Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 10 Chapter 4

The Light

The final day of the election period. The students gathered in the auditorium were seated, all eyes fixed on the stage.

(...Today, this all will finally end.)

In just a few minutes, Tennouji-san would appear, and the speeches would begin. Once Jouto's speech was over, this long election period would be finished.

It had been a battle that required constant vigilance from start to finish. I had the urge to rack my brain for anything I might have missed, but it was too late for that now. Tennouji-san and the others were already backstage, getting ready.

"Tomonari, you look pretty calm."

Taisho commented, sitting down next to me.

"Yeah. We've come this far. All I can do now is trust Tennouji-san."

It was my honest feeling. I'd done everything I could.

Sure, there were failures and defeats, but I felt I'd truly done everything possible. Because of that, I could look at the stage with a sense of clarity.

"Looks like the mood in here is pretty good."

"I think so, too! The Promise Experience Event must have been a huge success!"

Asahi-san chimed in, agreeing with Taisho.

Looking around, I could feel a supportive atmosphere for Tennouji-san building among the students.

No election bulletin was handed out on the last day, so no one knew exactly how much the polls had shifted, but I'd sensed a strong response.

My guess was that we were either turning the tide, or at the very least, had pulled into a dead heat.

"Ah... God, please bless Tennouji-sama...!!"

In the row ahead of us, Suminoe-san was praying.

The students were instructed to sit by class, but seating within those sections was open. So, all of us involved in the campaign had gathered together. Besides Taisho and Asahi-san, Suminoe-san, Kita, and Hinako were here, too.

"Who do you think will win, Konohana-san?"

Kita asked Hinako.

Instantly—every student nearby turned to look at her.

Everyone was clearly curious to hear her prediction. But with this much attention, Hinako's answer could actually influence the final result. This election was incredibly close. There were probably still students who were undecided.

I gave a slight shake of my head toward Hinako, who was sitting to my left. She nodded slowly and then answered.

"I have my own answer, but for now, I will refrain from saying."

Thanks for reading the room...

If Hinako had said "Tennouji-san," it might have swayed more students to vote for her. But Tennouji-san wouldn't want that. To her, Hinako was her greatest rival. If she found out she'd won because of her rival's endorsement, she might very well resign. I'm not joking; Tennouji-san would absolutely do something like that.

Just as I was feeling relieved, I suddenly sensed gazes on me.

Hmm...?

"Looks like you're getting some attention too, Tomonari-kun."

"...I think so, too."

I nodded at Asahi-san's comment.

It wasn't just me being self-conscious. Of the gazes I'd assumed were for Hinako, some were inexplicably pointed at me.

The faces of the students looking at me were mostly negative. Some looked anxious, others suspicious...

Most of all, they were looks of doubt.

(...Have they realized something?)

I could think of one reason they'd be looking at me. But why now, of all times?

I tried to trace it back, but no answer came, so I stopped thinking. I felt bad for causing them to doubt. But that doubt should be cleared up by the final speeches.

Even if, in the end, I'm not elected vice president...

◇

When Mirei Tennouji arrived at the auditorium, she was immediately directed backstage by the former student council officers. It seemed she just had to wait here until the final speech began.

Ren Joutou was already backstage, sitting apart from everyone. Next to Mirei, one other girl was seated.

"Am-Am I allowed to be here?"

"You were guided here, so just act confident."

Miyakojima Narika looked pale and was visibly trembling.

Good grief... Mirei smiled faintly.

This girl was such a contrast. Most of the time, she seemed unreliable, but at critical moments, her poise could stun even Mirei. And the worst part was, she was completely unaware of how capable she was.

When Mirei heard Narika was withdrawing, she'd felt two things: loneliness and tension. If Mirei became president, she would have to run the council with Narika. Working under Narika's dignified gaze would be taxing, even for Mirei.

Narika being brought backstage was also due to her influence. Despite withdrawing, she had been a presidential candidate and still drew a lot of attention. If she sat in the regular audience, it would have caused a stir.

As they waited, Maki Minato approached from the main stage area.

"The speeches are about to begin. Please prepare yourselves."

All preparations were already complete, so Mirei, Ren, and the others had nothing to do but wait. Mirei and Narika both stared at Maki intently, silent.

"Having both of you stare at me like that... it's not good for my heart."

