted to do.
There was neither goodwill nor malice in him.
In a sense, that might make him someone I could trust.
“Do you have any other questions?”
At Takuma-san’s inquiry, I remembered something from two days ago.
“I happened to find out while researching Hinako’s management, but it seems even the Management Game has shareholder meetings... Will I have to do something like that eventually?”
“Unless you’re constantly defying your shareholders, the simulation will likely skip them in your case. Even in reality, startup ventures are usually in constant contact with their shareholders anyway, so even if they hold a formal meeting, there’s usually nothing new left to discuss.”
I thought I might need knowledge about shareholder meetings, but it seemed the priority was low.
Honestly, that was a relief. My hands were full enough as it was.
“Then, I’ll give you your next homework. First, I want you to become able to read a company’s financial status. Specifically, I want you to learn how to read a BS and a PL.”
“Understood.”
A BS, or Balance Sheet, shows a company’s financial condition, while a PL, or Profit and Loss Statement, shows its business performance.
“Also, Itsuki-kun, do you have any intention of going public?”
Going public. A keyword I hadn't really considered until now.
“...I haven't thought that far ahead yet.”
“...Well, you can only manage for three years anyway, so a rough exit strategy should suffice.”
Takuma-san muttered something under his breath.
“In that case, let’s deepen your understanding of stocks.”
“Stocks?”
“Since M&A came up, the timing is perfect. If possible, you should also look into how your own company’s stock valuation is calculated. Your next steps should become clear then.”
“I see... Understood.”
“It’s also a countermeasure for cases where the valuation suddenly jumps and you can't pay the taxes... but that probably doesn't matter in the game.”
I made a note of the homework in a text file.
The content seemed a bit difficult, so it would probably be best to double-check it later while sharing the meeting minutes.
“This is a bit late to ask, but Takuma-san, you weren't a student at Kikou Academy, right? Why are you so knowledgeable about the Management Game?”
“Did you hear that from Shizune?”
I nodded.
That’s right, Ms. Shizune had told me... but how did he know instantly? Hinako or Kegon-san could have been candidates too.
This man’s talent for deduction was truly eerie.
“It’s simple. I cooperated in the production of the Management Game.”
“...Cooperated?”
“Yes. My name is listed in the credits.”
I opened the game’s options and checked the staff list.
Sure enough, Takuma-san’s name was right there.
...It was a bit complicated.
It might have been the height of conceit, but somewhere in my heart, I had viewed Takuma-san as a wall to be overcome—a rival of sorts. That was why I had been so fired up for the game, but hearing this made me feel like I was ultimately just dancing in the palm of his hand.
“You don’t have to look so depressed. I was only involved in a very small part of it.”
I really wish he would stop reading my mind.
“By the way, if you’re going to start something new, you’ll need to consider fundraising. Do you have any reliable connections?”
“No... I’ll be looking for those now.”
In the Management Game, when you start a company, you can choose to have shareholders automatically provided. After that, you obtain operating capital every time you achieve a milestone set by them. However, you can also secure other shareholders yourself, and if you want more capital, you have to find it on your own. Up until now, that was how I had been securing funds.
The business was on track to some extent. There were likely more than a few people who would invest now.
“Since we’re here, why not have a friend who’s knowledgeable about IT introduce you to some connections? It might become an important network for the future.”
I considered Takuma-san’s suggestion.
If I were to pick a friend knowledgeable in IT whom I could reach out to...
Monday.
Upon arriving at Kikou Academy, I scanned the classroom and found the person I was looking for.
“Kita-kun.”
Kita, who was at his seat with his laptop open, turned around.
Until the game ended, students were allowed to use their computers freely as long as it wasn't during a lesson....Actually, it turns out Kikou Academy allowed free use of computers from the beginning. Usually, many students handled their business on smartphones, but during the game period, the number of open laptops had increased significantly.
“Tomonari-kun, what’s up?”
“I thought I’d return this reference book.”
I pulled out a reference book for the Fundamental Information Technology Engineer exam, a national certification for IT technicians. I had been borrowing it since before the Management Game began.
Kita took the book, flipped to a random page, and looked at me.
“Define BPO!”
