She was so reliable.
Of course, if she had been spinning a web of lies, I would have had to step in, but in a manner befitting the fair and square Tennoji-san, she didn't utter a single word that exaggerated the truth.
After listening to her pitch, the Class 2-C teacher looked at Tennoji-san with a warm gaze.
"Anyway, I can certainly see that Tomonari-kun is a favorite of yours, Tennoji-san."
"I-It is not like that at all!" Tennoji-san stammered, her face turning crimson.
Well, given the flow of the conversation, it was only natural for him to think that. I walked away, a wry smile playing on my lips.
Now then. All that remained were Classes 2-D, 2-E, and 2-F.
Classes 2-D through 2-F were located on the third floor. Since they were on a different floor from Class 2-A, I had almost no acquaintances in any of them.
As I started up the stairs...
"...Hmm?"
Sensing a gaze, I turned around.
I felt like someone had just been standing behind me, but the hallway was empty.
Perhaps I was being overly self-conscious because so many people recognized me now. Feeling a bit embarrassed by my own ego, I continued up the stairs.
I delivered the documents to the homeroom teachers of Class 2-D and Class 2-E without incident.
Finally, I headed to Class 2-F.
While I didn't know anyone in the previous two rooms, there was one person I knew in Class 2-F. Since I was there, I thought I’d offer a quick greeting. As I looked around the classroom, I noticed a boy watching me.
It was Ikuno-kun. He was the one who had managed Wedding Needs during the Management Game.
As soon as Ikuno-kun noticed me, he approached.
"Itsuki-kun, what brings you here?"
"I came to deliver some documents to the Class 2-F homeroom teacher."
"You love helping people as much as ever, don't you?"
"It's nothing that grand."
We shared a light laugh.
During the game, Ikuno-kun had been more than just a major business partner; he was ultimately the person I had entrusted my own company to. The relationship of trust we had built then persisted, and perhaps because the feeling was mutual, we had become quite comfortable with one another.
"Teacher, you have a visitor."
I followed Ikuno-kun to the Class 2-F homeroom teacher’s desk.
"Oh, if it isn't Tomonari-kun. Do you have business with me?"
The Class 2-F teacher was a well-built man.
As his appearance suggested, he was a PE teacher. With his bulging muscles and short-trimmed hair, he gave off the impression of a refreshing, straightforward sportsman.
"Fukushima-sensei asked me to deliver these documents....Wait, do you know who I am?"
"Of course. You caused quite a stir in the Management Game, after all."
It seemed the Management Game was indeed the catalyst for my sudden fame.
I suppose I could say my hard work had paid off, though it was hard to claim the success was mine alone.
I handed the documents to the teacher and stepped away from the podium.
"Well then, Ikuno-kun. I'll take my leave now."
"Yes....Itsuki-kun, please let me know if there's anything I can do to help you."
"...I appreciate the sentiment, but you really don't have to feel so indebted over what happened during the game, you know?"
"I cannot help it. It was thanks to you, Itsuki-kun, that I was able to purely enjoy the Management Game for the first time."
I had heard the details when we formed the capital and business alliance with Wedding Needs. Ikuno-kun had initially approached the Management Game simply doing whatever his parents dictated. However, to move our negotiations forward, I had forced him to re-examine what he truly wanted to do himself.
As a result, it seemed that in Ikuno-kun’s eyes, I was the benefactor who had liberated him from his parents' control. That was why he was so incredibly grateful, though since Ikuno-kun had helped me out quite a bit as well, the praise made me feel a bit itchy with embarrassment.
(Ikuno-kun really feels like the quintessential student of Kikou Academy.)
Looking at Taisho sometimes made me forget, but the male students of this academy were generally like this. Among them, however, Ikuno-kun was particularly polite and gentlemanly. Perhaps it was because he was the scion of a bridal industry family that prioritized etiquette. Talking to him reminded me that I, too, was a student of Kikou Academy.
I left the Class 2-F classroom and started back toward Class 2-A, where Hinako was waiting.
On the way, I sensed that gaze again and turned around.
"Oh."
This time, someone was actually there.
