Monday. When the chime rang to signal the end of sixth period, I let out a light yawn.
(I guess that’s it for today’s lessons...)
That meant it was time for the Management Game.
The game was scheduled to conclude this Friday. It was supposed to have been a long, month-and-a-half-long ordeal, but perhaps because I had been working at it so desperately from start to finish, it felt remarkably short to me.
Naturally, with only one week remaining, everyone was fired up. Even after homeroom ended, my classmates didn't leave the room immediately; half of them pulled out their laptops right there on their desks to get to work.
However... something seemed wrong.
"Wait, what?"
"You've got to be kidding..."
"Is this for real?"
One after another, the classmates who had opened their computers began to furrow their brows.
(...What happened? Did something break in the game?)
Sensing the heavy atmosphere, I immediately flipped open my own laptop. I logged into the game and reflexively checked the news feed.
"............Huh?"
There, in the news column, two headlines were listed that made me doubt my eyes.
—A large-scale recall concealment has been discovered at Konohana Motors.
—Window-dressing has been discovered at Tennoji Pharma.
"...!?"
I stood up before I even realized it.
That’s impossible...
Scandals had broken out at Hinako’s company and Tennoji-san’s company?
"K-Konohana-san!"
Unable to sit still, I called out to Hinako.
She was currently having the situation explained to her by the girl in the seat next to her. After staring intently at the laptop screen she was shown, Hinako quietly looked around the classroom.
"Everyone, please do not worry. I am quite all right."
Not a single eyebrow twitched; it was the same calm, collected Hinako as always.
However, in this situation... no matter how perfectly Hinako played the part of the perfect lady, the confusion among the students couldn't be so easily dispelled.
"Excuse me."
At that moment, a girl with striking blonde hair styled in vertical ringlets stepped into our classroom.
"Tennoji-san..."
"I am calling an emergency Tea Party."
Tennoji-san announced this while looking at me, Taisho, Asahi-san... and finally Hinako.
"You are coming as well, Hinako Konohana."
"...Yes."
Hinako nodded silently.
And so, the emergency Tea Party began.
◆
Perhaps because everyone felt the need to discuss this emergency together, the meeting had full attendance despite being called so abruptly.
Amidst the tense atmosphere, Tennoji-san took a sip of tea and let out a long sigh.
"Honestly... they've thrown a ridiculous curveball at us at the very end."
Hearing Tennoji-san speak like that made me tilt my head in confusion. She was clearly troubled, but she wasn't actually shaken.
"Tennoji-san... you're very calm."
"Panic serves no purpose. Besides, this was not due to any failing of ours."
Not her fault?
"This is a Kikou Academy event," Tennoji-san said, meeting my gaze. "Remember the incident not too long ago? When the e-commerce giant Amazones entered the logistics industry? It is the same as that."
There certainly had been an incident like that. At the time, Taisho had explained that when the game reached a stalemate, the academy sometimes introduced special events.
"...Tomonari-san. Surely you didn't think I would actually make such a blunder?"
"N-No, I thought it was impossible, but..."
But since it was in the news, I couldn't honestly say I hadn't considered it.
"Hinako Konohana. I shall ask just in case, but yours is also an event, is it not?"
"Yes. I just received the official notification."
Hinako nodded while looking at her computer monitor.
"I see... so it really was just an event."
Seeing the calm attitudes of the two, I felt a wave of relief.
Thinking about it logically, it was hard to imagine Hinako making such a massive mistake. She might be a slob at home, but once she flipped that switch, she could play the perfect lady well enough to deceive the entire student body. Moreover, her practical management skills had Kagon-sama’s personal seal of approval.
However—.
"...We cannot afford to be too relaxed," Tennoji-san muttered with a solemn expression. "I have heard that in the past, students who failed to handle these events properly saw their grades for the second semester drop significantly. Most likely, their Management Game score was set to the minimum."
"The minimum? Is it really that strict?"
"It is expected that we should be able to handle it as a matter of course," Tennoji-san answered flatly. "As you have likely surmised, Tomonari-san, the power balance in the Management Game is extremely close to reality. Because of that, those from prestigious families can proceed smoothly from the very beginning. This event exists to correct that sense of unfairness."
I see...
The reason Hinako and Tennoji-san were chosen as the targets was because they had both been playing the game at Level 100 from the start.