“Business Process Outsourcing! Entrusting a company’s business operations as a whole, from planning to design, to an external party!”
“What do you call the method of restarting a system by turning the power off and on to return it to its initial state during a failure?!”
“A cold start!”
After pointing fingers at each other and cycling through questions and answers, Kita laughed.
“Both correct. You’re as diligent as ever.”
“I have to be, or an ogre will appear...”
“?”
Kita tilted his head.
If I slacked off on my studies, the Head Maid would turn into an ogre.
“Kita-kun. Can I talk to you about the Management Game?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
Kita was a classmate I had become friends with shortly before the Athletic Festival. Our relationship had continued since then, and for me, he was someone as easy to talk to as Taisho or Asahi.
Since we were both studying IT, we often lent and borrowed reference books. Although, since Kita was much further ahead than I was, it was mostly me borrowing from him.
“Actually, I’m currently looking for fundraising connections for business expansion...”
“...I see. Tomonari-kun, your Start Position was a startup, right?”
He must have looked up my company in the game. I didn't remember telling Kita my Start Position, but he already knew about my situation.
“Sorry, I don’t think there’s anywhere I can introduce you to personally. For a venture company, I think the standard move is to rely on a VC, but since I started as a mid-sized firm...”
“I thought so...”
VC stands for Venture Capital—investment companies that specialize in startups. I wanted to receive investment from one, but it seemed Kita didn't have any direct leads.
To be honest, I had expected that answer.
Because of the difference in our Start Positions, the challenges Kita and I faced were also different.
“Oh, but...”
Kita suddenly fell into thought as if he had realized something.
“...Tomonari-kun. I have a proposal. Why don’t we gather some IT-oriented managers and hold a study group?”
“I would be very grateful for that, but...”
“I’m actually facing some problems myself right now, and I’ve been wanting an opportunity to discuss things.”
Is that so?
“Also... I’ve been kind of admiring the study groups you do after school,” Kita said, looking a bit embarrassed.
He was talking about those tea parties. They’d been a hot topic lately.
“The Noble Tea Party, was it?”
“No, that’s just a name people gave it without permission...”
“Ahaha, well, that’s true. But from an outsider’s perspective, I can understand why they’d want to name it that. You’ve become quite refined, Tomonari-kun. You look like you fit right in with Konohana-san and the others...”
That was an honestly pleasing evaluation.
To become someone who wouldn't look out of place standing beside Hinako, Tennoji-san, and Narika... that was my current goal, after all.
“Who should we invite to the study group? I don’t have anyone in mind...”
“About that, there’s someone I want to invite.”
Kita continued.
“There’s a Suminoe-san in our class, right? Her family owns a major IT firm.”
After school, Kita and I went to the academy’s cafe.
“Suminoe-san should be here soon.”
The study group was to consist of three people: Kita, Suminoe-san, and myself. If there were too many people, we wouldn't have enough time to focus on each person’s individual concerns.
We had invited Suminoe-san during a break, and she had readily agreed. However, she apparently had a prior engagement and would be about thirty minutes late. She had also messaged us saying she had family business to attend to, so she might not be able to stay for long.
Kita and I, who had arrived at the cafe first, had our laptops open and were progressing through the game while chatting idly.
“Sorry about before. When you were studying for your certification, I said we were the only ones in our class in similar situations, so that was misleading....Suminoe-san is on such a different level that I couldn't really say her situation was similar.”
“No... now that you mention it, I also knew Chika Suminoe’s family owned an IT company.”
I just hadn't had much contact with her, so it had slipped my mind.
“By the way, Tomonari-kun, what are you doing now?” Kita asked, peeking at my laptop screen.
“I’m studying how to read a BS and a PL.”
“Whoa... that’s amazing. You’re actually studying things like that too.”
“Are you not studying them, Kita-kun?”
“No. The game automatically calculates the numbers for me, so I figured it was fine for now.”
I had felt the same while studying. If you only think about progressing in the game, you don't really need to know how to read a financial statement.
“I can see why you’re growing so fast. Even when you’re busy, you’re making sure to study things that will be useful in the future.”
Takuma-san was the one who gave me this homework, but I also wanted to use the Management Game as a catalyst for self-improvement. It seemed that line of thinking was correct.
