“Man, that was great!”
“The sweets were so good, I think I ate a bit too much.”
It was 6:00 PM. Now that the tea party had concluded, we had made our way to the entrance of the manor. Taisho laughed cheerfully while Asahi-san lightly rubbed her stomach as they walked through the garden toward the gate.
“Oh, you’re not heading home yet, Tomonari-kun?”
“Um, it seems my ride is going to be a little late...”
Several cars were lined up in front of the manor gates, but when Taisho saw that I wasn’t getting into any of them, he tilted his head in confusion. Satisfied with my answer, Taisho climbed into his car, and the others followed suit one by one.
“Hinako Konohana! I would be delighted if you would allow me to host the next tea party at my home!”
“Yes, I shall take it into consideration.”
It looked like the next tea party would be held at Tennoji-san’s place.
“Itsuki, please give my thanks to Hirano-san again.”
“Will do.”
Narika expressed her gratitude toward Yuri, who wasn't present at the moment. Presumably, it was for the sweets... and for her various insights.
By the way, having Yuri participate in the tea party had made our discussion much more meaningful, just as I’d expected. As it turned out, Yuri shared my view: even if their families ran BtoC businesses, the students of Kikou Academy still weren’t accustomed to a commoner’s sensibilities. Tennoji-san had tried to offer a bit of resistance at one point, asking, “Are we truly that out of touch?” but the moment Yuri curled her index and middle fingers to demonstrate how to hold a tool, saying, “Most people don’t hold a peeler like this,” the matter was settled. It reminded me of our barbecue at the beach during summer vacation. Both Yuri and I had vivid memories of the Young Ladies' complete lack of culinary knowledge.
I saw Narika, Tennoji-san, and Asahi-san off as they drove away. Then, Taisho stepped out of his car and walked back toward me.
“Taisho-kun, did you forget something?”
“I only pretended so I’d have an excuse to double back.”
“Pretended?”
I had made sure no one left anything behind when we exited the drawing room, so I found it strange, but hearing that he was only faking it made me even more curious.
“Tomonari, you talked to Asahi’s younger brother, right?”
“Yeah.”
When I nodded, Taisho chose his words carefully before speaking.
“...Keep an eye on Asahi for me.” Taisho continued with a serious expression. “It seems like those two aren’t on the best of terms.”
“...What do you mean?”
“Well, I don’t know the details. But Asahi and I live fairly close to each other, so we occasionally head home together. I’ve ended up hearing her talk about her brother a few times.”
Come to think of it, Taisho was the first one to ask about the brother’s personality during the tea party earlier. He must have been trying to see if he could gather information discreetly.
“I don’t know what happened, but it sounds like they’re having a pretty heavy sibling fallout. I’m sure you’ll be fine, Tomonari, but just be delicate about it.”
“...I understand.”
That seemed to be his only business, as Taisho returned to his car. As a rival aiming for the Vice President position, I had hoped to hear more about Rintaro from Asahi-san if possible, but given the circumstances, it seemed better to be cautious.
(A sibling spat... Is that why Asahi-san seemed off at times?)
Looking back, Asahi-san did seem to get a bit awkward whenever the topic of family came up. Actually, I’d felt a similar sense of hesitation from her back when the Management Game had just started. If I recalled correctly, it was when we were all announcing our Start Positions.
When she heard that I was starting a business from scratch, Asahi-san had been surprised, saying, “Even if you think about it in your head, it’s not something you can just do!”
Judging by the way she said it, I wondered if Asahi-san had thought about doing something similar herself. So, I had asked her directly...
——Are you thinking of doing something similar, Asahi-san?
——...Well, let's put me aside for now!
I still remembered how obviously she’d dodged the question. At that time, the conversation hadn’t just been about the Management Game, but also about family policies. Thinking about it now, I felt like Asahi-san had been hiding something and keeping us at arm’s length since then.
“Itsuki... were you talking about something?”
“...No, just idle chat.”
Hinako, who had been standing a short distance away, was curious about my conversation with Taisho, but remembering his serious expression, I decided to keep the matter to myself for now.
Now that Taisho was gone, Hinako let her guard down and let out a big yawn.
“Thanks for joining us today. It’s a day off; you probably wanted to just relax, right?”
“No... I like tea parties with everyone, too.”
