The second day of the election period arrived.
On the first day, the presidential candidates had focused on raising awareness through posters and flyers, but from the second day onward, speeches were permitted. The campaign was truly beginning in earnest.
I arrived at school slightly earlier than usual and headed for the hallway on the first floor of the main building.
The candidates' posters were displayed on the bulletin board just as they had been yesterday. Today, however, a new exhibit had been posted alongside them.
"Hello there, Tomonari-kun."
Someone called out from behind me. I turned around.
"President Minato."
"I am no longer the President. Please, call me Senpai."
At Kikou Academy, the existing Student Council is disbanded the moment the election period begins. The new officers are determined by the vote held on the final day of the period. I knew the previous council disbanded early to ensure a smooth transition of power, but hearing Minato-senpai say it made me feel a touch of melancholy.
President Minato was the kind of person who possessed a natural dignity befitting a leader. But he must have faced countless hardships to reach that position.
Thank you for your hard work, I whispered in my heart. However, ignoring my sentimental mood, Minato-senpai laughed cheerfully.
"So, what do you think of the new corner I created?"
Minato-senpai puffed out his chest with pride.
Next to the posters, a large sheet of paper summarized the profiles of each candidate. It was titled: "A Glimpse into the Candidates' Daily Lives." This was the project Minato-senpai had mentioned wanting to implement. It seemed he had successfully followed through.
"It’s excellent. It’s a compelling read, and I think it will really drum up interest in the election."
"Hearing that from one of the candidates makes it all worthwhile."
It made my cooperation with the interview feel worthwhile as well.
(...Looking at it like this, Tennoji-san and Narika live completely different lives.)
The profiles gave a rough outline of their daily routines.
Apparently, Narika woke up much earlier. Knowing she trained in the dojo at dawn, I wasn't surprised, but I imagined other students might find it unexpected. While Narika might lag behind Tennoji-san in terms of academic rankings, she certainly didn't lead a lazy life.
"Oh? This 'Short Comment' section at the end... was this originally planned?"
"Ah, I saw your report and thought it was too good not to include."
At the bottom of each candidate's profile was a section for a brief comment.
In my profile, the following was written: "His sincere attitude has a positive influence on those around him. Witnessing his dedication provides others with an opportunity to reflect on their own lives."...I didn't recall writing anything like that in my report.
Still, it was a heartening comment to read.
Since coming to Kikou Academy, I had worked hard, spurred on by the influence of those around me. If my efforts had come full circle and were now influencing others, that was something to be proud of.
"I’ll be distributing these as well."
Minato-senpai handed me a document that looked like a newsletter.
"What is this?"
"The Election Bulletin. Traditionally, once the next election begins, the Student Council takes on a role similar to a newspaper club. We distribute summaries of opinion polls across the academy every day until the final vote."
I skimmed the contents.
Information regarding the election was summarized in a clear, accessible way. It touched on the platforms of each presidential candidate and mentioned that speeches would begin today.
"I thought providing too much information on the first day would only confuse the students. Perhaps I was being overprotective, though."
"No, it’s a big help."
The first day had been a whirlwind of candidate announcements and platforms. Giving the students time to process was the right call. Releasing information in stages felt more effective.
The bulletin also included the support ratings for the three presidential candidates.
I see... reading this made the shifts in popularity clear at a glance.
(As it stands, Tennoji-san and Narika are the top two.)
The support seemed split at 40% each for Tennoji-san and Narika, with the third candidate trailing at 20%.
However, this only represented those who had participated in the poll. The response rate was nearly 50% of the student body, meaning half the students were still undecided.
Depending on which way that 50% of floating votes swung, the current ratings could change drastically.
"Ah, excuse me. I should be heading off."
"Do you have an appointment?"
"I want to do a final check on the speech drafts."
That was the reason I had come to school so early. I wanted to look into the other candidates as well, but I didn't have time right now.
"I’ve heard the rumors. You’re supporting both Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san simultaneously, aren't you?"
"...Rumors certainly travel fast."
