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The following Saturday.
The usual group had gathered in the drawing room of the Konohana manor.
"—And so!"
Seeing the tea for the group finally served on the table, Tennoji-san beamed with delight.
"Today, we are holding our Tea Party at Hinako Konohana's manor! Oho-ho-ho!"
"T-Thank you for having us!"
"Yeah!"
"Alright!"
Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho each wore bright, enthusiastic smiles.
"Everyone, please make yourselves at home," Hinako added with a gentle smile.
Taisho and Asahi-san were captivated by her graceful movements. I expected Tennoji-san to get jealous, but for today, she remained in a jovial mood.
"I am grateful to Hinako Konohana for providing the venue for this Tea Party. And... I must once again thank Tomonari-san for planning this."
As Tennoji-san spoke, everyone broke into applause.
"No, really... you're exaggerating."
It truly was an exaggeration, but I felt that organizing this had been the right call.
The reason we were holding the Tea Party at the Konohana manor was to prevent any negative impact on our election campaigns.
The members gathered here, myself included, were known throughout the academy by the somewhat embarrassing group name "The Noble Tea Party." The name literally came from the tea parties we held regularly, but I had concerns about continuing them during the election period.
If Tennoji-san and Narika—who were supposed to be rivals in the election—were seen being friendly at a tea party, they would be suspected of collusion.
Are those two actually working together behind the scenes? If rumors like that spread, it would undoubtedly hurt both of their approval ratings. That was why we had initially discussed refraining from these gatherings until the election was over.
However, to be honest, campaigning is grueling. I felt that if we kept pushing forward while distancing ourselves from our friends, we would end up mentally exhausted, which would have a negative impact on the campaign anyway. It would be putting the cart before the horse to skip the tea parties for the sake of the election only for that to happen.
I wanted Tennoji-san and Narika to be in the best possible condition during the election... and besides, Asahi-san, Taisho, and Hinako had all looked quite lonely when the idea of skipping the gatherings came up.
In that case, I thought it should be permissible as long as we held them in secret like this.
The only issue was the eyes of those around us; there wasn't a shred of possibility that Tennoji-san and Narika would actually enter a collusive relationship. Both of them possessed fair and upright hearts, and they would never dream of teaming up to undermine Joto.
Both of them had that much common sense. In fact, they were far more cautious and careful than the average person.
"I’m still not entirely sure if this was the right decision... but Tennoji-san did scold me during the Management Game, saying I shouldn't push myself too hard. I think we all need a breather. Let's consider this allowed."
"Fufu... it seems my scolding was worth it."
Tennoji-san sipped her tea with a smug look.
I felt like we were only just now realizing the distress that comes from friends who usually hang out together running in the same election.
One way or another, we all found a sense of belonging in this Tea Party. To get through these tumultuous thirteen days, I wanted to preserve this sanctuary.
(Asahi-san... she seems like her usual self.)
For now, Asahi-san wore her usual bright expression.
In the end, I hadn't been able to ask her anything about her brother. I was curious, but the atmosphere warned me not to intrude thoughtlessly.
"But seriously, with this election... honestly, you're in the most complicated position, Tomonari," Taisho said, looking at me.
"Assisting two people at once—is there anything you have to be careful about? For instance, information you tell one side but keep secret from the other..."
"No, nothing like that specifically."
I shook my head at Asahi-san's question.
"I checked with our homeroom teacher just in case, but apparently, the trend of one Vice President Candidate assisting one Student Council President Candidate is just a custom. There are no explicit rules, and I was told I could do whatever I wanted. So, I intend to focus solely on maximizing the performance of both. Therefore, I think there will be times when I share the know-how I gained from one with the other."
"Well, thinking about it logically, there's nothing wrong with that. In terms of managing group companies, it's just like keeping the non-disclosure agreements of each company while sharing information that seems useful for all the others, right?"
"Exactly."
The fact that a business analogy like management came up proved that Taisho was indeed a student of Kikou Academy. Well, I frequently use consultant analogies myself, so I suppose I've become more like a student of Kikou Academy as well.
"Since only one person can become President anyway, there's no way to collude."
