The final day of the election period.
The students gathered in the auditorium sat in their chairs, eyes fixed on the stage.
(…It ends today.)
In a few minutes, Tennoji-san would appear on that stage, and the speeches would begin.
Once Ren Joto’s speech finished, this long election battle would finally draw its curtains.
It had been a fight where I couldn't let my guard down for a single moment, from start to finish. I found myself instinctively wondering if there was anything left undone, but even if I realized something now, it was far too late. Tennoji-san and the others were already waiting in the wings, preparing for their final moment.
"Tomonari-kun, you’re surprisingly calm."
Taisho, sitting next to me, spoke up.
"I suppose so. Now that it’s come to this, I have no choice but to believe in Tennoji-san."
My honest feeling was that I had given everything I had.
There were certainly failures and setbacks along the way, but I believed I had done everything within my power. That was why I could look up at the stage now with a clear heart and a sense of resolution.
"From the look of things, the atmosphere seems pretty good."
"I think so too. It looks like the Manifesto Experience Fair was a huge success!"
Asahi-san agreed with Taisho’s observation.
Looking at the surrounding students, an air of support for Tennoji-san was palpable.
No Election Bulletin is distributed on the final day. Therefore, no one knew exactly how much the support ratings had shifted after the Manifesto Experience Fair, but the response felt sufficient.
My prediction was that we were either making a comeback or, at the very least, it was a dead heat.
"Oh… God, please, grant Tennoji-sama your divine protection…!"
In the seat in front of us, Suminoe-san was praying fervently.
The students gathered in the auditorium were instructed to sit together by class. However, since the seating order within those blocks was free, those of us involved in the election had clustered together.
Besides Taisho and Asahi-san, Suminoe-san, Kita, and Hinako were all here.
"Konohana-san, who do you think will win?"
Kita asked Hinako.
At that moment—the students in the vicinity all turned to look at Hinako at once.
Everyone seemed curious about Hinako’s prediction. However, with this much attention, Hinako’s answer could potentially influence the final voting results. The election was a close race; because of that, there were likely still students undecided about where to cast their ballots.
I shook my head at Hinako, who was sitting to my left.
Hinako nodded quietly and gave her answer.
"I have my own conclusion, but I will refrain from sharing it for now."
Thank you for reading the room…
If Hinako had answered "Tennoji-san" here, the number of students voting for her might have increased. But Tennoji-san wouldn't want that. To Tennoji-san, Hinako was her greatest rival. If she found out she became Student Council President through a favor from her rival, she might, at worst, refuse the position entirely. Knowing Tennoji-san, she would do something that extreme without a hint of a joke.
As I breathed a sigh of relief, I suddenly felt eyes on me.
Hmm…?
"Is it just me, or is Tomonari-kun being watched too?"
"…I was thinking the same thing."
I nodded at Asahi-san’s remark.
It wasn't just my imagination. Among the gazes I thought were directed at Hinako, several were pointed at me for some reason.
The expressions of the students staring at me were, for the most part, negative. They looked anxious, or perhaps suspicious…
The most common were looks of doubt.
(…Could it be that they realized?)
There was only one thing I could think of that would draw such looks.
But why at this exact moment?
I tilted my head, but no answer came, so I stopped dwelling on it.
I felt sorry for causing everyone to harbor doubts. However, those doubts should be cleared by the final speech that was about to begin.
Even if, as a result, I am not chosen as the Vice President…
◇
Upon arriving at the auditorium, Mirei Tennoji was guided straight to the wings of the stage by the former Student Council Executives. She was to wait there until the final speeches commenced.
Ren Joto was already in the wings as well, though he sat at a distance.
Beside Mirei sat another girl.
"I—Is it really okay for me to be here?"
"You were guided here, so just act with dignity."
Narika Miyakojima was trembling, her face pale.
Good grief… Mirei laughed quietly to herself.
As always, the girl was a study in contrasts. Usually, she showed such a fragile side, but her dignified presence in crucial moments was enough to make even Mirei stare in admiration. And to make matters worse, she was innocent. This girl would sometimes display high-level capability without even realizing it.