"That is simply how much attention you are drawing. The speed of a rumor increases the more prominent the figure at its center is. Everyone is dying to see your next move."
His tone felt like he was intentionally applying pressure.
Cold sweat trickled down my back. I suddenly became hyper-aware of the eyes in the hallway.
I see. Being watched and expected to perform meant that any failure would be equally conspicuous. This was a fear I had never experienced until now.
"Are you losing your nerve?"
Minato-senpai said, peering into my stiff expression as if looking right through me.
"That fear is a constant companion to those in power. If you cannot endure it, it is better to withdraw."
In the past, even if I failed, it wouldn't have been particularly noticeable.
But now, if I failed, that fact would be common knowledge immediately. If things went poorly, I might be branded as someone unworthy of standing beside Hinako.
The more I stood out, the higher the risks became.
I felt like I finally understood a fraction of what Hinako, Tennoji-san, and Narika dealt with every day. Hinako found the pressure a nuisance, Tennoji-san had become too stoic because she faced it head-on, and Narika had lived in fear of it.
What I was carrying now was likely trivial compared to their burdens.
That was exactly why I couldn't afford to stop here.
"Of course not. I don't have the luxury of losing my nerve."
"...I see."
It was mere bravado, but I knew I had to make those words a reality.
"Then do your best. The campaign truly starts here."
After watching Minato-senpai walk away, I slapped both cheeks with my hands to focus my mind.
During lunch break, on the rooftop of the Old Student Council Building.
"...Thanks for the meal!"
I finished eating at a record pace, packed my lunch box, and stood up immediately.
"Hinako, sorry! I’ve got to go!"
"Nn... see you later."
During the election period, I had to work as an assistant to Tennoji-san and Narika during lunch and after school. For the time being, my time with Hinako would be limited.
That said, since I was doing this so I could eventually stand beside her, it should lead to us spending more time together in the long run. Shizune-san understood this as well, which was why she allowed me to act independently of Hinako for once.
Anyway, I was headed to the grounds to hear the speeches, but...
"...Are you sure you'll be okay? Can you wait here properly? I’ll come back as soon as I’ve seen both speeches, so please don't move until then, alright?"
"Mu... Itsuki, you're too worried. I'm just going to sleep until you get back, so don't worry."
"But... what about the toilet? If you really can't hold it, maybe quietly in that corner over there..."
"I-I won't do that...!"
I wondered if she would really be alright.
In her Young Lady mode, she was fine, but in her relaxed natural state, Hinako still managed to get lost inside her own manor. I was worried she wouldn't even be able to find her way back to the classroom. She probably didn't even know where the restrooms were.
Despite my lingering anxiety, time was short, so I hurried toward the school grounds.
(First, I'll go listen to Tennoji-san.)
Tennoji-san’s speech was being held in front of the grounds just outside the main building. She had judged that it would be visible from the classroom windows and would easily attract a crowd.
When I arrived, nearly fifty students had already gathered, even though half of the lunch break remained. They must have finished their meals early just to hear her.
Tennoji-san stood on a podium that had been set up beforehand. It was school property, and I had secured permission from Fukushima-sensei to use it yesterday.
Tennoji-san’s eyes met mine.
In response to her silent question of whether she should begin, I nodded. Fifty people was an excellent turnout. Waiting any longer might make her look disorganized.
"I thank you all for gathering here today!"
Tennoji-san spoke in a clear, resonant voice.
She wasn't using a microphone. Although I had obtained permission just in case, she had decided against it. She believed her natural voice would carry more power.
"As it is lunch break and time is short, I shall be brief in conveying my vision to you all!"
Every eye was fixed on her.
Amidst their collective gaze, Tennoji-san made a dignified declaration.
"On this occasion, I, Mirei Tennoji, am running for Student Council President! My platform can be summarized in a single phrase—to make this an academy where everyone can live nobly!"
An academy where everyone can live nobly. This was Tennoji-san’s slogan.
She moved into her specific points.