In front of these people whom she was always with, Hinako seemed able to behave more naturally compared to others. She couldn't drop her act entirely, but it was likely a place where she could relax in her own way.
“But... I’m getting sleepy.”
It seemed she couldn’t win against the Sandman. The usual Hinako would spend all of Saturday and Sunday lazing around, so she had been quite active today.
“I’ll take you to your room.”
I led Hinako to her room as she nodded with her usual “Nn.” Afterward, I returned to the drawing room we had used for the tea party.
“Oh, Itsuki. I’ve already started cleaning up.”
“Ah, sorry. I’ll help too.”
I joined Yuri in cleaning up after the tea party.
“Narika was grateful. Probably for the sweets and the opinions.”
“The sweets aside, my opinions weren’t exactly deeply thought out enough to deserve gratitude.”
“For students of Kikou Academy, just interacting with commoners like us is a precious experience.”
I began loading cups and saucers onto a wagon. I was technically exempt from this kind of work during the election period, but I felt restless if I didn't clean up after myself, so I was helping of my own accord. Plus, I felt bad making Yuri do it all by herself—even though I knew she wouldn’t mind at all.
“You’ve got it rough. No sooner is the Management Game over than you’re doing the Student Council Election?”
“Tell me about it. And there’s the school festival after the election is over.”
“You really are busy....Can I go to the Kikou Academy school festival too?”
“It’s by invitation only, I think, so you can come if I invite you.”
“Then invite me. I want to see what you’re like when you’re actually at the academy.”
Being told that made me feel kind of nervous... As I folded the tablecloth, Yuri laid out a fresh one in its place.
“By the way, you were scouted at that Konohana Group social gathering the other day, right? What happened with that in the end?”
“Oh, that. We negotiated a lot, but we settled on putting it on hold for now.”
“Is that so?...Hearing that makes it feel like a bit of a waste.”
“They offered various alternatives, like working as a live-in at a Japanese branch. But when I actually saw the workplace... Honestly, the standards at the Konohana manor were higher. I suppose it would be different at the overseas headquarters, though.”
“Ah...”
Well, I had suspected that might be the case. The food served in this manor really was delicious...
Putting it on hold meant the connection remained. Thinking about it that way, it might be the best choice for Yuri right now. When she eventually decided to seriously expand her family restaurant nationwide, that connection could be useful in many ways. Now that I’d studied management, I could understand that.
“...Hey. Tell me more about what you’re doing now.” Having finished replacing the tablecloth, Yuri spoke somewhat hesitantly.
“What’s this? You’re awfully interested today.”
“It’s nothing... I just thought I wanted to move forward too.”
“Forward?”
As I tilted my head, Yuri’s cheeks flushed as she stared at me.
“I realized I want to know more about the world you live in.”
I hadn't expected her to show such direct interest, and I found myself stiffening slightly. Her unusual behavior caused my heart to waver.
“S-Sure. Then first...”
Feigning composure, I explained the work I had been doing as a Vice President Candidate. Seeing Yuri listen with interest the whole time made me start enjoying myself too, and we didn't run out of things to talk about until we were finished cleaning the drawing room.
◆
Monday morning at Kikou Academy.
I picked up the distributed Election Bulletin and my face cramped up when I saw the contents.
(Man... they’re really stirring the pot.)
——Conservative Faction VS Reformist Faction.
The front page of the bulletin started with that headline. Since the presidential candidates had begun their speeches, the battle for support was in full swing. Perhaps to make the struggle easier to understand, the Election Bulletin—produced by the former Student Council members—divided the three presidential candidates into two groups, Conservative and Reformist, presenting it as a conflict.
Tennoji-san and Narika, whom I was assisting, were the Conservatives who sought to open a new path while maintaining the traditional atmosphere of Kikou Academy. On the other hand, Joto and his group were the Reformists who wanted to tear down the current Kikou Academy and rebuild it with a new set of values.
I didn't think Tennoji-san or Narika were actually that skewed toward conservatism. After all, if their campaign promises were realized, there would be new events and facilities that didn’t exist at the current academy. However, compared to Joto’s platform, it was inevitable they’d be called conservatives. It wasn't so much that we were conservative, but that their ideas were far too radical.
Of course, that boldness had its downsides. The support ratings were almost the same as before, with Tennoji-san and Narika each supported by 40% of the students. It seemed Joto’s platform was so radical that many students hadn't been able to get on board yet.