The Konohana Group and the Tennoji Group were both enormous in scale from the beginning, possessing financial power that my classmates couldn't touch even if they banded together. In a manner of speaking, only these two had been progressing through the game at maximum level, and they could dominate with their initial parameters alone.
That's why the academy prepared a special event.
A challenge worthy of a Level 100 player—.
"Even so, isn't this event a bit too harsh? Even as someone who was a victim of the Amazones incident, I'm a bit put off by this."
"I think so too. This seems considerably harder compared to events in previous years," Taisho and Asahi-san said seriously.
"It is not every year that there are students like myself and Hinako Konohana."
It was just as Tennoji-san said. Both families were corporate giants competing for the top spot in the country. Our grade, which had two daughters from such families, was likely an anomaly.
Exceptional challenges for an exceptional generation. That was the answer Kikou Academy had come up with.
"That said, since I was proactively engaging in risky management like M&As, my event is somewhat simpler compared to Hinako Konohana's."
Despite being Level 100, Tennoji-san had actively sought out risks. In other words, because she had been creating and solving her own challenges, the difficulty of the event had been adjusted accordingly.
"By the standards of normal years, it would not have been strange for Miyakojima-san to be targeted as well... but she was likely excluded for the same reason I was."
"...That's true. I thought I might be targeted too, but if nothing has happened by this point, I've probably been left out."
Narika also seemed to have known about the event's triggers beforehand. In Narika's case, unlike Tennoji-san, she wasn't focusing on mergers and acquisitions, but she was constantly innovating new products. This was its own form of courageous management. The academy must have judged that she was already handling appropriate challenges.
"Hm...? Wait... could it be...?"
"What's wrong, Miyakojima-san?" Asahi-san asked Narika, who looked like she had just realized something.
"Ah, no... come to think of it, back when the game had just started, my products were constantly being copied by overseas competitors for some reason... I thought it was unnatural, but I just kept going, and before I knew it, the competitors had gone bankrupt....Thinking back on it now, was that an event...?"
Everyone stared at Narika in silence.
You...
Was that it? When she was developing the custom-made running shoes and compression wear?
Based on what I heard, the overseas competitors were likely trying to steal market share by continuously copying Shimax Co., Ltd.'s products at a lower price. However, Narika's ingenuity had easily outmaneuvered them. As Shimax maintained its brand presence by churning out even more new products, the competitors couldn't keep up and collapsed.
That was definitely an event. I couldn't imagine anyone in this academy being able to stand up to Shimax Co., Ltd. like that otherwise.
"...I have begun to feel more and more that Miyakojima-san might be the most formidable of us all."
"E-Eh? What? Did I do something strange...?" Narika looked confused, as if to say, Did I do it again?
You did... You've been doing it for a long time.
"Hinako Konohana. Are you going to be all right?"
Tennoji-san looked toward Hinako. Hinako lowered her gaze slightly.
"I would like to say I am fine, but... Konohana Motors is a company of considerable scale within my group. It will take a bit of time to get this company back on its feet. I might end up needing to borrow everyone's strength."
For Hinako in her perfect lady mode, it was rare for her to voice such weakness. Then again, in this situation, it would be stranger if she didn't show some vulnerability.
"If you're okay with me, I'll do anything to help you both!"
"Me too! I'll cooperate!"
Taisho and Asahi-san were quick to volunteer. Narika also nodded her head vigorously a moment later in agreement.
"I appreciate the sentiment, but as far as I am concerned, I shall be fine," Tennoji-san said calmly as she sipped her tea. From behind her, a female student stepped forward.
"My apologies for being late."
"No, your timing is perfect." Setting her cup on the table, Tennoji-san looked at us. "For this event... I shall be challenging it together with Suminoe-san."
The girl standing behind Tennoji-san, Suminoe-san, bowed her head quietly. It seemed Tennoji-san had prepared a helper in advance.
"I believe you are all aware of Suminoe-san's abilities. Furthermore, since Suminoe-san was for some reason very knowledgeable about my company, I decided to call upon her."
I wonder why...
As I looked toward Suminoe-san with a look of wonder, she glared sharply at me.
Don't say a word. Her eyes made the appeal perfectly clear.
"I see. Well, if Suminoe-san is with you, then it's a relief."
"Ufufu... thank you very much." At Asahi-san's words, Suminoe-san smiled softly.