"Aren't you the one who brought this on yourself?"

"Indeed," Maki replied with a laugh.

"Looking at the mood out there, it seems to be in your favor, Tennouji-san. That Promise Experience Event, wasn't it? It was very lively, so I'm not surprised."

Maki grabbed a nearby chair, placed it in front of Mirei, and sat down.

"But... you're sitting on a time bomb."

Maki said, meeting Mirei's gaze.

A time bomb...?

"The existence of Itsuki Tomonari."

Maki continued.

"As far as I can tell, he's been acting fairly toward both of you. But, supporting two presidential candidates at once... that's unprecedented. I doubt all the students understand his stance."

Her tone implied this was their opening. What was she getting at? As Mirei wondered, Maki continued.

"Itsuki Tomonari is only playing the assistant so he can secure the 'president's vote.' ...I just finished spreading that rumor."

Maki said this, her eyes burning with a dark light.

In a Kiou Academy election, the presidential candidates themselves get to vote. Specifically, the vote from the winning president—known as the 'president's vote'—carries the weight of one-third of the entire student body. This means the elected president has an easier time choosing their officers.

So now, a rumor was circulating that Itsuki Tomonari was aiming for that very vote... that he was supporting both Mirei Tennouji and Miyakojima Narika just so he'd be guaranteed the vice-presidential spot, no matter who won.

"Some students are probably doubting it. They might be thinking he's acting like a cunning bat, just trying to secure that vote. ...And that doubt will be directed at you, too. That you, who trust such a man, must also be at fault."

Like a spider watching its prey caught in a web, Maki stared at Mirei and Narika.

But Mirei and Narika—.

"Fufufu."

Mirei laughed. So did Narika.

Maki looked startled. She couldn't understand why they were laughing.

"It seems you don't understand Tomonari-kun at all."

"That's right. Minato-senpai doesn't understand Itsuki in the slightest."

They had been on guard, wondering what trick she'd pull. They were relieved. Oh, is that it? That's the trivial little thing you came up with?

"Don't worry. That bomb is a dud."

Mirei stood up. It was time for the final speech. As she ran through the speech in her mind, she thought of Itsuki, who had supported her all this way.

Maki doesn't understand Itsuki at all. ...A man who practically wears "honesty" like a suit of clothes... how could she possibly overlook something so simple?

◆

"We will now begin the final speeches for the 72nd student council election."

The former vice president stood on stage and briefly announced the start. The noise that had been buzzing until a moment ago suddenly vanished. I unconsciously straightened my back and gulped, waiting nervously for the candidate to arrive. In the painful silence, a girl with golden, ringlet hair appeared on stage. Mirei Tennouji. The girl I had always considered the most worthy of being president was now standing at the podium. Taking in the gazes of the Kiou Academy students—all of them promised to be future politicians and businessmen—Tennouji-san opened her mouth.

"First, I will address Miyakojima-san's withdrawal."

The first thing Tennouji-san spoke about was Narika, the rival she had competed against.

"I am saying this for her honor. She applied for this position because she felt there was value in this path. Miyakojima-san has her own thoughts. Please respect that."

Tennouji-san gave a slight bow.

I already knew the contents of her speech. She had told me she would address this first. Once again, I felt that discussing her friend's honor first was a reflection of Tennouji-san's pride. She is a person who cares about winning, but not someone who ignores the process. What she seeks is a clean victory, not just any victory.

"So, let us begin again."

After protecting her friend's honor, Tennouji-san glanced at the students gathered in the auditorium. She opened her mouth wide—.

"——————I Am Mirei Tennouji!!"

Tennouji-san's voice resounded. Immediately, a massive cheer echoed back.

(The whole auditorium is shaking...)

Combined with her powerful character, Tennouji-san's introduction seized the hearts of the students. Lit by the stage lights, her blonde ringlets seemed to sparkle.

"When I become student council president, I will make this Kiou Academy a place where everyone can live their lives with dignity!! Concretely, as I have shown you recently, I will hold etiquette courses so you can learn the proper behavior for society!!"

Tennouji-san was once again telling everyone what she had explained in her previous speeches.

"However, etiquette courses are just one form I am thinking of! As needed, I will raise your dignity in various ways! —For example, like the salon designed by Miyakojima-san."

The students began to whisper. This meant... Tennouji-san might be inheriting Narika's vision for the salon.