It was a female student I didn't recognize. She was fairly tall, with long, straight black hair. She had a mature air about her, and I felt a strong sense of conviction in her eyes.
"Um, were you following me?"
"Hmm, so I've been found out."
The girl admitted it with a smile, showing no sign of apology.
"Itsuki Tomonari-kun. Would you come with me for a moment?"
"Come with you... where?"
"You'll find out soon enough."
With that, she turned on her heel and began to lead the way.
I didn't know what was going on, but I followed her for now. I assumed there was some important matter that was difficult to discuss in a public hallway.
"Um, you are..."
"I'll take questions regarding myself once we reach our destination," she said without looking back. "Tomonari-kun. You're aiming for a position on the Student Council, aren't you?"
"That's the plan."
So the news had even spread to people I didn't know...
As I stood there slightly surprised, the girl let out a small smile.
"Very well. Then, I shall grant you the right to enter this room."
She stopped.
It seemed we had arrived. I looked at the double doors in front of me and checked the nameplate mounted above.
"This is..."
"Go on in. The other members are already gathered."
I was ushered into the room somewhat forcefully.
It was about as large as a classroom. For its size, however, the furniture was sparse; two large leather sofas sat facing each other across a table in the center of the room, and there was another set of tables and chairs by the window. The furniture was all high-quality, and the carpet was a dense, luxurious piece. The atmosphere was like a cross between a formal reception room and an executive office.
Sitting on the sofas were people I knew quite well.
"Wait, everyone...?"
Hinako, Tennoji-san, Narika, Taisho, and Asahi-san... every member of what some called The Noble Tea Party was gathered there.
"I knew you'd be called too, Itsuki-kun!"
"Well, since the rest of us are here, it makes sense," Taisho added.
Asahi-san and Taisho seemed to find my arrival logical.
"Itsuki Tomonari-kun. Please, take a seat on that sofa."
I followed the instruction in silence and sat next to Hinako.
I could more or less guess the situation now. Considering the purpose of this room, the reason for our gathering was obvious. I could also surmise the identity of the girl who had guided me.
She sat down in the chair by the window and spoke with an air of enjoyment.
"Welcome to the Student Council Room. I am Maki Minato, the current Student Council President of Kikou Academy."
◆
As I sat on the sofa, a cup of tea was quietly placed in front of me by another girl I didn't recognize—likely another member of the current Student Council.
I took a sip of the tea.
"At Kikou Academy, the election period for Student Council officers begins in one week," President Minato began. "Naturally, it seems everyone is aware. As for Tomonari-kun, he was even busy performing the customary courtesy rounds."
"Courtesy rounds...?"
I hadn't intended to do any such thing. As I sat there wondering what she meant, Tennoji-san spoke up.
"In order to smooth over future election-related movements, it is customary for candidates to offer subtle greetings to the teachers of each class before the official period begins. Generally, this is done under the guise of delivering documents."
"So that's what that was..."
"If the candidate is already famous, it's an unnecessary formality, but I believe Fukushima-sensei judged that it was necessary in your case, Tomonari-san."
Fukushima-sensei... thank you. I'm sorry for doubting you and thinking I was just being used as a gopher.
"To get back to the point," the President continued, "candidates get busy once the election period starts. That's why I wanted to call in students who might be interested in the Student Council beforehand and have a light chat. I also have one favor to ask of the candidates."
I was curious about the favor, but the reason for our presence was clear. Among this group, Tennoji-san, Narika, and I were the planned candidates. President Minato obviously knew that. She must have decided that the other members of The Noble Tea Party might also be interested and called everyone just in case.
I realized now that the girl who had guided me was a third-year. Not Minato-san, but Minato-senpai. Or rather, since she was the President, I should probably call her President Minato.
Enthroned in the president’s chair by the window, her dignity was so refined that it was hard to believe she was only one year older than us. It felt like I was facing Takuma-san or Kagon.
Perhaps seeing through my tension, President Minato smiled gently.
"Don't be so nervous. To put it simply, this is just a meet-and-greet. It's not like I'm conducting an entrance exam. As the current Student Council President, I'm simply interested in the kind of lineup the next set of officers will be."