"Suminoe-san, I am counting on you."
"Hahn...!"
"? Suminoe-san, did you say something?"
"N-No... nothing." Suminoe-san dodged the question, her cheeks reddening slightly.
—Is she really going to be all right?
—I’m fine, you jerk...
We held a conversation through glares alone.
"Well, since we do not have much time, let us adjourn for today." Saying so, Tennoji-san stood up. "Suminoe-san. For now, I would like to focus on grasping the full situation today. We shall begin our meetings tomorrow."
"Understood."
Tennoji-san left the cafe in a rush and headed toward the school gates. She had said it was better than Hinako’s situation, but a window-dressing scandal was a major problem. She had acted gracefully during the Tea Party, but she must have been feeling anxious deep down.
"Konohana-san!"
I heard voices from near the entrance of the cafe.
"Um, we..."
"We thought we might be able to help with something...!"
Perhaps they had been waiting for the Tea Party to end; students who admired Hinako had gathered.
"...Thank you. By all means, may I hear what you have to say?"
"Y-Yes!"
Normally, she would handle most things on her own without trouble... Hinako maintained that image, but this time, she was willing to take all the help she could get. Along with the gathered students, Hinako left the cafe.
"Shall we go too?"
"Yeah!"
Taisho and Asahi-san also joined the crowd. I debated whether I should follow too... but before that, I looked at the one other person remaining here.
"...Um, what about you, Suminoe-san?"
"Oh, to think you would call out to me, the loser. You're very kind, Tomonari-san."
"The loser...?" I wish she would stop saying that; it was hard to react to.
"More importantly, shouldn't you have more of a sense of crisis?"
A sense of crisis? As I tilted my head, Suminoe-san pointed a finger at me with a triumphant look.
"Tennoji-sama chose me. In other words—the one who is reliable in an emergency is me, not you!"
"Wh—!?"
W-When she put it like that... it started to feel that way. Both Hinako and Tennoji-san were currently being tested on corporate restructuring. A consultant was exactly the kind of professional that would be useful in such a situation. Yet Tennoji-san hadn't called upon me.
Could it be... is it exactly as Suminoe-san says?
Just as I was thinking that, the smartphone in my pocket vibrated.
"...Ah, it's a call from Tennoji-san."
"!?"
Suminoe-san looked shocked, as if it were impossible, but of course she would call me. It felt a little satisfying.
"Tomonari-san. Is now a good time?"
"Yes. We only just parted ways, but what's up?"
"No... it is nothing major, but I thought I should let you know just in case." Tennoji-san spoke as if it were a bit difficult to say. "The situation with Hinako Konohana is more pressing than mine in this event. Therefore, I want you to support Hinako Konohana as much as possible, Tomonari-san."
Tennoji-san continued.
"To be honest, I wanted to rely on you, but as the one who proposed the formation of the Tea Party Alliance, I have a duty to ensure that everyone in the alliance achieves the best possible results. Therefore, um... it is by no means because you are unreliable!"
I wasn't worried about that at all... what a kind person she was. And she was a person of integrity as well. To think she was considering not just her own best move, but the best move for the alliance as a whole.
"Thank you for your consideration. I'll help out if anything happens, so please don't hesitate to reach out."
"Yes. I am leaving Hinako Konohana to you."
With that, Tennoji-san hung up. I put my smartphone back in my pocket and looked at Suminoe-san.
"W-What is it? Why that happy-looking face?"
"No, nothing. Hearing Tennoji-san's thoughts, I just realized once again what an amazing person she is."
"W-What did you hear!?"
"Who knows? Why don't you ask Tennoji-san directly?"
"Y-You...! Please tell me, I'll even bow my head...!"
I thought she didn't need to do that and should just ask herself, but she probably still gets too nervous to speak properly. Watching Suminoe-san bow her head with a bright red face, I leisurely sipped my tea.
Man, the tea at Kikou Academy really was delicious.
◆
It was 6:00 PM by the time Hinako finished her conversations with our classmates. After returning home, Hinako headed toward her room with unsteady, tottering steps. After dropping my luggage in my own room, I immediately went to Hinako's room without even changing.
"Hinako."
Hinako was slumped over her desk.
"Good work. Are you okay?"