If this were a battle where we were aiming to take all of several equal posts, that would be one thing, but Tennoji-san and Narika were both aiming for the single seat of the President. No matter what, it would end in a competition for it.
That was all I meant to say... but for a moment, the air between Tennoji-san and Narika grew sharp with tension.
Shoot. Did I create a strange atmosphere?
"Fufu."
Tennoji-san laughed as if amused.
"There is no need to feel awkward. Being irreplaceable friends and being rivals who don't want to lose are perfectly compatible."
"Tennoji-san is right. I want to treasure our usual relationship so that we can have a fair and refreshing competition."
The two girls themselves remained dignified, leaving my anxieties behind.
Only one person wins in the end. It seemed the two of them had faced that reality long ago.
Seeing their composure, the rest of us let out sighs of relief.
"Miyakojima-san, you've changed."
"Thank you. Hearing you say that gives me confidence, Tennoji-san."
"Oh dear, it seems I've gone and aided my rival."
Even the members of the Tea Party acknowledged Narika's transformation.
In an exchange like that, the old Narika would have likely asked back, "R-Really?" with a lack of confidence. This was proof that her successful experiences were stacking up, and confidence was gradually taking root within her.
After taking a sip of tea, Tennoji-san looked toward Hinako.
"Hinako Konohana! I am also your rival, but for now, I shall focus on Miyakojima-san! You may feel lonely, but please forgive me!"
"Yes, I forgive you completely," Hinako said with a serene smile.
It was a smile that practically screamed she'd prefer if it stayed that way forever.
"By the way, does everyone know about Joto-kun's campaign promises?"
"That is something I also wished to discuss."
Tennoji-san responded to my question.
"I believe everyone feels the same way deep down... but I felt there was some merit to his opinion."
Everyone nodded.
"Especially you three—Miyakojima-san, Asahi-san, and Taisho-san—wouldn't you agree?"
"Yeah. Our families are B2C, after all."
Narika nodded with a solemn expression.
B2C stands for Business to Consumer. It refers to a business model where a company sells goods to general consumers. Jays Holdings, run by Asahi-san's family, sells manufactured appliances to general consumers, and Taisho Moving, run by Taisho's family, provides moving services to general consumers, so they both fall under B2C. Narika's family business, Shimax Co., Ltd., is the same, as they sell sporting goods to general consumers.
Conversely, for example, the general trading companies or heavy industry manufacturers within the Konohana Group are Business to Business—meaning a business model where a company sells to other companies, which is called B2B. Horizon Inc., which I visited during the Management Game, was also B2B because they specialized in developing software for corporations.
Generally, B2B tends to involve larger sums of money. This is natural, as a company's budget is larger than a general consumer's wallet. While there are several companies that buy rockets, there are very few individual customers looking to buy one.
However, in return, B2C is by far closer to the general consumer. They are constantly thinking about general consumers as they manufacture and sell their products. B2C is a business model that cannot exist without a general consumer's perspective.
That was what Tennoji-san meant.
Those whose families are in B2C are relatively more familiar with commoner culture, even among the students of Kikou Academy. That is precisely why Joto's opinion must have struck a chord with them.
"Honestly, there have been many times I've felt a gap with the society outside. My family sells sporting goods to Kikou Academy as well, but the prices are clearly different compared to products for other schools. For better or worse, there's no doubt that Kikou Academy is special."
"I went on a company trip this summer... and the way everyone treated me was a bit too nice at first. I thought they were just being stiff because I'm the president's son, but thinking back on it now, I feel like they were worried because they thought I was sheltered."
Narika and Taisho each mentioned things they had noticed.
However—none of them knew.
That I, having lived in actual commoner society, felt a staggering gap even with people like Narika and Taisho.
I still remember when a day trip abroad was suggested for the transfer student's welcome party.
The gap is even larger than everyone thinks.
Once I had confirmed everyone's thoughts on the Commoner-ization of Kikou Academy, I brought up another matter that was on my mind.
"Does anyone know anything about Joto-kun?"
"We were in the same class last year," Tennoji-san said, looking me in the eye.
It seemed I was finally about to learn about the person named Joto.