I was likely able to cultivate this perspective thanks to Ms. Shizune and Takuma-san. Thanks to their strict and rational guidance, I was becoming able to look at things from a long-term viewpoint.
As I was thanking the two of them in my heart, I heard footsteps from behind.
“I am sorry to have kept you waiting.”
I turned around to see Chika Suminoe, her soft hair swaying as she gave a slight bow.
“No, thank you for coming despite your busy schedule.”
“Ufufu, there is no need to be so formal.”
When Kita and I stood up to greet her, Suminoe-san smiled gently.
Once she took her seat, a cafe attendant arrived promptly and took our orders. Suminoe-san ordered black tea with a practiced air.
“So Suminoe-san’s family really does own a major IT firm.”
“Yes. We primarily develop financial systems.”
When I transferred to Kikou Academy, Ms. Shizune had instructed me to memorize my classmates' profiles. That was why I knew a bit about her company. Since we hadn't had much contact, the information had been pushed to the back of my mind, but it was coming back to me now.
Suminoe-san’s family business—SIS Co., Ltd.—was an IT firm listed on the TSE Prime market. They mainly created systems for the financial industry and boasted roughly a fifty percent share of the domestic market for core system development for credit cards. Incidentally, SIS stands for Suminoe Information System.
No wonder she could talk to Hinako in class without being intimidated. Within the IT industry, Suminoe-san’s family business would surely be among the top three represented at the academy.
She was quite the young lady herself.
“I assume you’ll be taking over the company after graduation...?”
“No, I will not be the successor.”
At my question, Suminoe-san shook her head.
“It has already been decided that my older brother will inherit the company.”
Suminoe-san stated this matter-of-factly.
I see.
Until now, I hadn't noticed because everyone around me seemed to be a successor, but naturally, there must be many people like Suminoe-san as well.
“I attend this academy thanks to my parents’ kindness, but I have no plans to be involved in the company’s management after I graduate. I intend to work for another company.”
“Another company?”
“Yes....I plan to work under Tennoji-san after graduation.”
Tennoji-san’s?
Suminoe-san began to explain politely.
“Back in my first year, I was spending my days in a state of emptiness, lacking any goals, when Tennoji-san reached out to me. Having recognized my academic performance, she proposed that I work at an IT company within the Tennoji Group after graduation....Thanks to her, I cannot thank Tennoji-san enough.”
From her words and mannerisms, I could tell that Suminoe-san respected Tennoji-san deeply.
Suminoe-san had approached Tennoji-san during a tea party before; so that was the nature of their relationship.
“If it’s an IT company in the Tennoji Group, you must mean that user-oriented subsidiary. That one is also on the TSE Prime, and it’s a massive corporation.”
“Yes, it is. I feel honored that my skills were valued to such an extent.”
It seemed Kita was familiar with the company. From the way he spoke, it was likely a famous enterprise that anyone could find with a quick search.
“Come to think of it, you’re also on good terms with Tennoji-san, aren’t you, Tomonari-kun?” Kita suddenly turned to me. “I saw the two of you dancing in the gym during the first term, and you looked really good together. By the end, there were even rumors that you and Tennoji-san were a perfect match.”
“Eh, really?”
There was a period when I was learning various things from Tennoji-san, like exam strategies and table etiquette. He must be referring to that.
That probably explained the sheer amount of attention I’d drawn while discussing the game with Tennoji-san recently. It seemed rumors about us had been circulating since the first term.
Grind.
Just then, I heard a strange sound.
Reflexively, I looked toward the source... toward Suminoe-san.
“Is something the matter?”
Suminoe-san wore a peaceful smile.
...Was it my imagination? I thought I heard a sound like someone grinding their teeth... but in the end, I couldn't identify the cause.
“Shall we get to the main topic?...I believe both of you had something you wanted to discuss.”
Suminoe-san said as she opened her laptop. At those words, Kita nodded and operated his own computer.
“Would it be okay if I went first? The problem itself is straightforward, so I think the explanation will be quick.”
When I nodded, Kita showed us his laptop screen.
“My company is currently developing a service using IoT. However, I’m having trouble finding companies willing to cooperate with compatibility testing...”