"There is nothing strange about that. Etiquette is meaningless if not applied. ...For better or worse, this academy has a gap in social status. Therefore, discussing things with people across that gap is the correct training for the future."

Perfect. I thought the argument she was making was incredible. The problem of the social status gap, so often discussed. Tennouji-san had framed it positively. It's because there's a gap that this academy reflects society. After all, once we graduate, we can't avoid social status.

"Where's the budget for that!!"

A student shouted from somewhere. Many students were surely curious about the budget for the etiquette courses and the salon. But—.

"There is no need to worry."

As soon as she spoke, the screen behind her lit up. On it was material prepared by Tennouji-san.

"Here!! This is the student council management strategy I am proposing!!"

Various graphs appeared on the screen. From the student council budget, to the list of necessary costs, to medium-term targets, the entire way Tennouji-san envisioned the student council's movement became perfectly clear. This would be something anyone could check after Tennouji-san became president.

"If I become president, the use of the budget will be completely transparent!! From the outsourcing costs for etiquette instructors, to equipment fees, to all other costs, everything will be published!!"

Tennouji-san was promising complete honesty. I'd looked into this before; no past student council president had ever made the money flow this transparent. Anyone could see this was the most honest path. But no one had done it, because it was seen as a thorny, unsustainable path.

If the money is transparent, students will have room to complain. 'Is this cost really necessary?' 'Will this investment pay off?' Those questions would be endless. Just like vocal shareholders. With too many complaints, there's a risk of delayed decisions.

Even so, Tennouji-san chose the thorny path. As a manager-type, Tennouji-san was confident she could handle vocal shareholders.

I can state it clearly: Joutou does not have this strength.

"I'm sure some of you doubt this can truly be realized. But have you forgotten? I am the sole daughter of the Tennouji group. There is no one who can beat me in management—"

Tennouji-san, holding the microphone, glanced at Hinako.

"—Not many who can!!"

She really could have said that more definitively... But her ability is recognized by everyone. In the Management Tournament, Tennouji-san produced results on par with Hinako.

Looking at the silent auditorium, Tennouji-san's lips moved seriously.

"Ren Joutou's promise is, indeed, revolutionary."

She made a statement that seemed to acknowledge her rival.

"The Commonization of Kiou Academy. With that, there is merit in making the students of this academy into humans who can function in the outside world. However—"

Tennouji-san clenched her fist.

"I, too, will give all of you the strength to be accepted in the outside world!"

Her powerful gaze pierced the students gathered in the hall.

"That is the use of ethics and manners! It is the mindset of not being rude to others!! If you understand that, there is no reason to fear the gap!"

Herein lay the fundamental difference with Joutou's strategy.

Joutou wanted to create an academy where there was no gap. In contrast, Tennouji-san was striving to create an academy where the gap didn't matter.

"It is important to get closer to the general public! But let me say this clearly! We are students of Kiou Academy!! We, who live in this honored institution, must adapt to society in our own way!!"

The spirit blazing within Tennouji-san was conveyed through her words. The students were unconsciously watching Tennouji-san with excited faces.

Reflected in their gazes—was a golden light.

"Grace, character, dignity. Students of Kiou Academy are often expected to have these things. Of course, some may feel that's a complex."

From my perspective, every student in this academy was full of dignity. But the serious students of Kiou Academy felt they were lacking every time they experienced the social world or a formal dinner.

"If that's the case, then we must make it!! —A class where we can learn about dignity!!"

The students' eyes widened as they listened to the speech. I understood how they felt.

Right. When you think about it, it's all so unnatural.

Why wasn't there a class like that? Why weren't there lessons on ethics? Everyone knew ethics were important at this academy.

To become leading politicians and businessmen, there were things that must be learned, yet the academy didn't teach them. Everyone was finally realizing that abnormality.

Tennouji-san was pointing out the one missing piece of the puzzle. She was filling a void no one even realized was there. Because there was no chance to learn, differences arose from inherent ability.

By striking a blow against that injustice, she would create an environment where the social gap was no longer a concern.

"And, strive to achieve it!!"

Tennouji-san declared.

With shining eyes and her hair glittering—.

"To become someone more noble than any other... just like me——————!!"

With a challenging smile, Tennouji-san's voice echoed.