After finishing my quick read of the bulletin, I knocked on the door to the faculty office.
“Excuse me. Is Ms. Fukushima here?”
“Oh, Tomonari-kun. What is it?”
Ms. Fukushima, who had been doing paperwork, turned around at the sound of my voice. I approached Ms. Fukushima’s desk and explained my business.
“I’m here to apply for the microphones we’ll be using for the speeches. Two of them, please.”
“It seems you didn’t end up using them last time, but will you be using them today?”
“We haven’t decided for certain that we'll use them, but I thought it best to have them ready....I used to think speaking with one's own voice would make a better impression, but I realized I need to pay as much attention to clarity as I do to the impression we make.”
“I see. It certainly is hard to make your voice carry when there’s a large crowd.”
Exactly. No matter how much you try to make a good impression, it means nothing if your words don’t reach people. I decided that using a microphone depending on the size of the audience was a viable option going forward.
“Application accepted. Good luck.”
“Thank you very much.”
I thanked her and left the faculty office. The microphones should be ready for use by lunch break now.
“Tomonari-senpai.”
A voice called out from behind me. Turning around, I saw a junior with silver-rimmed glasses looking at me.
“Asahi-san’s...”
“Rintaro is fine, since it would be confusing otherwise. And there’s no need for honorifics.”
Calling him “Asahi-san’s younger brother” every time was a hassle, so I appreciated the offer. Names aside, though, I wondered what to do about the honorifics...
Originally, my way of speaking had been something I’d adopted so that my presence by Hinako’s side as her caretaker wouldn't seem unnatural... but lately, I felt like I was past that stage. I wanted to be by Hinako’s side because of my actual achievements, not a facade. Besides, my formal way of speaking had already crumbled the moment I’d run into Narika.
“...All right.”
I suppose it’s fine to use my natural way of speaking with underclassmen. I’d been at Kikou Academy for quite some time now. It might be time to reconsider the rules for being a caretaker. I should consult Shizune about it sometime.
“So you decided to use microphones. Did you change your mind after seeing our speech?”
“...Yeah.”
That was exactly it. Seeing Joto give his speech using a microphone after school on Friday had made me more open to the idea. A voice amplified by a microphone reaches not only the intended audience but also the ears of those who happen to be passing by. In other words, depending on the volume of the speech, you can draw in passersby who wouldn't have been part of the audience otherwise. In fact, during Joto’s speech on Friday, I saw quite a few students who clearly intended to head home stop by to listen.
“As I thought. Your way of thinking... you really are the person I took you for.”
Rintaro praised me with a slight smile. I didn't think it was something that deserved that much credit... but Rintaro seemed to truly find my actions wonderful. Since I was essentially copying his technique, even if it was a small thing, it wouldn't have been surprising if he’d looked annoyed...
“If you’re going to use microphones, you should also be careful about the placement of the speakers. The speakers at this academy have short cables, so there are limits to where and in what direction they can be placed. You should definitely do a rehearsal.”
“...Thanks. You’re quite knowledgeable about equipment.”
“Well, my family runs a home electronics retailer, after all.”
While that certainly played a part, the fact that he’d finished all his checks by the first day of speeches was proof that he’d used his imagination to anticipate potential problems with speaker placement. He wasn’t just reacting to problems as they arose; he was preventing them.
He was a first-year running for Vice President. I’d figured he must have a lot of confidence in himself, but his high level of competence made perfect sense. He wasn't someone to be underestimated... but at the same time, he was someone who somehow kept me off-balance.
We were rivals, after a fashion. So why was he giving me such straightforward advice?...Maybe I just had a cynical heart.
“There’s still time before classes start....Tomonari-senpai. Do you have a moment? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.”
I considered his sudden proposal. I’d made it a point to arrive at school early during the election period, so there was still half an hour before class started. I’d planned to spend the rest of the time handing out flyers on the school grounds, but it would be a waste to pass up a chance to learn more about Joto’s camp....I felt a bit bad, but maybe I could ask Kita or Suminoe-san to help with the flyers again. Those two seemed like they’d be happy to help, though.
“All right.”
When I accepted the invitation, Rintaro gave a refreshing smile.
◆
We moved to the café and sat across from each other.
“So, what is it you wanted to talk about?”
Rintaro didn't even glance at the cup brought to the table as he looked at me.