When Mirei heard that Narika had withdrawn from the presidency, two conflicting emotions had risen within her: loneliness and tension. If Mirei became the President, she would have to run the Student Council with Narika from now on. To perform her duties while being pierced by that girl’s dignified gaze would be a heavy pressure, even for Mirei.
The fact that Narika had been guided to the wings was likely a result of considering her influence. Even though she had withdrawn from the presidency, Narika, who had been a Student Council President Candidate until just moments ago, held the interest of many students. If she were to sit in the same seats as the general students now, the area would undoubtedly become rowdy.
As they sat in their chairs waiting, Maki Minato walked over from the front.
"The speeches are about to start. Please get ready."
Mirei’s preparation was already complete. Thus, neither she nor Ren did anything.
Mirei and Narika both glared at Maki in silence.
"Being glared at by the two of you is certainly bad for my heart."
"Is that not because you are the cause?"
"No doubt," Maki laughed.
"From what I can see, the atmosphere in the venue seems favorable toward Tennoji-san. That Manifesto Experience Fair of yours was quite a hit, so it’s only natural."
Maki took a nearby chair, placed it in front of Mirei, and sat down.
"However, you have a bomb."
Maki said, meeting Mirei’s eyes.
A bomb…?
"Itsuki Tomonari."
Maki continued.
"From what I’ve seen, I believe he acted fairly toward the both of you. But after all, it is unprecedented for one person to support two presidential candidates. It is unlikely that every single student understands his stance."
Maki seemed to be wordlessly declaring that this was her path to victory.
What are you trying to say? Before the questioning Mirei, Maki announced:
"Itsuki Tomonari purposefully acted as an assistant to two people in order to get his hands on the Presidential Vote.…I spread that rumor just moments ago."
With a dark light in her eyes, Maki spoke.
In Kikou Academy’s Student Council Elections, the Student Council President Candidates can also participate in the voting. Specifically, the vote of the candidate who is elected President is called the Presidential Vote, and it is worth the equivalent of one-third of the entire student body. In other words, the student chosen as President finds it very easy to personally select their Executives.
The rumor now circulating among the students was that Itsuki Tomonari had targeted that Presidential Vote. That the reason he supported both Mirei Tennoji and Narika Miyakojima alone was so that he would be guaranteed the Vice Presidency regardless of which one became President.
"Several students will surely doubt him. They’ll think he played both sides like a cowardly bat just because he wanted the Presidential Vote.…That doubt will surely turn toward you as well. It will be seen as a fault on your part for trusting such a man."
Maki glared at Mirei and the other, like a spider watching prey caught in its web.
But Mirei and Narika—
"Fufu."
Mirei laughed. Similarly, Narika laughed as well.
Maki’s eyes widened.
She couldn't understand why the two of them were laughing.
"It seems you do not understand Tomonari-san at all."
"Exactly. Maki-senpai, you don’t understand Itsuki."
They had been on guard, wondering what kind of scheme would be revealed, so they were relieved.
So, it was just that…
Just something of that level…
"Do not worry. That bomb will end as a dud."
Mirei stood up. It was almost time for the final speeches to begin.
Recalling the arrangements for her speech, she thought of Itsuki, who had supported her until now.
Maki didn't understand Itsuki at all.…There was no way that man, who was like integrity incarnate, would fail to notice a trap of that level.
◆
"We will now begin the final speeches for the 72nd Student Council Election."
The former Vice President standing on stage briefly announced the start of the proceedings.
The clamor that had existed until a moment ago fell into a dead silence. Unconsciously, I straightened my posture and waited for the first candidate to appear while holding my breath.
Amidst a heavy silence, a girl with curled golden hair appeared on stage.
Mirei Tennoji. The girl I believed to be more suitable for Student Council President than anyone else, and whom I had continued to support, stood before the microphone.
Receiving the gazes of the Kikou Academy students—all of whom were destined for futures as politicians or business leaders—upon her person alone, Tennoji-san opened her mouth.
"First—I shall explain the matter of Miyakojima-san’s withdrawal."
The first thing Tennoji-san spoke about was Narika, who had once been her competitor.
"For the sake of her honor, I shall tell you that her desire to pursue the General Affairs seat is because she judged that path to be where her true value lies. Miyakojima-san has her own convictions. Please, respect them."
Tennoji-san bowed her head slightly.