"Ngh... I'm tired, but I have no choice but to do this now." Sluggishly, Hinako sat up and opened her laptop. Normally, she'd want to dive into bed right away, but that wasn't possible now.
(Let's organize the situation.)
To be of help to Hinako, I needed to take a bird's-eye view of the situation once more. I opened my laptop at the table and launched the Management Game. The same topics were still listed in the latest news.
—Window-dressing has been discovered at Tennoji Pharma.
Tennoji Pharma was the Tennoji Group's pharmaceutical company. It was also a subsidiary of the group's core company, Tennoji Chemical, and was listed on the TSE Prime. It had been discovered that this company was engaging in window-dressing—fraudulent accounting to make false financial reports. In short, they were padding sales or hiding expenses to increase apparent profits.
Why would they need to do such a thing? Usually, it's because if a company is continuously in the red, they won't be able to get bank loans, and shareholders and business partners will abandon them. So they pretend to be a respectable company, even if the reality is dire.
Tennoji Pharma had been in the red for the past few years. Since the parent company was Tennoji Chemical, it felt like funding shouldn't have been an issue, but perhaps business failures continued and relationships with partners deteriorated. They might have been desperate to keep a specific partner. That was likely the scenario. Since it turned out their profits were a lie, the scandal would tank their credibility.
How they intended to recover from this... I couldn't even imagine.
(That said, I'll leave that side to Tennoji-san and Suminoe-san.)
Both were excellent managers. If those two teamed up, they'd figure something out. It might be optimistic, but that's what I believed.
Right now, the priority was the other problem.
—A large-scale recall concealment has been discovered at Konohana Motors.
Recall concealment—this was a scandal on a different level. In the automotive industry, there is a recall system. If a defect is discovered in the design or manufacturing of a vehicle, it must be repaired free of charge. Today, it's a legal requirement. Failing to comply and covering up the situation is a serious crime.
In short, Konohana Motors had been hiding defects that should have been recalled for a long time.
Cars are machines that hold human lives in their hands. If there's a design defect, fatalities are a real possibility. But recalls are expensive. From what I'd researched, the number of vehicles subject to this recall reached about 500,000 units. If they were to collect and repair all of them for free, Konohana Motors wouldn't be able to avoid a massive loss.
Even so, you can't put a price on human life, but Konohana Motors had hidden it anyway. As a result, their credibility was plummeting.
"Excuse me."
There was a knock at the door, and Ms. Shizune entered.
"Young Lady. Here are the latest documents you requested."
"...Thanks."
Hinako received the tablet and moved her gaze back and forth between it and her monitor. I had shared the situation with Ms. Shizune in the car on the way back. Predicting that many companies would shift their behavior in response to this crisis, Hinako had asked Ms. Shizune to meticulously update information on their business partners.
"Also, a message from Kagon-sama."
Hinako's hands stopped dead. To the Hinako who had turned around, Ms. Shizune spoke with a serious expression.
"He says you must absolutely set it right." Ms. Shizune continued. "This event is exceptionally harsh, but conversely, overcoming it would be the mark of the genuine article. Currently, the entire academy is watching your every move, Young Lady. In other words, you are being tested."
Tested. To see if Hinako was truly a perfect lady. To see if she was a vessel worthy of reigning at the pinnacle of Kikou Academy.
"So absolutely set it right. That concludes the message from Kagon-sama."
"...I know that, even without being told." Letting out a small sigh, Hinako turned back toward her computer.
Most likely, Tennoji-san was approaching this event with the same resolve. If they couldn't overcome this, they might be labeled as ordinary. That would surely be an unbearable humiliation for Tennoji-san.
"This is just me talking to myself, but... Kikou Academy can be quite malicious," Ms. Shizune said as she watched Hinako's back. "Your steady management, Young Lady, should have been considered excellent in its own right. I feel quite dissatisfied that such a harsh event has been prepared for you alone."
"...It can't be helped. The sponsors of the Management Game are wealthy people, not necessarily management professionals. I think there were people who couldn't understand what Shizune was doing."
How rare for Ms. Shizune to show her dissatisfaction so clearly. However, Hinako was accepting the situation logically.
(I should help with something too.)
There was no point in just watching. I approached Hinako.
"Hinako. Have there been any movements from Konohana Motors since then?"
"A lot has happened... I'm summarizing it now." While making the keyboard clatter, Hinako spoke. "...Roughly, it's like this."