“Speaking of IoT, that would require devices. In other words, is compatibility testing the process of securing those devices and confirming if they are compatible with the system under development?”
“Exactly. I need humidity sensors and accelerometers, but I was struggling because I didn't have any connections.”
IoT stands for Internet of Things—devices constantly connected to the internet. Representative examples include refrigerators that send notifications to your smartphone if the door is left open.
Kita’s problem was similar to a case I had seen when I was organizing Takuma-san’s documents. In short, he needed various devices to develop a new service but couldn't find a company to provide them.
Suminoe-san placed a finger on her chin, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
“I can introduce you to several manufacturers.”
“Really?!”
“Yes. IoT is a major field nowadays, after all. My own family’s business recently started an IoT service for the manufacturing industry.”
Kita was overcome with emotion, saying, “You’ve saved me...” He must have been struggling quite a bit.
“And what about you, Tomonari-san?”
“In my case, I’m looking for fundraising connections...”
I gave Suminoe-san a rough explanation of the situation.
“...So you need capital to start a new service. I can introduce you to some VCs, but could I hear the details of your business first?”
“Yes. I’ll send you the documents as well.”
I sent the files regarding my company to Suminoe-san.
“...I see. An e-commerce site specialized in gifts.”
In the time it took to drink a cup of coffee, Suminoe-san finished reading.
“May I ask about the new service you wish to start?”
“Yes. I’m thinking of creating a paper catalog.”
“A catalog... you say?”
As Suminoe-san’s eyes widened, I nodded.
Originally, the mainstream of the gift industry was the catalog gift. Currently, Tomonari Gift’s services are completed entirely online, but I judged that to gain customers from older demographics who are unfamiliar with the internet, we should first meet them on their own terms.
“I want to make the people who use catalog gifts our customers as well. To that end, although it will incur some costs, I want to purposely create a physical paper catalog—”
“And that is where you require the capital. Since it will be a new venture, it seems you will also need to hire employees who can be immediate assets depending on the situation.”
As expected, she was quick on the uptake. I could understand why Kita had described Suminoe-san as being on a "different level." Not only was her family’s company massive, but she herself was highly intelligent and well-versed in management, rivaling even Hinako and Tennoji-san.
“Understood. Then I shall introduce you to a VC with strong ties to the IT sector. With Tomonari Gift’s current financial status, they should certainly invest.”
“That would be a huge help.”
It seemed she had made her judgment after confirming my management status. With this, I could also move on to the next step.
“By the way, did you have anything you wanted to discuss, Suminoe-san?”
“My problem has just been resolved. I simply wanted to know what kind of businesses people in the same industry were running.”
Suminoe-san answered as she sipped her tea. Well, if that was the case, then I suppose I was able to make this a meaningful gathering for her as well.
Suddenly, a question escaped my lips.
“Is the company you’re managing in the game the same SIS as your family business?”
“Yes....Why do you ask?”
“No, since you said you weren't the successor, I thought you might have made a different choice.”
“I see.”
Suminoe-san nodded in understanding.
“To be honest, that was my plan initially....Before the game started, I asked if I could be put in charge of a subsidiary of the Tennoji Group. I thought that would surely be useful for the future. However, Tennoji-san stopped me. She said it would be a waste to throw away the chance to manage a major corporation when I was in a position to do so.”
“...Tennoji-san wanted you to be free, then.”
“I believe so. I had hoped to at least form an alliance with Tennoji-san... but that has also been put on hold.”
Come to think of it, Tennoji-san had said that during the previous tea party—that the alliance with Suminoe-san was on hold. Was that because she didn't want to tie Suminoe-san down?
Just then, Suminoe-san’s smartphone vibrated on the table.
“Excuse me. It seems my ride has arrived...”
“Then shall we wrap things up for today? Although it feels like we ended up just consulting Suminoe-san about everything.”
“Not at all, I enjoyed myself as well.”
Suminoe-san put her laptop back in her bag.
“Suminoe-san, thank you for today.”
“Thank you as well.”
Suminoe-san stepped outside the cafe. Kita also packed up, preparing to leave.
“Are you not going home, Tomonari-kun?”
“I’m going to relax here for a bit longer.”