I knew the contents of Tennoji-san’s final speech. It had been decided beforehand that she would speak of this first. Thinking about it again, starting with the protection of a friend’s honor was a reflection of Tennoji-san’s characteristic pride. She is someone who obsesses over victory and defeat, but she is not someone who discards the process. What she seeks is a clean, honorable victory, not just a mere win.
"Now, once more."
Having protected her friend’s honor, Tennoji-san swept her gaze across the students gathered in the venue.
She opened her mouth wide—
"————It is I!! Mirei Tennoji!!"
Tennoji-san’s voice rang out.
Immediately after, a fierce cheer erupted.
(The auditorium is practically shaking…!)
Combined with her natural charisma, Tennoji-san’s introduction grabbed the students' hearts.
Under the stage lighting, her blonde ringlets shimmered brilliantly.
"When I become the Student Council President, I shall make this Kikou Academy an academy where anyone can live nobly!! Specifically, as I demonstrated to you all the other day, I shall help you acquire conduct that is applicable even in society through the implementation of an Etiquette Course!!"
Tennoji-san declared once more to everyone what she had explained in her previous speeches.
"However, an Etiquette Course is merely one form of what I am considering! As necessary, I shall raise the dignity of everyone through various methods! —For example, by adopting the Salon concept that Miyakojima-san had devised."
The students stirred.
That meant… Tennoji-san might incorporate Narika’s vision of establishing a Salon into her own campaign.
"There is nothing strange about it. Acquired etiquette is meaningless unless it is practiced.…Fortunately or unfortunately, there are disparities in family backgrounds within this academy. If so, then conversations with those from different backgrounds will be an essential trial run for your futures."
Skillful. I thought her current claim was magnificent.
The problem of family background disparity had been a frequent topic during the public debates. Tennoji-san had managed to frame this in a positive sense. Because there are disparities, this academy can replicate the complexities of society. After all, once you graduate from this academy, you cannot escape from the disparities of family background anyway.
"Where is the budget for that!!"
A student shouted from somewhere.
Conducting an Etiquette Course and setting up a Salon. Many students were curious about the financial feasibility. However—
"There is no need for concern."
Immediately after Tennoji-san said that, the screen behind her lit up.
The screen displayed documents created by Tennoji-san.
"Here!! Is the Management Strategy for the Student Council that I propose!!"
Numerous charts and tables were displayed.
Starting with the Student Council budget, lists of necessary expenses, and interim goals—Tennoji-san’s vision for the Student Council’s operations was made clear at a glance.
She promised to make this accessible to anyone if she became the Student Council President.
"If I become the Student Council President, the use of the budget will be completely transparent!! From outsourcing costs for etiquette instructors to equipment costs and miscellaneous expenses—everything shall be disclosed!!"
Tennoji-san promised an incredibly sincere response.
Upon investigation, not a single past Student Council President had made the flow of money this transparent. Anyone would realize this is the most sincere path if they thought about it. The reason no one does it is because it is a thorny path that seems unsustainable.
Making the movement of money transparent gives students an opening to complain. Is this expense really necessary? Will this investment really work? Such criticisms would likely arrive endlessly. It’s the same as activist shareholders. If there are too many complaints, there is a risk that decision-making will be delayed.
Even so, Tennoji-san chose the hard road.
As a management type, Tennoji-san had the confidence to suppress the activist shareholders.
I can say with certainty—Joto does not have this power.
"It seems some people doubt whether this can truly be realized. But have you forgotten? I am the only daughter of the Tennoji Group’s chairman. Someone who can best me in management—"
Gripping the microphone, Tennoji-san glanced briefly at Hinako.
"—there aren't that many of them!!"
I think you could have just said that decisively…
However, everyone surely acknowledged Tennoji-san’s skill. In the Management Game, Tennoji-san had produced results that were not inferior to Hinako’s.
Looking at the silent auditorium, Tennoji-san’s expression grew grave.
"Ren Joto’s manifesto is a revolutionary one."
Tennoji-san spoke words that seemed to acknowledge her rival.
"The commoner-ization of Kikou Academy. There is some merit to the idea of turning the students of this academy into people who can function in the outside society through that. However—"
Tennoji-san clenched her fist.
