"And with that, let us begin our tea party for the Student Council candidates. I hope to learn more about everyone today—for example, what you hope to achieve once you join the council. We have many common topics to discuss, so I am sure it will be a lively session."
"...Is that truly your only objective?"
"Of course."
Narika nodded grandly at Abeno-san’s question.
"After all, if you think about it, it is a rather strange situation. The Student Council does not belong to the President alone. And yet, the idea of heading into the election without knowing anything about the other candidate officers felt... unsettled to me."
Her demeanor was that of someone with absolutely nothing to hide.
Combined with that refreshing attitude, Narika’s words carried an immense amount of conviction. When she puts it that way, she has a point, I mused to myself.
"...I understand. Well, Miyakojima-san does seem like the type who doesn't have an ulterior motive."
"Yes. I am not a clever enough person to maintain a facade."
I could understand Abeno-san’s caution. One of the presidential candidates had gone out of her way to gather the other candidates; there must have been some anxiety that a devious deal was about to be struck.
However, the truth was that there was almost no room for a deal to begin with.
For instance, even if Narika were to propose, "If I become President, I shall ensure you are all chosen as officers, so please gather votes for me instead," it wouldn't work with this group. There was only one candidate each for the positions of Treasurer, Secretary, and General Affairs, meaning their seats on the Student Council were already guaranteed.
In a manner of speaking, they were already 'set.' Even if they sat here gracefully sipping tea, they would automatically become members of the Student Council on the final day of the election period. They had no reason to accept any deals.
That was precisely why Narika had gathered everyone, believing they could converse lightheartedly.
"I applied for the Treasurer position because I want to study finance," Abeno-san said, explaining her motivation. "My grandfather is the Governor of Aoba Bank."
"Eh!?"
I was so surprised that I let out an involuntary yelp.
When I clamped my mouth shut, Abeno-san let out a small sigh and continued.
"...My grandfather is the governor of a city bank, and my father is following in his footsteps. Growing up watching them, I naturally came to want to work in the world of finance as well. Therefore, I applied for the Treasurer position because I wanted to study money-related matters during my student years."
I hate to admit it, but I only processed about half of Abeno-san’s explanation.
Whoa, whoa, whoa—
Aoba Bank was a megabank that everyone in the country knew.
After dealing with the children of various billionaires at this academy, I thought I’d finally gotten used to it... but for the first time in a long while, I was so surprised my face twitched.
"The reason I’m aiming to be the Secretary is deathly simple—it’s because I failed to distinguish myself in the Management Game!"
Yodogawa seemed like an energetic, refreshing guy.
He, too, likely had a nature without hidden depths; his straightforward personality was immediately apparent.
"The business I thought would go well failed, and I felt really down....But! I thought that if that's the case, I should just become a Student Council officer and bounce back!"
"Do you have a specific reason for choosing Secretary?" Narika asked.
"I was confident in my handwriting!"
Yodogawa said this while puffing out his chest, but he immediately slumped his head in dejection.
"I was... but after seeing Miyakojima-san’s posters, my confidence was shattered into pieces."
"Ah, no, well, that was... it just happened to be my area of expertise...!"
Seeing the depressed Yodogawa, Narika hurriedly tried to cheer him up.
However, that humility... as a presidential candidate, was it appropriate?
Everyone gathered here had enough initiative to aim for a Student Council office. If that was the case, they likely held a high degree of influence within the academy. If they doubted Narika’s abilities, their friends might doubt her as well.
Although Narika had said this tea party had nothing to do with the election, I had a mission to work with total sincerity to make her the President. I cleared my throat lightly and decided to supplement her words.
"Narika has been studying martial arts and the traditional arts since she was a child. It isn't limited to calligraphy; her skills in tea ceremony and flower arrangement are also first-class. Of course, as she demonstrated during the Athletic Festival, her martial arts prowess is likely the best in the academy."
"I-Itsuki? There’s, well, no need to praise me that much... is there?"
"It’s the truth. When you performed the tea ceremony for me before, it was incredibly beautiful."
"B-Beautiful!?"
Narika stood up abruptly, her cheeks flushing a deep red.
"Your movements were."
"A-Ah... so that’s what you meant."
Narika sat back down. I might have phrased that in a way that caused a bit of a misunderstanding.
Finally, we turned our gazes toward the girl aspiring to be in General Affairs.
"Last is Nishi-san. I understand you are still a first-year..."
"Yes. Though, I feel quite humbled because I don't consider myself particularly ambitious..." Nishi-san said reservedly. "The reason I’m aiming for General Affairs is similar to Miyakojima-san’s—it’s because it allows me to interact with people."
