"The people who helped me were Itsuki and Shizune. And then Tennoji-san, Narika, Asahi-san, and Taisho-kun."
Hinako carefully listed the names of her benefactors one by one. It was as if she were offering up a prayer.
"But," she continued, "I think only Itsuki and Shizune were the ones who helped me directly."
I wondered what she meant by that.
"I think Tennoji-san and the others were helping Itsuki."
"Helping me...?"
"Mhm. You helped me, Itsuki. And because you did, Tennoji-san and the others helped you."
Hinako spoke with a joyful tone.
"Itsuki... don't rush. There are always many people around you who will help you."
Her eyes, brimming with kindness, reflected my face as I sat at rock bottom.
"No one thinks of you as a nuisance."
Immediately after Hinako spoke, a small electronic chime echoed from the computer, announcing an incoming video call. It was Tennoji-san.
"See?"
Hinako smiled as if she had known this would happen. I started the call without a word.
"Tomonari-san!!" Tennoji-san's loud voice boomed through the speakers. "We shall win the next one—no matter what!!"
She sounded more than fired up. I couldn't keep up with her intensity and sat frozen for a moment.
"............Eh?"
"Don't give me that 'eh'! That humiliation we tasted at the Public Debate... my hands tremble just thinking about it! We shall avenge our defeat at once!"
Hearing that, I finally understood her mindset. This woman was already focused on the next step.
"U-Um..."
"What is it?!"
"Well... aren't you upset? We were caught in the trap Minato-senpai laid out..."
"Of course my blood is boiling—I am absolutely livid!" a roar came through the speakers. "But what of it!!"
That shout was half-directed at herself.
"Unfortunately, I am quite used to defeat. I've done nothing but lose ever since I came to this academy."
There was only one person Tennoji-san had lost to repeatedly: the perfect lady, Hinako Konohana. The girl currently sitting right next to me.
"I have experienced humiliation so deep it made my body tremble more times than I can count. Therefore, this level of adversity is not even worth mentioning!"
She was frustrated, certainly, but she wouldn't dwell on it. For Mirei Tennoji, frustration was a constant companion in her daily life.
As I was being overwhelmed by Tennoji-san's momentum, the computer chimed again.
"...Narika?"
"Oh? Perfect timing, isn't it?"
Narika was requesting to join the call. Since we used this same app for the Management Game, we were all well-acquainted with its interface. Once I allowed her in, Narika's face appeared on the monitor.
"Forgive me for interrupting the call," she said.
"No, it's fine. Did you need something?"
"Yes. Well, rather than needing something, I wanted to make a declaration."
"A declaration?"
As I tilted my head, Narika's expression turned solemn.
"Itsuki. We must win." Her resolve was clear in her dignified tone. "It seems Minato-senpai had her own intentions, but regardless of the circumstances, entrapping people with such cowardly methods is an unforgivable act. Joto-kun, who condoned such methods, also bears responsibility."
Narika continued.
"After receiving your message, Itsuki, I recalled the time I performed my iaijutsu. Joto-kun's sword strokes were magnificent. That is exactly why we must correct him. It may just be my own assumption, but isn't his true nature originally straightforward? If such a man would resort to these twisted methods, then we should deliver the final blow to his ambitions immediately. For one who aims to be Student Council President to flee from the righteous path is a disgrace to the way of the warrior."
"You sound like a literal samurai."
"Have you forgotten? The Miyakojima family is a samurai lineage."
Come to think of it, that was true. Her way of speaking was strangely solemn, but it felt right because the aura Narika projected was always reminiscent of a samurai. I remembered a hanging scroll I'd seen during the Management Game that detailed the Miyakojima family precept. If I recalled correctly, it contained a line: The company's culture shall be one that upholds righteousness.
Upholding righteousness... Standing before Narika and her convictions, I couldn't possibly stoop to underhanded schemes. If I took the same path as Joto and his camp, it felt like Narika herself would cut me down.
"I see."
She was right. Why had I felt like I was being backed into a corner all by myself? When I had such reliable people by my side...
I looked toward Hinako, and she gave a quiet, smiling nod. It was exactly as she had said. There were plenty of people around me who would help.
Taking a quiet breath, I slapped both of my cheeks as hard as I could.
"T-Tomonari-san?!"
"I-Itsuki?!"
Both Tennoji-san and Narika sounded worried—I'd used a fair bit of force.
"I'm sorry. I was just firing myself up."
"Firing yourself up? Your face is swelling..."
"It's still not enough. I was debating whether to use my fists."
But with that, I felt like the version of me from a moment ago had died. If I ever fell into a deep depression again, I would just have to ask for help then, too.
"Let's win. I want to start thinking of a strategy right now."
"Yes...!" Tennoji-san agreed.
"I shouldn't even have to be told!" Narika added.
Seeing their motivation gave me hope. Not yet. We hadn't lost yet. We could still make a comeback from here.
"This looks like it's going to be a long haul, so I'll go get some drinks!"