“It feels more natural for you not to use honorifics, Tomonari-senpai. It feels like you’re being yourself.”
“...Should I say thank you?”
“If anything, I meant it as a compliment.”
Well, it is more natural...
“The way you are now, Tomonari-senpai, makes you seem like the 'normal student' we’re aiming for.” With that, Rintaro looked me straight in the eye. “Tomonari-senpai. ——Why don’t you join our camp?”
“...Huh?”
“To put it simply, it’s a scouting offer. Let’s support Joto-senpai together with me.”
I stared at Rintaro in silence as he took a sip of his coffee. Many questions sprang to mind at the sudden scout, but the first thing I had to ask was...
“...Why me? Even if you need more people, I’m your rival, Rintaro. And I’m in a different camp from Joto-kun.”
“There are several reasons.” Rintaro placed his cup back on the saucer. “For one, I simply recognize your skill, Tomonari-senpai. It’s certainly no easy task to serve as the assistant for both Tennoji-senpai and Miyakojima-senpai at the same time. Beyond your professional ability, I also highly value the character that has earned you their trust.”
“...It’s only the third day of the election period, you know.”
“What I’m looking at is everything you’ve built up until now, Tomonari-senpai....It seems you played a major role in the Management Game.”
Apparently, the underclassmen knew about the results of the Management Game as well. So he was evaluating me based on all my past achievements. That in itself was an honor.
“But the Management Game and the election are different, right? For me to join that camp, I’d first have to sympathize with Joto-kun’s ideas——”
“Yes, exactly! That is actually the biggest reason I chose you, Tomonari-senpai!” Rintaro spoke with excitement. “Tomonari-senpai. Don’t you think Kikou Academy is warped?” Rintaro pointed to the cup in front of him. “This teacup and saucer cost a hundred thousand yen. Most of the tea sets used in this café are around that price....Don’t you think that’s expensive?”
“That’s...”
“You do think it’s expensive, don’t you? As a transfer student, Tomonari-senpai.”
From the way he said it, I could guess Rintaro’s line of thinking. I see... the biggest reason Rintaro scouted me was because he assumed that, as a transfer student, I’d feel a sense of wrongness in the environment of Kikou Academy.
“Weren’t you surprised by the environment of this academy when you first transferred here, Tomonari-senpai?”
“...To be honest, I was very surprised.”
“Right. Which means we share the same awareness of the problem.” Perhaps because things were unfolding as he’d hoped, Rintaro became even more talkative. “Who we’re looking at is the Tomonari-senpai who had just transferred to this academy....At that time, you must have felt a sense of wrongness at its warped nature, but now you’ve been forced to adapt. But what will that adaptation produce? Won’t you start to suffer from the illusion that a life where you spend a hundred thousand yen on a tea set is normal? Is it really okay to send people with such biased values out into society?”
Rintaro stood up in his excitement.
“When you first transferred, you must have really thought this. ——This is crazy! This is wrong! This academy is out of its mind!”
“............I won’t deny it.”
“I knew it! Ah, I knew you’d understand!”
It was true that I’d felt like I was going to lose my mind when I first came to this academy. However, there was one thing that bothered me....There was a nuance in Rintaro’s words that sounded like he was looking down on Kikou Academy.
“There are other reasons I reached out to you, Tomonari-senpai.” Rintaro said as he sat back down. “You have qualities that aren't very typical of a Kikou Academy student, in a good way.”
My heart skipped a beat for a second. As someone who was at this academy while hiding his true identity—his social status—it was a comment that made me break into a cold sweat. Since he’d said “in a good way,” I knew he didn't doubt my status, but still...
“For example, the way you learn from others....Students at this academy have a lot of pride and rarely think to imitate someone else. Everyone unconsciously possesses the self-confidence that they are the ones to be imitated. But you don't hesitate to use others as a reference, Tomonari-senpai. As if you’ve always been that way....We believe that kind of weed-like resilience is necessary for society from here on out.”
“...Well, thanks.”
In reality, I had experienced the incredible hardship of my parents running away in the middle of the night, so more than being happy about being praised for my weed-like resilience, I just found it easy to agree with. I’d thought it strange that he’d praised me so much just for using a microphone, but it seemed what Rintaro was actually praising was the fact that I’d observed someone else’s actions and learned from them.