Narika’s eyes widened slightly.
"My older sister was the General Affairs officer for Kikou Academy, so I know a bit about the role. It seems the General Affairs office here is entrusted with a wide variety of tasks. For example, acting as a liaison and dealing with people from the outside..."
"Oh... they do that kind of work!?"
As Narika’s interest was piqued, Nishi-san continued to talk about the duties of General Affairs.
I was also surprised; I hadn't realized that the role covered such a broad range of responsibilities.
The tea party proceeded smoothly after that, and just as Narika had predicted, the conversation among the five of us—who were mostly strangers—became lively and harmonious.
◆
After the tea party ended and we parted ways with the three whose spots on the Student Council were confirmed, Narika and I took a breather.
"Good work. That was a nice tea party."
"Yes. I feel I was able to learn a lot about everyone."
Narika watched the backs of the three walking toward the school gates with a happy expression.
"Still, if you're going to host a tea party like this, you could have let me help, you know? I’m your assistant now, and gathering people by yourself must be tough."
"No, well, I did intend to rely on you at first, Itsuki... but I thought I should at least handle the part involving interacting with people on my own."
"Is that also to keep your campaign promise?"
"That’s right. My promise... or rather, to stay true to my desire to change myself."
If that was the case, it would be tactless for me to interfere.
Being a behind-the-scenes supporter is also part of an assistant's duty. In my eagerness to be of use to Narika, I must not take her work away from her.
"You've really become able to talk to people you've just met."
"I suppose so....But I was surprised when you suddenly called me beautiful."
"No, sorry. That was definitely a poor choice of words."
When I honestly apologized to Narika, who was pouting, she fell into deep thought for a moment.
"...Only my movements?"
"Eh?"
Narika grabbed both of my shoulders with a firm grip.
"Was it really only my movements that were beautiful?"
Too close, too close, too close, too close—!
Since my shoulders were gripped, I couldn't even escape. I averted my eyes from Narika's face, which was right under my nose.
"Y-You... I told you to stop doing this...!"
"If I don't do this, it feels like you'll run away, Itsuki."
Well, that's true, but still!
"Now, answer me! Was it only my movements that were beautiful!?"
It was an action that made it clear she already knew the answer. I resigned myself and opened my mouth.
"...Narika, you were beautiful too."
"...He, hehehe! I see! Well, that is good to hear!"
Satisfied, Narika released her hands from my shoulders.
"Maybe I should wear a kimono to our next tea party on the weekend."
"...Please don't."
I pressed my hand against my chest.
My heart was racing at an unbelievable speed. Realizing that the reason for this acceleration wasn't just surprise, I couldn't look at Narika for a while.
"Forceful approaches are forbidden. I can't win if you start using your physical strength, Narika."
Against Narika, a master of martial arts, I wouldn't stand a chance if she exercised her natural athletic ability....That was the official excuse, but honestly, if she kept this up, my heart wouldn't be able to take it in more ways than one.
However, hearing my words, Narika began to think with an oddly solemn expression.
"...I see. If I were to get serious, you wouldn't be able to resist, Itsuki."
"Hey."
Hey....Hey?
You can't, okay? That’s definitely... why are you making such a serious face?
"............................A last resort, then."
Hey, now.
I felt like I just heard a terrifying mutter.
"It was a joke. I wouldn't want even you to be afraid of me, Itsuki."
"...It’s not like I’d be afraid of you, Narika, but it might cause a misunderstanding if people see us, so just stop."
"Understood. I should choose the location carefully."
It’s not something you should do just because you chose the right location.
Well, despite everything, I wanted to believe that if I really resisted, Narika would stop immediately, and that she was capable of moderating herself in her own way....I can believe that, right?
"Honestly... there isn't a shred of your old cowardice left."
"No, I am still a coward. Because I’m a coward, I’m terrified of another woman taking you away, so I’m attacking like this."
"Another woman... you're overthinking it."
"...As long as you can say that, I can still feel somewhat at ease."
Narika let out a weary sigh.
Just then, my smartphone vibrated in my pocket to signal an incoming call, so I pulled it out.
"...It’s from Tennoji-san."
"See? Speak of the devil, and another woman appears."
"Stop calling her 'another woman.'"
I was also Tennoji-san's assistant, so it was only natural that we'd have frequent contact. I answered the call immediately.
"What is it?"
"『My apologies for the sudden call. Actually, there is something I would very much like you to look into.』"
Research, then. That was an easy enough task.