Having finished her summary, Hinako showed me the monitor. The current situation was summarized in a text file.
First, the top shareholder, an overseas automaker, had terminated their capital alliance. They were in a terrible predicament, but since the stock price was falling, the shareholder didn't seem to intend to dump their shares just yet. The price had dropped from near 2,000 yen to around 1,000 yen. The market cap had also decreased from about one trillion yen to around 500 billion yen.
In the Management Game, there were many companies that could easily shell out 500 billion, so Konohana Motors was a prime target for a buyout. A drop in stock price is a disaster for owners, but for investors, it's an opportunity.
—Avoid a buyout.
That would be our goal. A company of this scale wouldn't go bankrupt so easily, but the hyenas were swarming. We needed to make a move before they tore the company apart.
"How are the stock movements?"
"There are several entities already gathering Konohana Motors' stock. Of course, there's short selling as well..."
"...If we don't act quickly, the stock might be snatched away all at once."
"Ngh... speed is life."
The hyenas were definitely swarming. Some were overseas companies and investors. If Konohana Motors were taken over by an overseas entity, the lives of the current employees would change drastically. Their envisioned happiness would slip away.
However, I suddenly thought of something.
(In the first place, is there anyone in this academy who actually wants to be Hinako's enemy?)
From what I could see, the ones gathering stock were all AI companies, and our classmates were all cheering us on. Konohana Motors was undeniably in a desperate situation, but thanks to Hinako's daily conduct, the worst-case scenario seemed avoidable. Perhaps there weren't any truly formidable human rivals. After all, there wasn't a manager in this academy capable of outmaneuvering Hinako, except maybe Tennoji-san or Narika, and they were allies.
If that were the case, Hinako should be able to overcome this, right?
"...Hm."
A notification appeared in Hinako's mailbox. She opened it immediately, and I read the subject line.
"A proposal for investment and alliance from Hamada Motors...?"
Hamada Motors was a company managed by AI, not a student. The body of the email was mechanical and concise. Hamada Motors wanted to purchase 34% of Konohana Motors' stock. That was exactly the threshold to gain significant voting rights and influence management. However...
"...Not bad," Hinako muttered in a small voice.
The current top shareholder owned 30%. If Hamada Motors were added, about 70% of the stock would be distributed in a balanced way, making it impossible for a third party to take a majority. It would effectively prevent a hostile buyout.
"I've received investment proposals from everyone in the academy too... but the conditions here are the best."
Hamada Motors was a giant on par with Konohana Motors. If they received investment from such a company, the public would assume Konohana Motors could make a comeback. That trust would stabilize the stock. If trust wasn't recovered quickly, the price would keep falling.
So as Hinako said, speed was life, but—.
(Something feels off.)
Having checked the data on Hamada Motors on my own laptop, I felt a strange sense of dissonance. I couldn't explain it well, but I just couldn't trust this company.
"...Hinako. Is this company really okay?"
Hamada Motors was supposed to be run by AI. But for some reason, I felt something like malice behind its data patterns. But why? There shouldn't be anyone in this academy who would want to entrap Hinako...
"I just... have a bad feeling."
An indescribable discomfort. It was too thin a basis to persuade anyone, but I had to say it. I didn't know why, but I felt receiving an investment from this company would be a mistake.
"...I trust Itsuki," Hinako spoke softly. "So... I'm formally making a request to Tomonari Consulting Co., Ltd." She looked at me straight in the eyes. "I want you to save Konohana Motors. However, there isn't much time, so please give me a beneficial proposal within three days."
Hinako stared at me intently. Receiving that weight of expectation, I nodded deeply.
"Understood."
◆
The next day after school.
"Konohana-san! I thought about it yesterday—"
"Konohana-san. My company could provide this much investment—"
Students who wanted to help Hinako flooded the classroom. I watched the scene from the corner of my eye as I packed my bag, heading out to find somewhere I could concentrate. Hinako had many meetings scheduled and decided to stay late at school every day until the game finished.
If a better partner than Hamada Motors could be found among our classmates, my troubles would be over, but it was unlikely. My task was simple: uncover the truth behind Hamada Motors, and if they couldn't be trusted, provide an alternative.
(Simple, but not easy.)
I had no alternative plan yet. We needed to restore trust, but since Konohana Motors lacked strength, external help was mandatory. To me, business is about connections. It meant nothing if I couldn't be of help here.