“On top of that—or perhaps because of it—your humble attitude is also wonderful. You’ve surely already been active in this election campaign, Tomonari-senpai, but you haven't let it go to your head. You behave as though it's all the presidential candidates' doing.”
“That’s because it actually is.”
“And it’s not just that you’re forced to say that because you’re in a position where you have to make the president win, right? In your case, Tomonari-senpai, it’s charming that those words come from the heart.”
What was this? Why was Rintaro flattering me so much?
“Does it have something to do with the content of the campaign promises?”
“Somewhat. The candidates themselves decided on the basic promises, but I’ve offered a few ideas.”
“Oh, what kind?”
Was he trying to inflate my ego to draw out information? Unfortunately for him, being flattered wasn't going to make me spill anything. In fact, as long as I was at this academy, surrounded by so many amazing people, there was no way I was going to let anything go to my head, not now or ever.
Still, there was no harm in answering this question.
“I’m planning to talk about it in the next speech, but for Tennoji-san’s platform, for instance, I suggested it might be a good idea to have a dress code seminar. Dress codes change subtly depending on the level of the social circle, so I thought there’d be a demand for it.”
“That’s a good idea. Especially for students like us; it can be hard to know what's appropriate to wear.”
Rintaro seemed genuinely impressed. I suppose I’d been overly suspicious.
“Let me ask a few questions from my side.”
“Of course. I’ll answer anything.”
I directed a question at Rintaro, who seemed to have opened his heart completely.
“First, why did you think Kikou Academy was warped, Rintaro? Your family is also quite wealthy by general standards, isn’t it? Unlike me, a transfer student who knows other high schools, shouldn't it be strange for you not to be accustomed to this academy’s environment from the start?”
“As you know, my family runs a BtoC business. We have many opportunities to interact with ordinary people, so I was able to notice the wrongness....Well, I don't know what my sister thinks, though.”
...I decided not to touch on that last comment about Asahi-san for now. I was curious, but...
“The second question is kind of a follow-up... Do you have something you want to do by achieving the commoner-ization of Kikou Academy, which is Joto-kun’s promise?”
“Something I want to do?”
“Well, how do I put it... to my eyes, you look like you’re driven by something, Rintaro. I feel a kind of obsession, like you have to do this...”
Rintaro’s eyes widened in surprise.
“...You’re good at reading people’s emotions, Tomonari-senpai.”
I wished he wouldn't talk about me like I was Takuma-san.
“As you suspected, there is something I want to do....I want to start my own business in the future.”
“Start a business? Does that mean you won't be taking over your family’s business, Jays Holdings?”
“Yes. My sister will probably be the one to do that anyway.”
It seemed Rintaro’s situation was similar to Suminoe-san’s. Suminoe-san’s older brother was also the one destined to take over their family’s business, SIS. While Suminoe-san herself planned to work for the Tennoji Group in the future, Rintaro was apparently choosing to start a business rather than seek employment.
“Eventually, I intend to start a BtoC company that’s different from my family’s. For that reason, I want to properly study normal society while I'm still a student. That’s why I’m working on reforming Kikou Academy with Joto-senpai....I’m sure there are many people in this academy who, for the same reasons as me, actually want to learn more about normal society.”
He was participating in this election because he had something he wanted to do, and he believed there were many others who felt the same way. I felt a sense of goodwill toward the fact that he was choosing a path that would benefit not just himself, but others as well. It seemed he wasn't just pushing for reform out of pure selfishness.
“You also started from entrepreneurship in the Management Game, didn’t you, Tomonari-senpai? We can sympathize with that as well. You really aren't like a typical Kikou Academy student.”
I really wished he’d stop saying that, as it made me nervous in a bad way... though I’m sure Rintaro meant it as a compliment.
“The specific measures were club activities, work experience, and reforming admission requirements. Is there any basis for thinking each of those will be effective in reforming the academy?”
“Of course. There are few opportunities for collective action at this academy, so students will learn teamwork through club activities. They can learn how society works through work experience....And in order to make these reforms take hold as quickly as possible, we’ll remove family status from the admission requirements and invite commoners.”
Whether because he truly wanted to scout me or not, Rintaro spoke in detail about the core of their campaign promises. It was true that students at Kikou Academy, which lacked club activities, gave the impression of acting as individuals rather than in groups. There were exceptions like the Management Game, but basically, everyone was busy with family matters, so they didn't spend all their time with someone else at the academy.