I stood up and left the room to head for the kitchen. The moment I stepped out, I ran into Ms. Shizune, who was pushing a tea trolley.
"Ms. Shizune?"
"It looked like this would be a long haul, so I brought some drinks."
"...How did you know?"
"I know because I have been watching over you for a long time now."
When she put it that way, I felt a bit embarrassed. The tea trolley also had a drink prepared for Hinako. Was the content of the pot black tea? It was nice to have a fancy drink at a time like this to lift the mood.
"Itsuki-san," Shizune said, her tone turning formal. "Do not get ahead of yourself. Neither Tennoji-sama nor Miyakojima-sama are dependent on you. Just because you are feeling down does not mean the other two have run out of options."
"You're right. I might have been a bit arrogant."
With this failure, I had been so depressed that I thought we were ruined. But that was arrogance. Even if it felt like ruin to me, it might not be the case for them. No matter how deeply I despaired, for those two, this might just be a hurdle they could easily overcome. I had overlooked such an obvious possibility.
"Relax your shoulders," Shizune said with a gentle smile. "Through your tireless efforts, you have grown enough to shoulder the futures of others. However, shouldering everything is not always the correct choice. Even if you have the power to do so, there are times when it is better not to."
It was a piece of advice I truly appreciated. Through the Management Game and this election, I had felt my own growth. Perhaps I had become a little conceited.
Trapped by Minato-senpai? Bewildered by the Joto camp's schemes? Since when had I become a person who could get so worked up over that? The former Student Council President was far above me in experience, and Joto was an excellent opponent. There was always a possibility of losing.
It was fine to criticize their methods, but I couldn't stay moping about being outplayed. I regretted failing Tennoji-san and Narika most of all, but their spirits wouldn't be clouded so easily.
I returned to the room with Shizune. She bowed to Hinako and placed the tea trolley in the center of the room. I took a cup and saucer, placed them on the desk, and sat down.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Oh, you've brought them already?" Tennoji-san asked.
"Yes. Ms. Shizune brought them over."
Tennoji-san knew of Shizune. When I had revealed my true social standing, she had specifically asked for Shizune rather than Kegon-san for consultation. I took a sip of the tea. It had a faint taste of ginger. My body warmed, and energy began to well up.
While I was getting the tea, Narika had disappeared from the monitor. I wondered where she went, but then I heard a thumping of footsteps and she sat back down.
"I got permission from Mother! I can pull an all-nighter today!!"
"No, an all-nighter will affect us tomorrow, so I'd rather not do that if possible..."
"Eh?! B-But I was looking forward to it..."
Seeing Narika slump like a child, I gave a wry smile. I didn't want to stay up all night, but her readiness to do so boosted our morale. Just as the atmosphere turned lively, Hinako spoke up.
"Then, I shall also lend my humble assistance."
"Hi—ko, Konohana-san?!"
I almost called her Hinako as usual and had to hurriedly correct myself. I was so surprised that I almost jumped out of my seat.
(...Well, it's fine with these two.)
Unlike everyone else at the academy, Tennoji-san and Narika knew I was a Commoner and that I was living at Hinako's house. I regained my composure, but Tennoji-san and Narika were looking grim.
"Well... I knew you two were spending time in the same place, but..."
"Seeing such a sight before my eyes... it really tugs at my heartstrings..."
Tennoji-san looked like she'd swallowed a bitter pill, while Narika clutched at her chest. I suppose the sight of me and Hinako in our loungewear in the same room projected a level of intimacy they didn't see at school.
Seeing their reaction, Hinako wore a triumphant smile for a brief moment.
"Tomonari-san. Shall I massage your shoulders?"
"Eh? Oh, yes. Please..."
Why was she suddenly doing that? I didn't mind, but it was unexpected. Hinako's slender arms gently rested on my shoulders.
"A—aaahhh?! Hinako Konohana?! What are you doing?!"
"Itsuki!! Why are you letting her!! That's unfa—no, I mean, that's impure!!"
"What do you mean, impure?" My shoulders were perfectly clean.
"Fufu... your shoulders are quite stiff, Tomonari-san."
"Wait-wait-wait, aren't you touching him a liiiittle too much?!"
"Exactly!! You're not just massaging his shoulders, you're stroking him all over!!"
I thought so too. It felt more like I was being stroked than massaged, which was a bit ticklish. After a while, Hinako let go.
"Phew... excuse me, I've become a little sleepy. Tomonari-san, I am sorry, but may I borrow your bed?"
"I-I don't mind, but..."
Wait, what? Hadn't she just said she was going to help?
"T-T-T-Tomonari-san's beeeeeddddd?!"
"I-I-Impure!! That is absolutely forbidden!!"
Tennoji-san recoiled violently, and Narika pointed at me forcefully. Both of them let out such loud cries that the doors to their respective rooms burst open and their servants appeared. I could hear voices asking if they were okay, but the two of them were practically glued to their monitors, staring at us.