"Currently, Kikou Academy suffers from a social hierarchy based on lineage. As a result, students from prestigious families carry themselves with confidence, while those from lower-status families often seem intimidated. This is a problem I have felt personally, and I have strived to improve it since my first year."
Several students nodded at her words. I was one of them.
When I first met Tennoji-san, she had told me to straighten my back and carry myself with more dignity. Those words had been the catalyst for me to puff out my chest.
"Of course, I understand the difficulty of everyone speaking on equal footing. Our families run companies that sustain the livelihoods of many....If the classmate before you is the child of a vital business partner, it is naturally difficult to behave normally."
Tennoji-san showed a genuine understanding of the students’ anxieties.
This was a problem unique to Kikou Academy. No matter where you looked, there were children of politicians and corporate titans. In this environment, very few could be truly free.
"However, that gap can be bridged with etiquette!"
Tennoji-san spoke with renewed force.
This was the heart of her argument.
"One must not be rude. One must not cause discomfort. It is because we are overwhelmed by these fears that we become intimidated! If that is the case, then we simply need to hone the skills... the etiquette, to ensure we never commit a social blunder, no matter how important the other party may be!"
Tennoji-san’s golden hair shimmered beautifully in the bright midday sun.
"Nobility dwells within dignified behavior! And the mental fortitude to behave with dignity can be supplemented by etiquette! Therefore, if I become Student Council President, I promise to establish formal Etiquette Courses within this academy! From dining etiquette to grooming and dance, I shall implement courses that will ensure you never feel ashamed in any social circles!"
Establishing formal Etiquette Courses. This was Tennoji-san’s concrete promise.
It was a service in high demand for the students here. Indeed, I had been greatly helped by Tennoji-san teaching me etiquette herself.
The courses she planned were optional and intended for after-school hours so they wouldn't disrupt the curriculum. We had negotiated this format with the teachers beforehand. She would discuss the finer details during her after-school speech.
"That is my primary platform... but before I finish, allow me to explain why I came up with such a goal."
Tennoji-san glanced toward me.
...Hm?
This wasn't in the script. What was she planning?
"One day, I met a certain classmate," Tennoji-san began.
"My first impression was that he was like a frightened puppy. His shoulders were hunched, his eyes were darting left and right... he was clearly intimidated. And so, I told him to straighten his back."
Tennoji-san was recounting our first meeting.
I felt a flush of recognition as she continued.
"Through a strange twist of fate, we began to spend much time together. Our relationship became one where we pushed each other to greater heights... and before I knew it, he had grown into a dignified person that even I was impressed by."
Tennoji-san spoke with genuine warmth and happiness.
"Seeing him, I thought—could this not be possible for others? Could elegance be something obtained through effort, rather than something one is merely born with?"
Sensing the true feelings behind those words, my eyes grew hot.
If elegance were truly a matter of birth alone... then Tennoji-san, who was adopted, could never have possessed it.
She spoke as if I were the sole example, but that wasn't true. The first person to seize nobility through sheer effort was Tennoji-san herself.
I was merely following the path she had cleared.
"That is why I have decided! I shall prepare a stage for all of you to put in the effort! I shall make this house of learning an academy where everyone can live nobly!"
As Tennoji-san concluded her speech, thunderous applause erupted.
It was perfect. She had leaned into her natural charisma to its fullest extent.
(...I knew it. Focusing on Tennoji-san’s character was the right call.)
I had worried that the word "nobility" might be too vague, but given that the speaker was Mirei Tennoji, it worked. She was the symbol of nobility in this academy. If anyone wondered what it meant to be noble or elegant, they only had to look at her.
In essence, her platform was about granting the wish of anyone who thought, I want to be like Mirei Tennoji.
So, my job in supporting her was simple.
I just had to make everyone admire the person that was Mirei Tennoji.
"Excellent work, Tennoji-san."
I approached her with words of praise after she had finished greeting the crowd.
"Tomonari-san! How was it? How was my speech!?"
She was still riding the high of the performance, her eyes wide with excitement.
She must have felt the positive response. I certainly had.
"I think it was perfect. You went off-script at the end, so I was a little surprised, but..."