"I, too, shall provide you all with the power to function in the outside society!"
Her powerful gaze pierced the students gathered in the auditorium.
"Etiquette and manners are originally for that purpose! The mindset of being conscious so as not to be rude to the other party! As long as you are well-versed in that, there is no need to fear disparities!"
This was the fundamental point of difference from Joto’s strategy.
Joto wanted to create an academy where disparities did not exist. In contrast, Tennoji-san was trying to create an academy where disparities were no longer an obstacle.
"Approaching commoners is of course important! However, I shall dare to say it! We are the students of Kikou Academy!! We, who live in this honorable place of learning, should simply acclimate to society in our own unique way!!"
The heat burning inside Tennoji-san was delivered through her words.
Before I knew it, the students were watching Tennoji-san with elated faces.
What was reflected in their eyes was a golden light.
"Dignity, character, integrity. Students of Kikou Academy are often required to possess these qualities. Surely there are people who feel a complex about that."
From my perspective, all the students of this academy were full of dignity. But the earnest students of Kikou Academy keenly felt they were still lacking every time they navigated social circles or formal dinners.
"Then, we should simply create it!! —A classroom where one can learn dignity!!"
The students listening to the speech widened their eyes. I could understand their feelings.
That’s right. Come to think of it, it had been unnatural until now.
Why was there no such classroom? Why were there no lessons where one could learn etiquette? Everyone knew that manners are vital in this academy.
In order to aim for being a first-class politician or business leader, this academy did not teach the things that must be learned. Everyone finally noticed that omission.
Tennoji-san had shown them the missing piece of the puzzle. She had gallantly filled the void that no one had even realized existed.
Because there is no opportunity to learn, a difference is created by innate ability.
By throwing a stone at that irrationality, she would create an environment where the disparity of family background wouldn't matter.
"And then, aim for it!!"
Tennoji-san declared.
Her eyes and her hair sparkled brilliantly.
"A presence as noble as I am—!!"
With a fearless smile, Tennoji-san made her voice resonate.
In an instant, a tremendous cheer erupted. I felt like I might have to cover my ears from the sheer volume, but I decided to listen to this cheer until the end even if my eardrums burst.
This was Tennoji-san’s power.
This was the person known as Mirei Tennoji—!!
Tennoji-san standing on stage was a light. A single beam guiding the students with its brilliance. A noble signpost for those who lived with the weight of this academy on their shoulders.
A presence nobler than anyone else. Even if she claimed that herself, she had the persuasiveness that no one would deny. It wasn't just the brilliance of this moment; it was the weight of everything she had built up until now.
I looked around. The sight of the Kikou Academy students, who were usually so polite and solemn, raising their voices like this was spectacular.
It was an elation as if standing at a turning point in history.
In fact, within this academy, that expression might not even be an exaggeration.
Once the cheers had subsided slightly, Tennoji-san brought the microphone close to her mouth again.
Seeing that, the students fell silent, waiting for whatever she would say next.
"…Finally, I have something to say regarding Itsuki Tomonari-san, who supported me."
Tennoji-san continued.
"During this election, Tomonari-san, our Vice President Candidate, pulled off the unprecedented feat of supporting two presidential candidates alone. However, seeing his methods, not a few people likely suspected that his aim was the Presidential Vote. I believe many have cleared that misunderstanding by seeing his conduct during the election period, but some doubts may still remain."
Tennoji-san looked my way for just an instant.
"Tomonari-san… was aware of that possibility from the very beginning."
I could feel the agitation of the students around me as if it were a physical force.
It was just as Tennoji-san said. I had sensed that risk before the election period even began. I knew that if I left that risk unaddressed, it would eventually become a bomb that could damage us.
I remembered the gazes directed at me before the speech. In my estimation, the cause of those gazes was exactly what Tennoji-san was addressing now.
If that’s the case—then there’s no problem.
"The day before the election period began. After Tomonari-san promised to support me and Miyakojima-san, he made one further request."
Tennoji-san spoke the words I had told the two of them that day.
"He asked that no matter which of us became President—we were not to use the Presidential Vote to appoint him."
The auditorium stirred.
The students in the vicinity all looked at me at once.
Taisho, sitting next to me, was staring with eyes wide in shock.