In an instant, an incredible, thunderous cheer erupted. It was so loud I wanted to cover my ears, but I resolved to listen to this ovation to the very end, even if my ears ached.

This was Tennouji-san's power.

This was the person named Mirei Tennouji—!!

Standing on stage, Tennouji-san was the light. She was the ray guiding the students with her radiance. She was the noble signpost, carrying the hopes of this academy on her shoulders.

An existence more noble than anyone. Even though she tried to call herself that, no one could refute the power of her argument. Of course, this wasn't just a momentary sparkle. It was the accumulation of everything she had been through.

I looked around. The normally polite and calm students of Kiou Academy were shouting. The sight was overwhelming.

It was as if they were sensing the excitement, as if they were witnessing a historic moment. And really, at Kiou Academy, that might not be an exaggeration.

As the cheers began to die down, Tennouji-san brought the microphone to her lips again. Seeing this, the students quieted their mouths, waiting for Tennouji-san's next words.

"...Finally, I want to talk about Itsuki Tomonari-kun, who has supported me."

Tennouji-san continued.

"This time, the vice-presidential candidate, Tomonari-kun, did something unprecedented by supporting two presidential candidates at once. However, seeing this, some must have doubted his intentions, thinking he wanted to get the 'president's vote.' I believe many people have overcome that misunderstanding after seeing his conduct during the election period, but perhaps some still doubt him."

Tennouji-san glanced at me for a moment.

"Tomonari-kun... he realized that possibility from the very beginning."

I could feel the students around me stirring.

As Tennouji-san said, I had realized that risk before the election period began. If that risk was ignored, I thought it would become a time bomb that would be detrimental to us.

I remembered the gazes on me before the speech began. As I'd suspected, that attention was likely because of what Tennouji-san was discussing.

If so—then it's fine.

"The day before the election period began, Tomonari-kun pledged to support both me and Miyakojima-san, and then he made one request."

Tennouji-san recited the words I'd said to them that day.

"Whoever becomes President—————— he asked us not to give him the 'president's vote'."

The entire hall fell into an uproar.

The students around me turned to look at me all at once.

Taisho, sitting next to me, was shocked, his eyes wide.

"Tomonari... are you serious?"

"Yeah."

Taisho stared at me as if he couldn't believe it.

"We finally decided to honor his wish after a long debate."

Tennouji-san said, her expression complicated.

At first, Tennouji-san and Narika had both opposed it. But I insisted on sticking to my wish. In the end, they both gave in, and I felt it was the right decision.

This way, I could keep the light on stage pure.

"I, Mirei Tennouji, hereby forfeit the 'president's vote.' ...Who should be vice president? Tomonari-kun is leaving that up to all of you."

I couldn't help but nod.

The 'president's vote' was gone. But that didn't mean I was guaranteed to lose.

If I truly deserved to be vice president—I should be able to win even without the 'president's vote.'

"—With that, my speech is concluded!!"

Tennouji-san finished with a resounding voice.

Rapturous applause was directed at her. Tennouji-san left the stage with her chest puffed out, her expression confident, as if she were a light drawing the students' attention to the very end.

Slowly, the students began to discuss the speech.

The hall was quickly filled with a lively buzz again.

"We won, right!? This is a definite win, isn't it!?"

"This is definitely a win!!"

Asahi-san and Taisho said, full of excitement.

"Tennouji-samaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!"

Suminoe-san screamed, tears streaming down her face.

This time, I couldn't blame Suminoe-san for her craziness. Looking around, even if they weren't screaming, many students were incredibly excited.

"Tennouji-san's speech was great, but... I still can't get over the thing with Tomonari-kun."

Kita said, looking at me.

Hearing that, Asahi-san and Taisho also turned to me.

"Seriously!! Tomonari-kun, you're too reckless!!"

"Isn't forfeiting the 'president's vote' going too far?"

I felt awkward as they pressed me.

"No, well, I had my doubts too, but..."

Before consulting Tennouji-san and Narika, I'd thought it over carefully. In the end, the main reason I didn't want to accept the 'president's vote' was—.

"I didn't want to just be fixated on the result. I wanted to be someone who could be proud of that result..."

When I thought about what kind of person I wanted to be, I realized I shouldn't accept the 'president's vote'.