"Itsuki."
I was called as I walked down the hallway.
"Narika. What's up?"
"Well, I was worried about how Konohana-san was doing," Narika said hesitantly.
"She's still in the middle of talking to our classmates. Want me to call her over?"
"Ah, no, it's not like I have a proposal. I'm just... a little worried."
A little worried. Those words wouldn't come out unless she truly saw Hinako as a precious friend. I couldn't help but smile. Back when I had just become the caretaker, Hinako had missed school because of stress, and no one had worried about her then. This time was different.
"Narika. Do you have some time today?"
"Eh? Ah, yeah. I do."
"Then let's have a strategy meeting at the cafe. Let's find something we can do."
"...Yeah! Let's do that!"
I went to the cafe with Narika. On the way, I shared the situation at Konohana Motors with her.
"...I see. So Konohana-san intends to take the investment from Hamada Motors." Narika said once we were seated and had ordered. "But Itsuki, you're against it."
"Yeah. I have no real evidence, though..."
"...No, I believe in you, Itsuki. You have a track record of being right."
The absolute trust she placed in me left me momentarily speechless. It was exactly like Hinako. I had to find the truth behind Hamada Motors to honor that trust.
"Recently, I've been following your lead and studying stocks... for example, what if she issued non-voting stock to get the investment? That way, even if Hamada Motors is plotting something, they wouldn't be able to interfere with management."
She was talking about non-voting shares. Narika had studied quite a bit in a short time. However—.
"...With this scandal, Konohana Motors' corporate culture is being questioned. Insisting on keeping management entirely insulated might just incur more resentment from shareholders. We have to restore trust."
I added a bit more explanation.
"The reason Hamada Motors is attractive is because it shows Konohana Motors is willing to change. Hamada Motors is in the same industry and of a similar scale. The idea is that by giving them some management rights, they can help fix things from the inside. It’s like bringing in a surgeon."
"I see... so my superficial knowledge isn't quite enough," Narika laughed weakly.
"No, that's not true. It just didn't happen to fit this specific case."
"There's no need to comfort me. Itsuki, you're amazing. You've become incredibly knowledgeable about management in just a month and a half. It's no wonder Konohana-san wants to keep you by her side."
Narika lowered her gaze to her laptop.
"Actually, there was something I wanted to propose to Konohana-san before the game ended. But given the current situation, it seems impossible..."
Narika looked dejected, but I knew her better than that. She just had low self-esteem; her actual ability was high.
"...May I hear the proposal?"
"Yeah. I wanted to try this kind of business..."
Narika turned her monitor toward me. She wanted to enter a business alliance with Hinako's company. After reading the content, I was stunned.
"...Let's do this."
"Eh?"
"I knew you had a talent for this, Narika. For a company like Shimax Co., Ltd., this is a perfect partnership for Konohana Motors."
It would work. I was certain. If we could execute this plan, Konohana Motors could be saved.
"Narika. Let's help Konohana-san together."
Narika pressed her lips together firmly.
"...Before the Athletic Festival, Konohana-san helped me make friends." She held determination in her eyes. "I've wanted to return that favor. Now it's my turn!"
We both stood up and shook hands.
Just wait, Hinako. We will find the best path forward.
◆
The next day after school, I was working at the cafe with Narika again.
"Narika, how's the progress?"
"I think the basic preparations are done. All that's left is the presentation for Konohana-san."
Progress was ahead of schedule. Narika was clearly motivated. There were only three days left in the game; there was no time for hesitation.
"How about your side, Itsuki? The problem with Hamada Motors..."
"...I still haven't found anything conclusive." My side was actually going worse. "I found out with a bit of research that it was a Hamada Motors employee who blew the whistle on Konohana Motors."
"Eh!? Then it's definitely suspicious!"
"I'd like to think so, but they have a business relationship. It could have been discovered normally."
Currently, it was just a hunch. I couldn't let my bias that "Hamada Motors is evil" blind me. It was possible they were clean.
You have a talent for seeing the truth behind data. You can expand that sensation even further. From now on, try looking at the faces of shareholders, not just the managers.
I remembered what Takuma-san had told me. The faces of the shareholders... I called Ms. Shizune.
"What is the matter?"
"Ms. Shizune. Can I get the shareholder registry for Konohana Motors?"