"Tomonari-kun… for real?"
"Yes."
Taisho was staring at me as if I were something unbelievable.
"After much deliberation, we decided to respect his will."
Tennoji-san said with a complex expression.
At first, both Tennoji-san and Narika had opposed me. Even so, I insisted that I would stubbornly stand by this decision. In the end, the two of them gave in, but I believe this was for the best.
With this, I managed to keep the light on the stage from being stained.
"I, Mirei Tennoji, declare the waiver of the Presidential Vote.…As for who should be the Vice President, Tomonari-san is leaving that choice up to all of you."
I involuntarily nodded.
The Presidential Vote was gone. However, that didn't mean we would definitely lose.
If I am truly suitable for Vice President—then I should be able to win even without the shortcut of a Presidential Vote.
"—That is all for my speech!!"
Tennoji-san concluded her speech with a resounding voice.
A thunderous applause was sent her way. Leaving the stage with her head held high and an expression full of confidence, Tennoji-san kept the students’ gazes pinned to her until the very end, like a trailing streak of light.
Gradually, the students began to discuss their impressions.
The auditorium quickly regained its lively atmosphere.
"Didn't she win!? This means she won, didn't she!?"
"She might as well have won already!!"
Asahi-san and Taisho said, clearly excited.
"Tennoji-samaaaaaaaa—!!"
Suminoe-san was screaming while shedding a literal torrent of tears.
This time, I couldn't find it in me to fault Suminoe-san’s outburst. Looking around, although they weren't screaming, almost every student was excited enough that it wouldn't be strange if they did.
"Tennoji-san’s speech was good, but… I still can't get Tomonari-kun’s announcement out of my head."
Kita said, looking my way.
At that remark, Asahi-san and Taisho also turned around.
"That’s right!! Tomonari-kun, you’re seriously too bold!!"
"Wasn't waiving the Presidential Vote going too far?"
Pressured by the two of them, I felt a bit bashful.
"No, well, I did hesitate, but…"
Before consulting Tennoji-san and Narika, I had thought it through thoroughly for myself.
Even so, the reason I ultimately didn't want to accept the Presidential Vote was…
"I wanted to be a person who can be proud of the result, rather than just clinging to the outcome…"
How I want to be. When I thought about that, I felt that I absolutely could not receive the Presidential Vote.
Just because I want to be Vice President, I must not sacrifice my integrity. It was the same feeling as not wanting Tennoji-san’s victory to be handed to her on a silver platter. Accumulating decisions like this would lead to true confidence in the future.
"So… so cool…!!"
Hearing those words, Taisho’s eyes were sparkling.
"Tomonari-kun…!! You’re really a cool guy, aren't you…!!"
"It’s embarrassing when you say it so clearly like that…"
I might have said something a bit too dramatic.
When I looked toward Asahi-san while scratching my cheek, she was bright red and groaning something to herself.
"Aah… no no no no. It’ll get complicated if I join in too… I am neutral, I am neutral, I am neutralaaaaah~~…"
While pressing her cheeks with both hands, Asahi-san was muttering under her breath.
…Lately, Asahi-san has been acting strange occasionally.
While I was thinking about that, I noticed I was being stared at by Suminoe-san.
Suminoe-san stared intently at my face and…
"…Well, if you want to stand by Tennoji-sama’s side, it’s only natural you can say at least that much."
I didn't quite get it, but it seemed I had received a passing grade from her.
Asahi-san fanned herself with her hands to cool down her reddened face.
"Seriously, that was some incredible resolve. Don't you think so too, Konohana-san?"
"I do."
Hinako, addressed by Asahi-san, nodded quietly.
Wearing her mask of a perfect lady, she said with a calm expression:
"Let us build a monument here."
"Konohana-san?"
I couldn't help but speak up.
Please don't.
Because it’ll be a nuisance to everyone.
"It seems the next speech is about to begin."
Suminoe-san said, looking at the stage. The setting for the microphone and lighting was complete, and now we were just waiting for Ren Joto to appear.
Before Joto’s speech began, I once again observed the students.…Tennoji-san’s speech had been perfect, even without my bias. I wasn't being careless, but I felt that the air in the auditorium was solidifying into a powerful wave of support for her.