Averting my eyes from Narika, who was still pouting, I switched my mental gears. However, once I heard what she wanted me to investigate... I was so surprised that I was lost for words for a while.
◆
Later that night.
At eleven PM—a time when Hinako was long since asleep—I sat in front of my laptop and called Tennoji-san.
"『I have been waiting, Itsuki-san.』"
Tennoji-san’s voice came through the smartphone's speaker. Since it seemed we were in a situation where we could speak naturally, I also relaxed my shoulders just a bit.
"I’ve prepared what you asked for."
"『...That was remarkably fast. I did not expect to have the results within the day.』"
"I’ve made a fair number of acquaintances through the Management Game, after all. I also had Suminoe-san help me, so I was able to gather opinions from all sorts of people....I’m sending the data now."
I transmitted the material she had requested after school.
"『It has arrived.』"
"Check it over....But I have to say, I was surprised when you asked me to look this up."
"『I imagine so. It was a decision that required quite a bit of courage for me as well.』"
There was no doubt that it required an extraordinary amount of courage. The thing Tennoji-san wanted to investigate was—
"『What was it that the people who truly wanted Hinako Konohana to be President were seeking?...As a candidate for President myself, I must face that reality.』"
The most famous person at Kikou Academy was, without a doubt, Hinako. There was a massive group of people who wanted someone like her to be President.
But Hinako didn't run. As a result, they were drifting within the vortex of this election.
"In fact, that group represents the largest block of floating votes."
"『Indeed. Right now, those who hoped for a future with Hinako Konohana as President have likely abandoned that hope and are reluctantly watching the rest of us candidates. However, I will not be satisfied with such half-hearted support. To make them support me from the bottom of their hearts, I felt I needed to hear their true feelings.』"
What she was saying was, of course, correct. And yet, the reason I had been so surprised was...
"...To think I’d hear that from you, Tennoji-san."
I felt like Tennoji-san gave a quiet laugh.
"『I believe I understand the caliber of Hinako Konohana better than anyone else.』"
It was precisely because she understood Hinako's capabilities that Tennoji-san had decided to investigate this.
Her heart must be full of complex emotions. There was likely some pride as a friend, but at this moment, she probably felt some frustration too. After all, the amount of data I had sent was enormous.
Immediately after receiving this request from Tennoji-san, I had created a simple survey and handed it to people I could trust, asking them to "spread it around." As a result, in just half a day after school, responses were gathered from nearly a hundred students.
This number was Hinako's power of attraction itself. We were currently experiencing Hinako's overwhelming charisma firsthand.
"Does the data look like it’ll be useful? I wanted to get it to you today, so I only gave it a quick scan myself..."
"『It is very informative.』"
After that, a short silence followed.
She was likely reviewing the data with total focus. She swallowed her complex emotions down and switched her mindset instantly; this kind of mental strength was very much like Tennoji-san.
"『As expected, it seems Hinako Konohana was anticipated to provide rock-solid organizational management. There are specific requests regarding things like improving the quality of teaching materials, equipment management, and the cleaning of the school grounds.』"
"Teaching materials don't seem like something the Student Council can do much about, though."
"『They likely want a forum for discussion with the faculty. In fact, I myself often feel I would like to receive an even higher level of education than what we have now.』"
An even higher level of education than now...? Are we talking about space travel or something?
The meaning was so far beyond me that my mind almost stalled, but even for me, economics was the one subject I’d like to take a more difficult class in. Now that I’d decided to become a consultant, my motivation to study economics was particularly high.
"『Overall, it seems that while they want to maintain the current state of Kikou Academy, they are looking for further polishing in various fields. On the other hand, there are several people expecting transformation as well. For example, the development of an internal credit card, or a resident orchestra....A resident orchestra is quite appealing, isn't it? One can imagine a truly elegant academy life.』"
The demands were too high-society. That said, if one could always hear a professional orchestra at the academy, it would certainly be pleasant.
"『What else is interesting... there is also the abolition of family-status-based priority.』"
"Family status... so there were people seeking something like Joto-kun's campaign promise from Konohana-san."
"『It would seem so.』"
To think there were students who expected such a thing from Hinako. It was a bit unexpected.
"What will you do? Will you add the things we just discussed to your campaign promises?"
Of course, whether to add them required careful consideration.
"『Itsuki-san, what do you think?』"
"I think you should only adopt the ones that align with your own policies. If you try to take on everything, your direction will become a mess. A company that tries to get its hands into everything is hard to invest in because it's difficult to form a clear image of its future."