I was referring to the story about us.
Unless I was being incredibly vain... that was definitely about me.
Tennoji-san averted her gaze, her cheeks turning a shade of pink.
"T-That was the truth of my heart."
"Well, I’m honored. I had no idea you thought of me that way."
"...Hmph, stop telling such transparent lies. You must have realized by now how much I have been influenced by you..."
Because she said it so shyly, I found myself getting embarrassed as well.
It was more than an honor. To think that I was the catalyst for her entire campaign promise... it felt both wonderful and a little ticklish.
I wanted to talk more, but I had to go listen to Narika’s speech next.
"I believe the speech was a huge success. However, I noticed the specific imagery for the Etiquette Courses and dance lessons hasn't quite landed yet, so let’s use the projector for the after-school session as planned."
"Understood. A visual representation of the lessons, then."
Exactly. We had already prepared the videos. Tennoji-san planned to use her own connections to bring in special guest lecturers, and we had obtained reference footage from them.
"Tomonari-san, you’re off to hear Miyakojima-san now?"
"Yes."
When I nodded, Tennoji-san gave a sharp, confident smile.
"Then support her with everything you have. It will only make my fire burn brighter."
"...Understood."
Tennoji-san wanted a fair fight. She truly was a person of high character.
Narika’s speech was being held in front of the gymnasium. It was positioned exactly opposite Tennoji-san’s location, with the school building in between. While the grounds were visible from classroom windows, the gymnasium entrance was in a prime spot visible from the hallway windows.
By the time I hurried over, a massive crowd had already gathered. Forty minutes had passed since the start of lunch break, and many students had already finished eating. The crowd was even larger than Tennoji-san’s—around sixty people.
"I am Narika Miyakojima of Class 2-B! Thank you all for coming today!"
Narika had already begun.
Like Mirei, she wasn't using a microphone. She had expressed confidence in her lung capacity, and she was right—her voice carried remarkably well. Her martial arts training was clearly serving her here.
"If I become Student Council President, I want to make this an academy where you can change yourself!"
Narika voiced the platform she had poured her heart into.
"I am no different, but I believe we students of Kikou Academy live our lives on pre-set tracks. Our family successions, our marriages, our careers... the fact that our futures are mostly decided is a comfort, but it is also a stifling burden."
The students in the audience took on more serious expressions. Her words seemed to strike a chord. They were likely thinking of themselves or their close friends.
Students here lived on rigid tracks. Ironically, the more prestigious the family, the more unbreakable those tracks were.
"Have you ever given up on something because 'this is just how my future is'? I believe that is a tragic waste. Even if we want to change in our hearts, the clarity of our futures makes us give up before we even try. This is a problem unique to us."
Listening to her, I realized she was right.
Now that I thought about it, I was only able to work this hard because I didn't have a track. My parents were gone, I had been out of school—I had no choice but to change because I couldn't see a future. I had absolutely no shackles holding me back.
I was an extreme case, and I didn't think everyone should be in such a position, but I did know a little bit about the freedom that exists off the rails.
"Once, I had to change," Narika said, speaking of her own circumstances.
"But I didn't know how, and I struggled for a long time....Then, many people helped me. I was supported, I was trusted, and finally, I found the courage to change....I want every one of you to experience that as well."
Narika looked out over the crowd. Her steady, earnest gaze reached straight into our hearts.
"If I am elected, I will establish Salons in this academy!"
She moved into the details of her plan.
"Interaction changes people! That is my belief. Fortunately, this academy is filled with experts in every field. By engaging with such people, you can re-evaluate what you lack and learn how to grow. I will create an environment where it is easy to overcome weaknesses and take on new challenges!"
Kikou Academy was full of the children of industry leaders. They were experts-in-waiting, and some were already operating at a professional level. The Management Game had proven exactly that.
The value of dialogue with such peers was obvious. Activating that dialogue would be immensely beneficial.