The more someone got nervous, the more the atmosphere would become oppressive. Sometimes, tension itself could be a form of rudeness. I deliberately rolled my neck to relax my shoulders, tacitly conveying to President Minato that I was at ease.
President Minato smiled. "Then, first, I'd like to hear your target positions and your aspirations."
Tennoji-san was the first to respond.
"I am Mirei Tennoji of Class 2-C. I am aiming for the position of Student Council President." She continued, "When I become the Student Council President, I will ensure this is an academy where everyone can live with dignity."
"With dignity, huh....Hmm, I like it. That's a pleasant vision for the future."
"Are you not going to ask for concrete plans?"
"I told you this was just a meet-and-greet. Save those for the campaign."
Tennoji-san seemed to have already developed concrete policies, but at President Minato’s dismissal, she quietly pressed her lips together. An academy where everyone can live with dignity. I could only vaguely imagine what kind of future that was, but it would surely be an environment that was easier for everyone to thrive in.
Next, Narika spoke.
"I'm Narika Miyakojima... from Class 2-B. I am also aiming for Student Council President."
Narika's social skills had improved, but she still seemed nervous in this high-pressure situation; her voice trembled slightly.
"To be honest, my vision isn't clearly defined yet... but I want to create an environment where people can change themselves."
"Hmm....Was that sparked by a change in yourself?"
For a split second, Narika's eyes widened, as if wondering how the President knew. However, she quickly regained her composure.
"It is exactly as you say."
As Narika confirmed it, President Minato nodded with satisfaction.
"I said this to Tennoji-san as well, but it's fine if your concrete vision isn't clear yet. The Management Game just ended, after all; you likely haven't had a moment to breathe, let alone think."
Narika finished speaking. Finally, it was my turn.
"I'm Itsuki Tomonari from Class 2-A."
The Student Council position I was aiming for was—
"I wish to run for Vice President."
President Minato's eyes flickered slightly. Was she surprised? But this was a conclusion I had reached after serious deliberation.
"I don't know if it qualifies as a 'vision,' but... I want to become a consultant in the future. Because of that, I thought it would be better for me to aim for a position where I support the person in the lead, rather than standing in the lead myself."
"I see. Well, certainly, if you view Kikou Academy as a single company, the position of Student Council President would correspond to the CEO."
If I were to become President, I wouldn't be able to act like a consultant. Well, in my case, I didn't even have the confidence that I could actually win the presidency...
"Personally, I think it would be interesting for you to aim for President too, Tomonari-kun," President Minato said suddenly. "In the Management Game, I also started from an entrepreneurial venture, just like you. I feel a sense of kinship with you."
"...Is that so?"
"Well, in my case, it was my family's policy."
Family... come to think of it, which family did President Minato come from? Sensing my unspoken question, the President added an explanation.
"Have you ever heard of the Rakuo Group? My family runs that."
Of course I had—Rakuo Group Co., Ltd. It was a massive corporation involved primarily in internet services, to the point that there wasn't a single person in Japan who didn't know the name.
They had companies in various fields, such as telecommunications, finance, and sports. They even owned a professional baseball team. Compared to the Konohana Group or the Tennoji Group, their history was much shorter, but they were an aggressive company that had climbed to the top in a flash through constant M&As.
President Minato seemed to feel kinship with me, but hearing that made me realize the vast difference between us. She had likely dared to start a business from scratch in the Management Game to prove she could lead the giant and aggressive Rakuo Group. Her background was entirely different from mine. Even if our actions were the same, the weight we carried was on different levels.
"...I appreciate the sentiment, but I'll decline aiming for President."
"Hmm, that's a shame."
I couldn't tell how serious she was. This aloof attitude felt familiar... like there was someone similar close to me...
"So we have three candidates....Konohana-san, Asahi-san, Taisho-kun. what about you three?"
President Minato turned her gaze toward the others. In response to the question of why they weren't running, Asahi-san spoke up.
"Um, I'll pass. After the Management Game, I found something I really want to focus on," Asahi-san said apologetically.
"I'm the same as Asahi. I want to do in reality what I did in the game..." Taisho followed up.