"『...You are right.』"
Tennoji-san fell into thought. However, after waiting for a while without hearing another word, I began to wonder.
"Tennoji-san?"
"『...I am a little afraid,』" Tennoji-san said in a small voice. "『If I take on the expectations placed upon Hinako Konohana and try to fulfill them... will I not end up degrading myself into nothing more than a fake Hinako Konohana?』"
That worry was valid. If Tennoji-san were to shoulder the expectations meant for Hinako, she might be able to meet the hopes of many students, but in that case, Hinako would have sufficed.
The one running for President was Tennoji-san. The concern that being required to act as Hinako's substitute would be a problem was certainly there, but...
"It’ll be fine. I’m watching."
I stated it firmly. This was exactly what an assistant was for.
"I will pay the closest attention to ensure that your branding doesn't collapse. I won't let you become a copy of Konohana-san."
In the unlikely event that Tennoji-san's behavior began to drift toward Hinako's, I would pull her back every time. I intended to act cautiously to ensure that didn't happen. In short, we just needed to fulfill the expectations meant for Hinako in a way that was uniquely Tennoji-san's. As long as we didn't compromise on that, there shouldn't be a problem.
"『...You have become quite dependable.』"
"I have you to thank for that."
Since that day you corrected my posture, I’ve been desperately trying to keep my back straight.
"『I shall believe in you, Itsuki-san, and incorporate a few of them.』"
That was appreciated. I’d make sure to finalize the strategy by tomorrow.
"『But if that is the case, there are fewer things that align with my policies than I thought.』"
"True. If we include too many minor details, it'll be hard to get the message across..."
Something like a resident orchestra overlapped with Tennoji-san’s image, but it drifted a bit from her promise of instilling etiquette. While it was possible to force a connection like "there is etiquette in music appreciation as well," it was an opinion that required far too much budget for a forced fulfillment.
(...If it's Narika, there are things she could incorporate.)
With Narika's plan to create a new facility called a Salon, she could do all sorts of things, like a trial run of an internal credit card. Since she was creating a brand-new environment, anything was possible. It was a promise she could pack with as many dreams as she wanted.
However, I hesitated to say this in front of Tennoji-san. The data I was looking at now was something she had gathered while enduring personal humiliation. I couldn't flippantly ask if it was okay to give it to Narika...
"『Should we share this with Miyakojima-san as well?』"
My eyes went wide in front of the monitor.
"...Is that okay?"
"『Whether it is okay or not, you must have realized it as well, Itsuki-san. This information is something worth knowing for Miyakojima-san too.』"
It seemed she had seen right through my thoughts. I was Narika's assistant as well. So, if I obtained information that would be useful to Narika, it was only natural that I’d want to share it.
"『Please do not hesitate to tell her. This is not an act of charity, but a duty as those who are both relying upon you. Even if this were to give Miyakojima-san an advantage, I will not regret my decision to rely upon you.』"
For both Tennoji-san and Narika, there was a risk that any idea they squeezed out might be shared with the other candidate. But, thinking back, both of them must have chosen me as their assistant while fully aware of that risk from the start. Because—
"...Narika said the exact same thing."
"『The same thing?』"
"Yeah. Actually, I had a tea party with Narika after school today..."
I explained the tea party I had with Narika. That the members were the other candidate officers. That Narika hadn't intended it for that purpose, but the content ended up being very meaningful for someone aiming to be President. And that Narika, upon seeing the results, had suggested telling Tennoji-san about it as well.
"『...I see. I appreciate the sharing of information.』"
"Tell your thanks to Narika."
Though she likely intended to do so even without me saying it...
As I let out a sigh of admiration at the magnanimity of both women, a ping! sound came from my computer.
"Hm?...It’s a message from Narika."
"『Oh, speak of the devil.』"
What could it be at this time of night? When I checked the message immediately—
"Pfft!?"
I couldn't help but burst out.
Narika: This is the look you called beautiful, Itsuki. You may look at it as much as you like.
A photo of Narika in a kimono, striking a provocative pose, was displayed across the entire screen.
That girl—!
She had declared she would be seductive from now on, but she was going to use methods like this? Given that her own face was slightly red in the picture, she probably wasn't used to being seductive yet... but that expression was actually worse for my heart.
Was the way her collar was slightly loosened part of Narika's strategy? Give me a break... It was actually working.
"『Itsuki-san? What happened?』"
"N-No, just a photo was sent to me..."
"『...A photo?』"
I had answered reflexively, but I immediately regretted it. Crap. Did I say too much...?