"Changing yourself doesn't have to be some grand, dramatic gesture. Wanting to improve your grades, wanting to get better at a sport, wanting to expand your network... that is all 'changing yourself.' These Salons will be a place to find comrades who share that desire."
The students were hanging on her every word.
"...I’ll be honest. I am not good at interacting with people."
Narika touched her cheeks with both hands, physically lifting the corners of her mouth into a forced smile.
"I’m not good at conversation, and my face tends to stiffen when I’m nervous....Because of that, I’ve been misunderstood by many. I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors—that Narika Miyakojima was a delinquent, or a member of a biker gang."
Many students looked away awkwardly.
Narika didn't blame others for the rumors; she took responsibility, citing her own immaturity. Seeing her as she was now, it was hard for anyone to still believe those old stories.
"But as I said, I was blessed with people and opportunities, and I have been able to change, little by little. Running for Student Council President is something last year’s me could never have imagined."
Who would have predicted this six months ago?
Because she had stood out in a negative way, her transformation was all the more visible. Her words carried a weight of absolute conviction.
"People can change. I am the proof....To anyone who hasn't been able to take that first step yet, I ask: won't you muster your courage along with me?"
Finally, she spoke as if addressing each student individually.
"With that, I conclude my speech."
As Narika finished, she was met with a roar of applause. It was a magnificent speech, even without my personal bias.
I waited for her to finish her brief greetings to the crowd before approaching.
"Narika."
"...Itsuki."
She noticed me, but her expression was strangely solemn.
"Itsuki, let’s change locations."
"Hm? Ah, right."
I followed her to a quieter spot behind the gymnasium, in the shade away from prying eyes. Once there, she turned to face me.
"Narika, great job. I was listening from the—"
"I-I-I-I was so scaaaaared!!~~~~"
Narika practically threw herself at me, clinging to me as she half-sobbed.
Ah... so that’s why we moved.
People don't change overnight. As she had said, Narika was still in the middle of her transformation. But that was exactly why she wanted to build a place for others to do the same.
"You were cool out there."
"R-Really...? I don't even remember what I said...!"
"You said everything you needed to. You were great."
In fact, she had been even better than the draft suggested. I don't think she was doing it intentionally, but her small, natural gestures—like lifting the corners of her mouth when talking about her past—made her incredibly relatable.
Tennoji-san had used her experience to add an ad-lib, but that was a high-level technique. Narika had her own strengths. Their personalities shone through their respective styles.
They were fighting to be President, not to see who was the better orator. Yet, listening to them, I felt my heart being pulled by their sheer charisma. It was something that appealed to instinct rather than logic.
Whether a student voted based on reason or instinct was up to them, but for those who followed their gut, a good speech was essential.
I realized I needed to study public speaking more myself. I couldn't just rely on the students being perfectly rational.
"Itsuki, I’m going to work even harder!" Narika said, her motivation returning.
"I declared it in front of everyone. That we’d change together....I refuse to let that declaration be a lie!"
Seeing the fire in her eyes, I felt a surge of emotion.
"...You’ve really come a long way."
To her, it was a work in progress. To me, she had already achieved something remarkable. I pressed my fingers between my eyes, trying to keep my own tears at bay. Narika saw this and gave a wry smile.
"I’ve caused you a lot of trouble, Itsuki."
"Yeah... I’m remembering when you were disguised as a gyaru."
"P-Please forget that part...!!"
She turned bright red. I actually thought it suited her, but I decided to keep that to myself.
"Lunch break is almost over, so let me give you some quick feedback."
Narika’s expression immediately became serious.
"You were looking down occasionally, so try to keep your eyes on the audience more. And while I appreciate you sticking to the time, don't be afraid to give the audience a moment to breathe. The part where you admitted you aren't good with people would be a perfect place for a brief pause."
"Understood....Thank you. You really were watching closely."
"Yeah. I’m an amateur at this too, so it’s mostly trial and error."
However, when it came to the platform itself, I could offer more concrete advice based on what I’d learned about consulting during the Management Game. Explaining a campaign promise was essentially a business presentation.