But hearing those words, Asahi-san's eyes went wide. "Wait, don't tell me you're doing that too, Taisho-kun...?"
"Asahi, you too...?"
The two looked at each other and spoke in unison.
Mobile sales of appliances...
They both said the exact same words.
"—Right!! Exactly!! There's no way we can just let an idea like that end with the game!"
"—Yeah!! That's right!! Besides, I'd been thinking for a while that packaging materials could be improved, so after making that business a success in the game, I want to secure a patent in real life too!!"
Asahi-san and Taisho hit it off in their shared excitement.
Seeing the two of them, President Minato looked convinced. "I see, I see. In other words, you two want to focus on your family businesses for now."
Yes!!
Their replies overlapped perfectly.
"Wonderful. The Management Game is a curriculum designed to be a simulation for real life. If you have achieved that goal and found something you must devote yourselves to, then I will support you with all my might."
Upon hearing President Minato's words, Asahi-san and Taisho nodded happily. Immediately after, Asahi-san looked toward me.
"By the way, I'm planning to get you heavily involved too, Itsuki-kun, so I'm counting on you, okay? Well, I think it'll be once we're ready, though."
"Understood."
I was the one who had proposed the mobile appliance sales business, so I had no complaints. In fact, her continued reliance on me was proof of her trust, which was something to be proud of. The Management Game was a virtual world, but the relationships cultivated there remained.
I realized once more that the game had been a major turning point for me.
"So, what about Konohana-san?"
President Minato looked at Hinako.
"I will also pass. My family business looks like it's going to get very busy."
"...Is it absolutely impossible? I shouldn't really say this, but there are many people hoping you'll join the Student Council."
As expected, since it was Hinako, President Minato’s desire to recruit her was strong. Nevertheless, Hinako shook her head.
"I am sorry. It would be too difficult for me, after all..."
"...I see. Then I won't force you. In truth, there are many students who decline because their families are busy. It's unfortunate, but expected."
All the students of Kikou Academy lived within the massive constraints of their family legacies. Because of that, even popular students often couldn't join the Student Council.
...Well, in Hinako's case, she simply didn't want to do it. She was a lazy girl at heart; she was bound to hate the idea of the Student Council. It seemed Kagon was allowing this; after calculating the risk of her true nature being exposed versus the benefit of protecting her image as a perfect lady, he had apparently concluded she didn't need to join.
"Now then, let's leave the meet-and-greet at that. I'm sorry for calling you all out so suddenly after school." President Minato bowed her head slightly.
"Are we the only students aiming for the Student Council?" Tennoji-san asked.
"No, there are others. However, if their competitive spirit is ignited before the election period even begins, they might be burnt out when it really matters. I also don't want people thinking the Student Council is encouraging friction, so I called you in groups. To be honest, I hesitated about calling Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san at the same time, but since you two seem to be close in your private lives, I made an exception."
"I... appreciate your consideration."
"Yeah. I recommend saving the heated battle between factions for the actual election period."
Even for someone like Tennoji-san, keeping her competitive spirit burning from now until the election would be exhausting. I felt President Minato's consideration was well-placed.
"And now, for the favor," President Minato said.
Right, she had mentioned a favor at the start.
"Between now and the election period, I'd like to have you interviewed."
"Interviewed...?" Narika tilted her head.
"It's a new event we're starting this year....I've named it: 'A Peek into the Candidates' Daily Lives'!"
It was probably exactly what the name implied.
"Every year, once the election period starts, candidates hand out flyers describing their visions. But I felt that alone was insufficient. That's why for the next election, I want to turn the candidates' daily lives into articles for everyone to read."
It was indeed exactly what the name implied, but it seemed the President’s own experience had influenced the idea.
"You must have thought about it during the Management Game too, right? Can I trust this business partner? When you only look at ideals, doubt inevitably arises. That's why I want you to reveal your daily lives as they are."
Instead of just pretty slogans, she wanted to show their actual private lives. It was like those vegetables in the supermarket with photos of the farmers on them. I understood the feeling of being reassured by seeing the face behind the product. The essence was the same.