That was precisely why the term "The Noble Tea Party" had been coined. Because the concept of a group was so thin at Kikou Academy to begin with, our gathering must have stood out. I’d thought the lack of groups was a strength in some ways. For example, it made it hard for a school caste system to form, so bullying was unlikely to happen. Plus, since everyone was improving their abilities as individuals, there was no atmosphere of idle socializing, creating an environment where everyone could push each other with a high level of awareness.
But I could also understand Rintaro’s point. My own feelings couldn't overturn the fact that “this isn't normal.”
“...If the goal is social study, wouldn't part-time jobs be better? Physical labor at a construction site might be difficult, but things like cram school tutoring or being a hotel porter seem like they’d suit the students of this academy.”
“...Haha. I knew it, you really should come over to our side, senpai.”
Crap, I gave him advice without thinking.
“W-Well, that was just a random thought...”
“No, I’ll make a note of it. I hadn’t thought of part-time jobs.” Rintaro quickly pulled a notepad from his bag and started writing with his pen. After he finished, Rintaro looked at me. “I’ll say it clearly since we’re here. I’m willing to give up the Vice President seat to you if you’ll join our camp.”
“..................What?”
“While I have a desire to correct the warped nature of this academy, I’m not that attached to the position of Vice President....What do you think? Won’t you come over to our side?”
That was likely the biggest card Rintaro could play. Since he’d made such a significant decision, I gave it serious thought in return. As an undeniable fact... the most certain way to achieve my goal of becoming Vice President was to take the hand stretched out before me.
The Vice President seat was being contested by me and Rintaro. So, if Rintaro promised to step down, I would obtain the Vice President seat without even waiting for the election. Once I was on the Kikou Academy Student Council, I could reach for my next goal.
Takuma-san had told me that if I wanted to become an executive in the Konohana Group, I should try to join the Kikou Academy Student Council if possible. Kagon-san had told me that he’d consider letting me into the deeper problems facing the Konohana family if I could get onto the Student Council.
If I became a Student Council officer, the view before me would likely change completely. After thinking that far—I ultimately decided to stick to my original intention.
“...Sorry.” I rejected the hand he’d reached out. “I think Joto-kun’s platform has a point. Everyone acknowledges that.”
“Then why...”
“You’re misunderstanding one thing, Rintaro.” I explained to the bewildered Rintaro. “It’s true that I felt a gap in values when I came to this academy. But I didn’t adapt because I was forced to. I adapted with everything I had because I thought this world was wonderful.”
I was still in the middle of trying to adapt even now. But I didn’t feel that the struggle was unreasonable. I thought it was something to be proud of.
“I know more about 'normal society' than you do, Rintaro. That’s why I can say for certain that there are many people in this academy who would never be born in normal society. That goes for Tennoji-san, Narika, and even Hinako Konohana. I don’t think they would emerge from normal society. It’s precisely because of this high-class learning environment that people like them are born.”
At first, I’d thought the environment of Kikou Academy was extreme. But lately, I’ve started to think that if you’re trying to polish a vessel that’s meant to stand above others, this might be just right. There is also the idea that interacting with the genuine article produces first-class people. In fact, I was only able to keep my own awareness high because I was surrounded by the environment of the Konohana manor and Kikou Academy. By wrapping myself in clothes that were so expensive they made my head spin, the desire to become a person worthy of them was born.
The phrase noblesse oblige fit perfectly. For better or worse, as those chosen by birth, they had to live to fulfill that responsibility. Normal society doesn't teach you the weight of that responsibility, nor how to deal with it. That’s why schools like Kikou Academy exist.
This was a place where the chosen could share the agonies unique to being chosen.
“This might sound a bit unpleasant, but normal society isn't something you can beautify that much. There are many lazy people, and many who are quick to fight. But as far as I know, there are none of those people in this academy. I think that’s an unbelievable miracle.”
I continued to speak to Rintaro, whose expression had hardened. Believing my words would reach him.
“The bias in values might be a problem. But after coming to this academy, learning things that can only be learned here, and seeing the noble people living within those teachings... I truly felt from the bottom of my heart that I wanted to live like that too.”
It wasn't a forced adaptation, but one born of a sincere desire to become like them. I am not a victim.