"『What kind of photo was sent?』"
"That’s..."
"『Itsuki-san? What kind of photo was sent?』"
I’d fallen into a situation where she’d keep looping endlessly unless I said something. Tennoji-san and I had made a promise not to lie to each other. That was because I had hurt her before by concealing my identity.
So—
"...I shall exercise my right to remain silent."
Instead of lying, we had decided to simply state if there was something we didn't want to say. This silence was proof of our promise. Tennoji-san, remembering the time we made that promise, surely wouldn't pry further.
"『Then I shall ask Miyakojima-san.』"
"Wait."
She completely ignored the red light I’d desperately put up. I put my brain into full gear. With how Narika was right now, she’d probably just answer normally if asked.
I couldn't show the photo or the text, but there might not be a problem with just telling her what was sent. The feeling of wanting to share a moment after dressing up nicely was a common one. It seemed like an accident would occur if she asked Narika directly, so it was better if I told her.
"...A photo of Narika wearing a kimono was sent. She managed to wear it well, so I think she just wanted to boast about it."
"『...And yet you were remarkably surprised?』"
"No, well... it was just sent so suddenly..."
"『Hmph... I see.』"
The call with Tennoji-san ended. At the very end, the atmosphere had become quite awkward...
I was sleepy, but I had to send the proposed amendments to the campaign promises to both of them. Maybe I'll cut into my sleep time a bit today... Just as I was thinking that, there was a knock on the door.
Ms. Shizune entered through the opened door.
"Ms. Shizune? What is it?"
"A small refreshment. You seem to be working hard late into the night."
Ms. Shizune placed a cup on the desk. I immediately took a sip. It was warm herbal tea. The citrusy aroma was likely due to the orange peel in it. It had a clean aftertaste and was easy to drink.
"Thank you. It’s delicious."
"I am glad to hear that. I have not included caffeine or any herbs with sleep-inducing effects, so please feel at ease as you drink."
Black tea contains caffeine which would interfere with sleep, and among herbal teas, things like chamomile have sleep-inducing properties. Ms. Shizune had naturally created a blend that excluded those. I remembered the refrigerator in her room.
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. It was precisely because she studied seriously every day that she had acquired the knowledge to handle any situation.
"Itsuki-san, what are you doing now?"
"At Tennoji-san's suggestion, I’m making minor corrections to her campaign promises."
"That sounds like delicate work. What kind of promises are they currently?"
"Currently..."
There was poster data on the computer, so it would be faster to just show her that. Just as I was about to open the file—a ping! sound occurred along with a pop-up announcing a message, and I accidentally clicked on it.
"Ah."
The received message was displayed. The sender was Tennoji-san. The content was a short message and... a selfie.
Mirei: This is the last time I shall wear my summer uniform for the season....What do you think?
It was a miniskirt at a length she definitely didn't wear normally. As expected, she seemed to feel a sense of discomfort with her lower body being so exposed, as Mirei was pressing down on the hem of her skirt while her cheeks were dyed red.
However, what I had to think about now wasn't Mirei’s skirt, but my own life.
"............................Oh. So this is the campaign promise."
"No, uh, you’ve got it wrong. This just happened to be, well, the flow of the conversation..."
"Were you having a conversation late at night asking your classmate for suggestive photos?"
"No! I didn't ask for anything!"
It was Tennoji-san! She sent it unilaterally!
I pleaded my innocence, but Ms. Shizune's eyes were cold as ice.
"Why don't you give her a reply?"
"Eh?"
"She is asking for your impressions....Come now, hurry and reply. You must not keep Tennoji-sama waiting."
Ms. Shizune said this while staring intently at the monitor. Does she intend to confirm my impressions with her own eyes...? My fingers on the keyboard were trembling. There was no way I could write a reply in this state.
But now, I had—a means of counterattacking!
"...Then I’ll reply that the outfit is just as elaborate as your own costumes, Ms. Shizune."
"What!? Kh...! H-How despicable...!"
It was a level of agitation I could never have imagined from the always-calm Ms. Shizune. I didn't want to use someone's weakness, but... this was an emergency.
"I-I believe I told you before, it is not merely a costume hobby; I am properly utilizing it in my work! You have no right to speak to me that way!"
"Oh, come now, you're joking. You work here because you want to wear a maid uniform."
"I am not joking. The clothes for the Konohana family servants, the clothes you wear to social circles, Itsuki-san, and even the dress Hirano-san wore at the Konohana Group social circle the other day—I selected them all."
"I am truly sorry."