"We need to flesh out the details of the Salons. Where exactly they’ll be, the scale, whether food and drink are allowed, the hours of operation... we should explain it in a way that gets people excited."
"Right....Actually, I thought more people might show up, so I delayed the start slightly. That’s why I had to cut some of the details."
"It was a judgment call. I went to Tennoji-san’s speech first today, but I’ll be at yours first tomorrow. We can refine it together then."
I hadn't been there at the start, so I couldn't say if her choice was right, but it had clearly resulted in a large crowd.
"Itsuki, what about after school...?"
"I’m going to scout the third candidate as planned. I’ve already arranged for others to handle the flyer distribution for both of you."
Suminoe-san would be with Tennoji-san, and Kita would be with Narika. I needed to share my feedback with them as well. I planned to do that during the next break so I could head straight out after school.
On the way back to the classroom, I saw the posters again. Beyond Mirei’s and Narika’s, there was one more.
The third candidate: Ren Joto.
The Election Bulletin had mentioned he was the son of a prominent politician.
After school, I headed toward the school gates and found a massive crowd already gathered.
(...This is the place.)
According to the flyer, this was Ren Joto’s speech location. The turnout was huge. Unlike lunch break, students had plenty of time now, but even so, the crowd was significantly larger than the ones for Tennoji-san or Narika.
It was a brilliant location. Anyone leaving for the day had to pass by.
Locations were first-come, first-served based on when the candidates applied to the faculty. We had been too slow, and the prime spot at the gates had been taken. Today was the day student interest was highest; I really wished I could have secured this spot for my clients. If I hadn't been so busy agonizing over which side to take, maybe I could have... but there was no use dwelling on it.
I took a deep breath. My job was to make up for it elsewhere.
I merged into the crowd and reviewed what I knew about Ren Joto.
Class 2-E. Eldest son of a heavy-hitting political family. His grandfather was the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry who had attended the Management Game opening ceremony, and his father was also in politics. Based on his background alone, he sounded like a sharp operator.
Yet, despite that pedigree, I hadn't heard much about him from my peers.
To get a better sense of him, I pushed toward the front. That’s when I saw a familiar small figure.
"Oh, Asahi-san?"
"Eh? Tomonari-kun?"
Asahi-san turned around, her eyes widening in surprise.
"You’re here too."
"Y-Yeah....But what are you doing here? I thought Tennoji-san and Miyakojima-san’s speeches were starting now."
"I left those to others so I could scout the competition."
"I-I see..."
Asahi-san seemed a bit off. Usually, she was very energetic, but right now she seemed almost... suspicious?
"It’s a big crowd. Though I don't see many people I know..."
"...That’s probably because most of the people here are first-years," Asahi-san said, surveying the audience.
I wondered why the audience was so skewed toward first-years. Joto’s platform didn't seem particularly targeted at them. In fact, his platform was... unorthodox for anyone at this academy.
"I went to see Tennoji-san’s speech at lunch. It was really good. You wrote the script, didn't you? It was very easy to follow."
"Thanks. You should have said something if you were there."
"I didn't want to get in the way. Taisho-kun went to see Miyakojima-san’s, and he said the same thing."
"I appreciate that."
As we talked, Asahi-san seemed to return to her usual self. It was good to know my friends were supporting my clients, even from a distance.
"Tomonari-kun... is being a Vice President Candidate really hard?"
"It is. I think it would be tough even if I were only supporting one person."
"...Right. I suppose it would be."
Asahi-san went quiet again. Something was definitely bothering her.
"Thank you all for gathering here today."
A voice rang out, and we looked toward the front. He was using a microphone and speakers.
"I am Ren Joto, and I am running for Student Council President."
A boy with somewhat long, messy hair stood on the platform. This was the rival—Ren Joto.
"The platform I am proposing is—"
Joto gripped the microphone and made his declaration to the crowd.
"—The Commoner-ization of Kikou Academy."
After Ren Joto’s speech ended.
"...Phew."