Meanwhile, Hinako rolled onto my bed and murmured happily.
"Fufu... it smells like Tomonari-san."
"I feel like I'm going to lose my miiiiiind!!"
"Haa... haa...! For some reason, I have an overwhelming urge to grip my sword...!"
Tennoji-san scratched at her head while Narika trembled. The servants behind them were pale with worry. I heard the phrase "lost her mind" coming from the speakers. I hadn't even slept in the bed today, and the scent was likely just laundry detergent or fabric softener on the new down duvets. It probably smelled the same in Hinako's bed...
Hinako smiled happily as she watched them writhe.
"Fufufufufu..."
Hinako... are you just playing around?
"Excuse meeee!"
The door to the room suddenly opened, and Yuri entered with a casual voice.
"I brought some freshly made tea snacks."
"Hirano-san, thank you," Hinako said, bowing gracefully like a perfect lady.
I hadn't known Yuri was at the manor today, so I was a bit slow to react.
"Hina... Konohana-san, did you know Yuri was here?"
"Yes. She said she would be practicing her cooking until late today."
"...Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because you seemed so preoccupied."
So she had kept quiet for my sake. As I fell silent, Yuri laughed.
"Having everyone worry about you... you've still got a long way to go."
"You're right. I do."
"Mhm. Eat some sugar and get back on your feet."
Yuri placed a tray of various cookies on the tea trolley. I took one and popped it into my mouth. It really hit the spot. Everyone's kindness soaked into my heart. After savoring the sweetness, I faced the computer once more.
"Shall we do this?"
Tennoji-san and Narika nodded with serious looks. The break was over. It was going to be a long night.
"Can I watch?" Yuri asked.
"Sure. I don't think it'll be that interesting, though..."
"It is interesting," Yuri said as if it were obvious. "Watching Itsuki is interesting. Don't you think so, Konohana-san?"
"Yes. I never grow bored."
"I feel the same way."
"I could watch him forever."
Why was there so much agreement on this? Feeling Yuri's gaze on me, I checked the survey papers.
"There are only two days left in the election. Since the final day is just morning speeches, tomorrow is our only chance to act."
On the final day, candidates would give their speeches in the auditorium, followed immediately by voting and the announcement. If we were to execute a daring operation, tomorrow was the only chance, but our defeat at the Public Debate meant we couldn't afford a reckless mistake. As of yesterday, Joto's approval rating was slightly ahead. We weren't far behind, but given today's events, a simple plan wouldn't be enough to overturn the lead.
"I want to do something daring, like when we did the guerrilla marketing," Tennoji-san said.
"It will likely be high-risk, high-reward... are you okay with that?"
"Yes. We should do something flashy enough that everyone forgets today. I don't like trying to cover up a defeat, but this wasn't a loss I can accept."
It was a rational opinion born from her usual positive thinking. If we could do something powerful enough to eclipse the debate, we had a chance.
"Are you okay with that too, Narika?"
"Yes, I agree."
"Alright. Then let's work out a plan based on that."
As we started brainstorming, I pictured Takuma-san's face.
(...I'm sorry, Takuma-san.)
I apologized to my mentor in my heart. Through this, I had realized something.
(Schemes and conspiracies are impossible for me.)
When Hinako had called my name earlier while I was thinking guilty thoughts, I had almost reflexively apologized. I had been so frightened I almost cried. I could come up with a scheme, but I didn't have the guts to carry it out. I wasn't built for it. I lacked the nerve to entrap others.
I was scared to death that people would see through me. I wouldn't be able to look my friends in the eye. My hands and voice would tremble, and I wouldn't be able to sleep.
(So, if I have any talent... I will use it only for what is right.)
I might be betraying Takuma-san's expectations, and our accidental master-disciple relationship might end. Even so, I decided to distance myself from underhanded tactics. The talent for seeing what lay behind data would be used for the right things.
I focused on the surveys. I looked for the true feelings of the students. Deep within these scraps of paper, their real intentions were hidden. I focused, and focused, and focused——until I noticed something.
At first, I thought it was trivial. But as I saw the same patterns over and over, I realized it could be a massive weapon. I gathered the survey papers into a bundle and looked at Hinako.
"Konohana-san, could you sort these surveys exactly as I tell you?"
"Understood."
I asked for help from Hinako, who was currently relaxing and sharing cookies with Yuri. Those two had certainly become close. I told her the sorting method.
"Please sort them into things written about the election and things written about what comes after the election."
Hinako's eyes widened slightly. It was a strange instruction, but specific.
"...You saw something, didn't you?"
"Yes. We'll have to think of a breakthrough later, but..."
Hinako sensed I had a goal. Without any further prying, she began sorting.
"I have a simple question," Yuri said. "What exactly does the Student Council do?"
I thought for a moment.
"There's all sorts of things. Purchasing supplies, budget allocation, selecting guests for events..."
"By events, do you mean things like the cultural festival?"
"Yeah. The first big job for the Student Council will probably be managing the school festival."