I had told Ms. Shizune the time I wanted to be picked up, but since the study group ended earlier than expected, I had about thirty minutes of free time. I could probably have called her to come early, but it was only thirty minutes; if I stayed in the cafe and played the game, the time would pass in a flash.
After parting with Kita, I turned back to my laptop.
The prospects for fundraising were now in place. All that remained was to rely on that capital to add new features and secure further revenue.
(Suminoe-san... she really respects Tennoji-san.)
As I tapped away at the keyboard, I recalled her story. How Tennoji-san had provided a turning point for the once-lethargic Suminoe-san... it was just like Tennoji-san to do something like that. Anyone would respect her after an event like that.
I felt somehow happy. I also think Tennoji-san is an incredible person, and knowing that someone else felt the same way made me glad. I might get along well with Suminoe-san.
To loosen my stiff body, I stood up and stretched.
“...Hm?”
There was something under the chair where Suminoe-san had been sitting. I walked around and picked it up.
It was an elegant leather notebook.
(Is this Suminoe-san’s?)
Her name was written in cursive on the back. She must have dropped it when she took her laptop out of her bag. It was lucky I noticed immediately. I could probably catch her if I chased after her now.
I hurried toward the school gate. Since she said her ride had come, she would likely be getting into a car. Searching near the road, I spotted her.
“Suminoe-san!”
“...Oh, Tomonari-san?”
It seemed her ride hadn't arrived yet. As she turned around, looking puzzled, I showed her the notebook.
“This, you forgot it—”
“—?!”
In that instant, Suminoe-san’s face turned bright red.
“Gi—Give that back this instant!!”
“Whoa?!”
With the face of a demon, she lunged at me to snatch the notebook.
“Hey, careful—?!”
She lunged with such force it felt like she was going to tackle me, so I reflexively dodged. Her hand struck the notebook instead, sending it flying. At the same time, she tripped on a step.
“Gya?!”
Suminoe-san took a nasty spill.
“A-Are you all right...?”
It made a sound like a wet thud. I worried for her as she trembled in pain.
At her feet lay the notebook she had tried to snatch away. It had fallen open, revealing its contents.
Inside... were photos of Tennoji-san, pasted everywhere.
What on earth is this?
Not understanding what I was seeing, I unconsciously flipped the pages.
The next page, and the page after that, were also filled with photos of Tennoji-san. Tennoji-san chatting with classmates, Tennoji-san drinking water, Tennoji-san reading a book, Tennoji-san looking wistfully out a window...
As I stood there stunned, Suminoe-san snatched up the notebook.
“—You saw it, didn't you?” she asked in a voice as cold as a blizzard.
“...My apologies.”
Since I had looked at the contents, I apologized first. Half of it was beyond my control, though.
“Um... Suminoe-san, you... Tennoji-san...?”
“I love her. Is there a problem?” Suminoe-san said, her attitude having completely shifted now that her secret was out. “I adore her. Is there a problem?”
Her words were being upgraded by the second.
“It is only natural that I should love her. To stand before such a noble person and not have love sprout in one's heart is impossible. Such a being would not be human.”
She was definitely taking it too far. Since things had come to this, I suppose she felt there was nothing left to hide. Suminoe-san began to speak of her love for Tennoji-san with total abandon.
“Tennoji-sama is like a goddess who saved my life. She is a woman of impeccable conduct and magnificent splendor. She is more dedicated and pure than anyone, possessing both strictness and kindness... That gaze, as beautiful as a jewel, and that hair, which shines like a halo—they must surely be gifts from the heavens....Ah, my beloved Tennoji-sama. Thanks to you, I have found a reason to live. How on earth can I ever repay this debt of gratitude...? A small, insignificant person like me cannot even begin to conceive a way.”
Tennoji-san just dyes her hair, though...
Like a devout believer, Suminoe-san clasped her hands together and prayed to the heavens.
During the study group... no, she must have been acting the entire time she was in front of us. And before I knew it, she was calling Tennoji-san "Tennoji-sama."
This was beyond mere respect. I thought she merely admired her, but once the lid was opened, there were overwhelming, fanatical emotions lurking beneath.
I might have just discovered a very dangerous fact.