“So, I’m sorry. I can’t support Joto-kun with you, Rintaro.” After a slight bow of my head, I looked Rintaro straight in the eye. “I like the current Kikou Academy.”
I like Kikou Academy....Those words came out of my mouth so naturally it surprised even me. Realizing once again that those were my true feelings made me happy. I wanted to say it to my past self, who had just transferred and was nothing but bewildered. I’ve come to properly like this academy——.
“...Negotiations failed, then?” Rintaro said, his gaze fixed on the cup in his hand. “It can’t be helped. I was truly prepared to give everything to you, Tomonari-senpai... but with this, we’ve both entered a thorny path.”
“I’ve long been used to thorny paths.” My life had mostly been a thorny path.
After being taken aback for a moment, Rintaro let out a deep sigh. “It’s truly a shame....I’ll be hoping you change your mind.”
◆
After school.
After checking on Tennoji-san’s speech, I went to listen to Narika’s. This day, Narika’s speech location was in front of the school gate, the same as Joto’s the other day. Locations for speeches were basically first-come, first-served, but to use the same spot twice in a row, it had to be a case where no other presidential candidate had put in a request for it. This time, since we had requested the school gate, Joto had his speech elsewhere.
Narika’s speech, microphone in hand, could be heard from far away through the speakers. Her voice was also easy to understand. Since the Management Game, Narika had experienced giving presentations in front of people several times. While she was still inferior to Tennoji-san, her speeches were gradually becoming more refined.
I approached Narika after her speech was over.
“Good work, Narika. How was it using a microphone for the first time?”
“The effect was immediate! Thanks in part to the location, many people stopped to listen! Today’s speech was worth doing and fun!” Narika said as she wiped away the dripping sweat with a handkerchief.
She surely still felt fear about standing in front of people, but more than that, she felt the response, which seemed to prevent her heart from shrinking. It was going well. If she continued to accumulate successful experiences like this, Narika would be able to grow even more.
“Itsuki, do you have time now? There’s something I’d like you to join me for...”
“Sure. What are we doing?”
“A tea party.”
I responded to that with a questioning “Nn?”
“I thought we were going to refrain from tea parties at the academy for a while...”
“No, not that.” Narika shook her head. “It’s a different tea party, one that I’m hosting.”
◆
When I went to the academy café with Narika after her speech, three unfamiliar students were sitting around a table drinking tea and coffee. As Narika approached the table, the three students bowed.
It was hard to believe, but it seemed Narika had gathered these three people. That Narika, who had once come crying to me because she couldn't make friends, had planned an event and gathered people on her own....I was going to cry when I got back to the manor. We’d have a celebratory potato chip party tonight.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Narika took a seat, and I sat down next to her.
The three students stared at Narika. She met their gazes and took a quiet, deep breath. Watching Narika take that breath, I momentarily thought of Hinako. The mask Hinako Konohana wore to play the perfect Young Lady. The Young Lady mode that hid her lazy nature. Something similar was starting to take shape in Narika now. A mask to overcome her timid self and behave with dignity.
However, unlike Hinako, Narika was wearing that mask of her own volition——.
“——I am the candidate for President, Narika Miyakojima. Everyone, thank you for gathering here today.” At Narika’s dignified manner, the air seemed to tighten. “I’ve already told each of you, but let me say it once more. This tea party has nothing to do with election activities. It’s a tea party I’ve started out of my own personal interest.”
Interest? As the members tilted their heads, Narika continued her explanation.
“Interaction changes people. Believing that, I announced a campaign promise to create a Salon. If so, I must be more proactive about interaction than anyone else. With that in mind, I’ve gathered people I wanted to talk to.”
“...And that’s us?”
“Yes. You’re Abeno-san, who’s aiming for Treasurer, if I’m not mistaken.” The petite female student nodded slightly. Next, Narika turned her gaze to the remaining male and female students. “Yodogawa-kun, who’s aiming for Secretary, and Nishi-san, who’s aiming for General Affairs, thank you for coming....As you likely know, this is Itsuki Tomonari, who is serving as my assistant. He’s aiming for Vice President.”
Since Narika had introduced me, I gave a small bow. I’d been surprised when I first heard who the members of this tea party were.
——Every one of them was a student aiming for a position on the Student Council.
Apparently, Narika had looked up everyone’s classes and reached out to invite them one by one.