"...Well, it might be unnecessary for you, Tomonari-kun."
It was a comment that felt like she had seen through me. In fact, it was unnecessary for me. Just by reading text... data, I could somehow tell whether someone was lying. That was why I could trust someone based on their ideals alone.
But that was as a voter. This time, I was on the side being voted for—the side that had to earn everyone's trust. If everyone else needed it even if I didn't, then this event should happen.
But putting that aside...
(Why does the President know about me?)
She knew about my movements in the Management Game, but could she see through to my special skill based on that alone?
"By the way, the interviews and articles will be handled by the Student Council. For the next few days, we'll be following you around or conducting interviews, so please be as accommodating as possible."
When the President said that, the Student Council officers standing by the wall bowed. The girl who had served the tea was among them. Hearing the word "interview" made me think of a journalism club, but Kikou Academy didn't have clubs. The Student Council officers handled everything directly.
"Is it only on weekdays?" Tennoji-san asked.
"Hmm, good question." President Minato pointed sharply at her. "I'll prepare articles for the weekends too. However, I obviously don't intend to infringe on your privacy. For the weekends, I'll have you write the entries yourselves. Like a diary."
If a diary was enough, our burden would be light. The three of us—Tennoji-san, Narika, and I—looked at each other and nodded.
"Understood."
When I agreed, President Minato smiled in high spirits.
"Good! Then we shall adjourn for today. We'll start the interviews tomorrow. I hope that your characters turn out to be virtuous."
The President finished with a playful laugh.
◆
After we went our separate ways, I boarded the Konohana family car a short while after leaving the academy.
"Good work today."
Ms. Shizune spoke to me from the passenger seat. I thanked her and the driver as usual. Next to me sat Hinako, looking drowsy.
"...Itsuki."
"Hmm?"
"Did something happen... with Miyakojima-san?"
At Hinako’s blunt question, I was momentarily at a loss for words.
"Um... why do you ask?"
"Because you looked awkward together..."
I had indeed been careful to avoid eye contact with Narika as much as possible in the Student Council Room. I thought I was being subtle, but it seemed Hinako had seen right through me.
"...Well, it's not a huge deal, so don't worry about it."
"Hmm... okay."
In reality, it was a massive deal. If this awkwardness continued, frankly, I would get exhausted. I really had to do something about my relationship with Narika.
(I should probably give her an answer, right?)
She had kissed me on the cheek. I obviously understood her feelings. But what did I think? Right after it happened, I had been in shock. I had calmed down a little now, but my mind still went blank when I thought about it.
I had assumed that once I entered Kikou Academy, romance would be someone else's business for a while. That was probably why I was so shaken. Perhaps I should have followed Hinako’s lead and been reading shoujo manga to build up a resistance to this sort of thing?
"Itsuki-san, you look quite troubled."
Ms. Shizune was watching me through the rearview mirror.
"...Well, the Student Council interviews are starting, so I was wondering how I should behave."
Since I couldn't exactly consult her on the real issue, I made a quick excuse. Ms. Shizune nodded.
"I heard about the interview from the Young Lady, but wouldn't it be fine to just be your usual self?"
"My usual self?"
"Unlike when you first became her caretaker, you should be able to spend time naturally at Kikou Academy now. Since it's a good opportunity, why not try relaxing for once and facing your ordinary daily life?"
Relaxing... huh. According to Yuri, that was what I was worst at.
"I... think so too," Hinako added. "Compared to back then, Itsuki, you've changed. Things have been so hectic lately. I think you should just enjoy academy life peacefully until the election starts... yawn."
Hinako let out a massive yawn. Come to think of it, since the Management Game had started the moment the second semester began, I hadn't experienced a normal academy life for over two months. And with the election starting in a week, I was about to be busy again.
(If I'm going to take it easy, is now my only chance?)
Tennoji-san had also taught me that I shouldn't push myself too hard. My field of vision wouldn't broaden if I remained in a constant rush.
"...That's true. Until the election period starts, maybe I'll take the leap and actually try to relax."
It was a perfect opportunity. While being interviewed, I would try to experience my usual daily life once again.