I let out a long breath. The students around me were doing the same. Whether it was out of admiration, exhaustion, confusion, or disgust, there was no doubt every person there had been shaken by what they had heard. Joto’s argument was a bombshell.
"That was... something," Asahi-san murmured.
"Yeah."
We both stood there for a while, dazed, even as the crowd began to disperse.
"...Could you help me organize my thoughts for a second?" I asked.
"Sure, if I can help."
I started listing the points.
"First, Joto-kun’s platform: the Commoner-ization of Kikou Academy."
Asahi-san nodded.
"The core problem he identified: the ignorance of the world among the students here."
She nodded again.
"It felt like a punch to the gut....He’s saying we won't survive in the real world."
Joto hadn't said we were completely useless. His exact words were that Kikou Academy students are so out of touch that they often end up becoming a burden to commoners once they enter society. To the students here, those were incredibly harsh words.
"He even brought up specific incidents. A graduate who treated their subordinates like servants and got fired for power harassment..."
"I was shocked by that. I’d never heard that story before....But if it was in the papers, I guess it’s true."
Joto had held up a newspaper clipping as proof and left it on the podium for anyone to check. I planned to look it up when I got back to the manor. He argued that the root cause of such behavior was the education system at Kikou Academy. Whether that was a stretch was debatable, but what mattered was how persuasive he was.
His solutions were equally bold.
"To fix our ignorance, he wants to immerse us in commoner culture. Club activities, vocational training, and..."
"...Removing 'lineage' from the entrance requirements," I finished.
In short, his platform was: Do what commoners do so you can understand how commoners feel.
(...This is bad.)
As an assistant to Mirei and Narika, I shouldn't have been thinking this, but I couldn't help it.
Ren Joto’s argument... actually made sense. Somewhere deep down, I found his platform remarkably reasonable. That was undoubtedly because I was a commoner myself. I remembered every shock I’d felt coming here—the warped sense of money, the assumption of servants. Joto’s words hit me harder than they hit anyone else.
"Asahi-san, have you heard much about Joto-kun before?"
"Like what?"
"Like rumors of him being exceptionally gifted, the way people talk about Hinako or Mirei or Narika."
"Hmm, no, I don't think I’ve heard anything like that."
Asahi-san had a lot of friends. If she hadn't heard anything, he likely wasn't a prominent figure. I looked back at the boy who had just finished speaking.
(...He was surprisingly forgettable.)
His voice hadn't been particularly powerful, and his expression hadn't carried the same intensity as Mirei’s or Narika’s. He had spoken matter-of-factly. To be honest, I hadn't felt the same sense of conviction from him.
"In terms of charisma, he doesn't quite match up to Tennoji-san," Asahi-san said, echoing my thoughts.
"Maybe not. But with a bombshell platform like that, he’s going to be just as much a topic of conversation as they are."
"Yeah, I think so too. I mean, his platform really does have a point—"
"—Are you planning to treat this as if it has nothing to do with you?"
A male student I didn't recognize cut across Asahi-san’s words.
I tilted my head, looking at the newcomer. He had hair parted down the middle and silver-rimmed glasses that gave him an intellectual air. He was slim and a bit shorter than me.
He was glaring at Asahi-san.
"This might be the first time we’ve spoken within the academy," he said.
"...I suppose it is."
"You’re as cowardly as ever. Are you really going to pretend you’re just a bystander?"
"I’m not trying to..."
As Asahi-san looked away, the boy sighed. Then he turned his attention to me.
"You’re Itsuki Tomonari-senpai, correct? I’ve heard the rumors."
"Er, yes..."
What rumors?
"Nice to meet you. I am Rintaro Asahi, acting as Joto-senpai’s assistant."
He offered his hand.
"As a fellow Vice President Candidate, I look forward to working with you."
I took his hand. He gave a thin, quiet smile.
As I watched him turn and walk away, I remembered what Taisho had said—that the other VP candidate was a first-year.
But more than that, I was looking at Asahi-san’s troubled face.
"...Asahi-san, is he...?"
Asahi-san nodded awkwardly.
"Rintaro Asahi....He’s my younger brother."