"Joto-san was... a mysterious person."
Tennoji-san spoke while recalling the events of a year ago.
"He originally had quite excellent grades. Until the second semester of our first year, he was on par with myself and Hinako Konohana. Isn't that right?"
Hinako, being watched by Tennoji-san, nodded.
"Yes. I have never spoken to him directly, but I remember our grades being close. He was exceptionally gifted in political science, and at the time, my father often told me to follow his example."
He was that amazing?
Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho were all surprised to hear this.
He was someone Kegon-san told Hinako to emulate. He must have produced incredibly superior results. As far as I knew, the only other person Kegon-san had told Hinako to follow was Narika.
It seemed political science was as much of a specialty for Joto as sports were for Narika.
He was someone who possessed something even Hinako—the "perfect lady," even if it was just a facade—couldn't quite reach.
"But that was only until the second semester."
Tennoji-san nodded at Hinako's words.
"From the third semester of our first year onwards, Joto-san's grades dropped sharply. His demeanor in the classroom also changed completely from his previously ambitious aura; he became quiet, as if he had burned out."
From what I heard, it was quite a drastic change.
Had he felt the limit of maintaining high grades? I was struggling just to improve my own, but reaching the level of Hinako and the others would require a staggering amount of effort.
"That is why I was surprised to learn he was running in the election. I wondered if he'd had a change of heart and had regained his old motivation. Furthermore, given that promise... and considering his family. I felt he possessed an extraordinary amount of courage."
"His family...?"
Was there something about Joto's family?
"His lineage emphasizes tradition. His father is an extremely conservative politician, famous for a style that thoroughly avoids making waves."
Politicians already have to be careful about scandals and the like, but for her to say that much, he must be an exceptionally risk-averse type even among politicians.
"Coming from a family that is old-fashioned, strict, and values tradition, I felt that Joto-san must have some kind of resolve to put forward such a flashy slogan... however..."
Tennoji-san looked at me.
Since I had heard the speech, I shared my impression of Joto based on what she'd just said.
"Honestly, he didn't give off that kind of vibe. It was more like he was just being detached."
I looked toward Asahi-san, and she gave a light nod of agreement.
It seemed Asahi-san felt the same way.
Was Joto also facing the election while carrying a variety of burdens?
"By the way, Itsuki, I heard a rumor that the other Vice President Candidate is a first-year. I heard he's assisting Joto-kun, but have you met him yet?" Narika asked, looking at me.
"Yeah. The second Vice President Candidate was Asahi-san's younger brother."
"Eh!? R-Really!?"
Not only Narika, but everyone was surprised.
"So you had a brother."
"Ahaha... well, yeah."
Asahi-san gave a wry smile and took a sip of tea.
"What's he like? Is he bright and cheerful like Asahi?"
To Taisho, who showed his curiosity, Asahi-san thought for a moment before answering.
"In many ways, he's the total opposite of me. He's not exactly 'bright,' but he's smart, calm, and feels like a very capable younger brother. Also... he's a bit on the ambitious side."
"Oh... ambition is good. He sounds like a worthy opponent."
Tennoji-san's competitive spirit was ignited.
For Tennoji-san, her rivals were Narika and Joto, but since the one supporting Joto was Asahi-san's brother, they were also in competition.
At that moment, there was a knock on the drawing room door.
"The sweets are baked, so I brought them over."
Yuri, along with Shizune, brought in freshly baked treats.
Cookies and financiers were lined up on a luxurious, European-style cafe wagon. At the drifting scent of butter, I almost started drooling.
"Ms. Hirano, would you like to join us if you'd like?"
"Eh? But wouldn't I be in the way?"
At Tennoji-san's invitation, Yuri looked toward me hesitantly.
Meeting Yuri's gaze, which seemed to be asking for my opinion just in case, I thought for a moment.
"Actually, it might be perfect timing. We were just talking about the Commoner-ization of Kikou Academy."
"Commoner-ization...?"
Since the opportunity was there, I decided to hear the views of a Commoner other than myself.
Together with Yuri, who sat down with a puzzled look, we continued our discussion regarding Joto's campaign promises.
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