"I have the data that was shared with the Young Lady last night. I shall send it to you."
"Thank you."
Using a file transfer service, I received the registry. I compared the semi-annual registries with the financial documents I already had, letting my intuition guide me. I created a list of shareholders who smelled fishy. Normally, stock purchases correlate with performance or price drops. Yet, there were several entities buying at times that made no sense.
"...What is with these shareholders?"
There were several ominous major shareholders with unknown identities. They were pouring in massive amounts of money at illogical intervals.
(Has the number of unidentified shareholders been spiking over the last two years?)
I stared at the monitor, considering the dissonance.
"Itsuki, did something happen?"
"There are shareholders in Konohana Motors whose identities are unknown. And they've been increasing rapidly since the Management Game started."
It was too suspicious. I had to dig deeper.
"I'll have an external agency investigate them. Maybe the dots will connect."
I switched screens and found a reliable investigation agency within the game and made the request.
"...Alright, the draft is done!" Narika said with a surge of energy. "Itsuki, check it!"
I read the file she sent.
"This is good. It just needs a bit more data to be fully persuasive."
"I see. It might be faster to ask my parents about that part."
Certainly, Narika's parents would have the details for Shimax Co., Ltd. Even so, this was an impressive piece of work.
"Narika. Why don't you present this yourself?"
"Eh!? N-No, you were going to do it, Itsuki..."
"I was, but this is your work. It would be wrong for me to take the credit for it."
Initially, I was going to handle the presentation, but seeing her draft changed my mind. I felt like I would be stealing from her.
"B-But... I'm still not good at speaking in public..."
"It's just Konohana-san, right? I'll be right there if anything happens."
It would be good practice. Narika eventually nodded.
"...U-Understood. I'll do my besht!"
She bit her tongue hard. Seeing her face turn bright red, I wondered if I’d made a mistake.
"Th-Then, Itsuki. I'll go home and show my parents."
"Yeah, let me know if there's any progress."
Narika practically ran out of the cafe. I went back to the data. After another hour of digging into Hamada Motors—.
"Itsukiii..."
A raspy voice came from behind. I turned to find Hinako looking like a zombie.
"A-Are you okay, Hinako?"
"So... tired............"
Since there was no one around, we spoke casually. But a waiter arrived immediately.
"Have you decided on your order?"
"Yes, a blended coffee, please," Hinako said, switching to perfect lady mode in a heartbeat.
"Whew............" Once the waiter left, she slumped again. She was more exhausted than usual. She must have been swarmed by students all day. Her coffee arrived, and she took a sip.
"...Tomorrow after school, we're holding an assembly in the lounge," Hinako said, staring into her cup. "There are just too many proposals... I'm going to hear them all at once."
That was a good idea.
"Hinako. Let me participate in that assembly too."
Hinako tilted her head.
"It doesn't matter... I'll listen to you anytime, Itsuki."
"That's not good enough." I shook my head. "Many people in this academy worry about you from the bottom of their hearts. If I push them aside just because I'm your caretaker, it would be insincere."
Hinako gave a small nod.
"So, just for tomorrow, look at me like everyone else. I want to offer my opinion on the same footing as them. If you intend to take the investment from Hamada Motors, I will argue against it in front of everyone. If I'm wrong, you can cut me off right then and there."
Everyone else would be coming with that resolve. I wanted to shoulder the same risk.
"Forget I'm your caretaker for tomorrow."
When Suminoe-san had tried to buy out Tomonari Gift Co., Ltd., Hinako had tried to save me out of pity. I had refused. This was the same. I didn't want her to listen to me because she liked me. I wanted to help her for real.
"In other words..." Hinako said slowly. "I should look at Itsuki... as an equal?"
I stiffened for a second. That was exactly it.
"...Yes. I know I'm still lacking, but please." I bowed my head.
"...Understood," Hinako said after a long pause. "However, will you be all right?"
Her tone changed. The air grew taut. Hinako lifted her cup with elegant poise and took a silent sip. Her spine was straight, her hair perfectly smooth. She was a refined, intelligent beauty—an elegant lady who looked like she’d stepped out of a storybook.
That’s right. Speaking with her on equal footing meant—.
"Even I am... known as the perfect lady, you know?"
It meant facing Hinako the perfect lady head-on. A shiver ran down my spine.