Being vice president doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the important things. This was the same as not wanting to just hand the victory to Tennouji-san. Sticking to these kinds of things is what builds confidence for the future.

"Th... That's so cool...!!"

Hearing what I said, Taisho's eyes were shining.

"Tomonari...!! You're a really cool guy...!!"

"Being told that so directly is... kind of embarrassing."

I might have said something a little cringey.

When I looked at Asahi-san while scratching my cheek, she was groaning, her face bright red.



"Ahhhhhh~~~~... no, no, no, no, no. If I get involved, things will get complicated... I'm neutral, I'm neutral, I'm neutraaaaaal..."

Clutching her cheeks with both hands, Asahi-san muttered something under her breath.

...Lately, Asahi-san has been acting strange sometimes.

As I was thinking that, I realized Suminoe-san was staring at me.

Suminoe-san was looking at my face very intently...

"...Well, if you want to stand by Tennouji-sama's side, it's only natural you'd be able to say something like that."

I didn't really get what she meant, but it seemed I'd passed.

Asahi-san fanned her red face with her hands.

"Honestly, that's some serious resolve. You think so too, right, Konohana-san?"

"Absolutely."

Hinako nodded slowly as Asahi-san called on her. Wearing her perfect Ojou-sama mask, Hinako spoke with a calm expression.

"We must erect a monument here."

"Konohana-san?"

I couldn't help but blurt out her name.

Please don't, that'll just bother everyone.

"It looks like the next speech is about to start."

Suminoe-san said, looking at the stage. The microphone and lighting were set. All that was left was for Joutou to appear.

Before Joutou's speech began, I observed the students around me. ...Tennouji-san's speech was perfect, even without being biased. I wasn't letting my guard down, but the atmosphere in the hall was clearly in Tennouji-san's favor.

From the wings of the stage, Joutou appeared.

I could tell just by looking at his face.

This election battle... was already decided.

◇

When Ren Joutou appeared on stage, he saw the expressions of the students gathered in the hall and immediately realized it.

(I've lost.)

Ren recognized his defeat. A single speech wouldn't be enough to turn this atmosphere around.

(The support ratings probably already flipped this morning. And then that speech. In this situation, without a trump card, there's no way I can turn this.)

Standing at the microphone, he took a deep breath. He could start the speech whenever he wanted, but now that defeat was certain, there was no harm in making the students wait.

Ren reflected on the outcome, thinking carefully about the cause of his defeat.

(The forfeiture of the 'president's vote' was the final endorsement, highlighting the sincerity of Tennouji-san and Tomonari-kun. ...Really, was that natural, or was it planned?)

Ren smiled faintly.

For that announcement to be made at this specific, perfect moment...

If the forfeiture of the 'president's vote' had been announced at the start of the election period, it might not have had an impact on the polls. But the situation of the final speech added drama for those two. Such a beautiful, refreshing truth revealed at the last possible moment. Anyone would be moved.

The rumor Maki spread had also backfired. Precisely when there was doubt about Itsuki, the announcement of the forfeiture created a reversal drama that was too perfect.

Light...

Ren remembered what Mirei Tennouji had said she would show the students.

Mirei, giving her speech on stage, had certainly been shining. But Ren didn't feel he'd lost in the speech itself. If anything, when it came to speech performance, he was the superior one.

But Ren realized something.

It wasn't about the stage.

The light was in the eyes of the students looking at Mirei Tennouji. Seeing the gazes of the students looking at Mirei, Ren finally understood what "light" was. It was, as Mirei had said, a freshness and a bright impression.

But it wasn't just Mirei who was emitting this feeling; every student was emitting it, one by one.

The students supporting Mirei Tennouji looked so happy. Fresh, confident, and full of conviction. The people around her were the same. Itsuki Tomonari, Karen Asahi, Katsuya Taisho, Suminoe Chika, Narika Miyakojima, and Hinako Konohana... all of them supported Mirei with bright faces.

This is what Ren lacked.

Ren pictured Rintaro's face. He pictured Maki's face. In their eyes, as they looked at Ren, there was no light shining. Only dark, unnatural, wavering gazes looked back at Ren.

The moment he realized he couldn't give them that light—Ren had already lost.

(...How?)

How could he have won?

The light Mirei showed was a field Ren was weak in, but it wasn't something he couldn't imitate. Even if his way of giving "freshness" to the students was different, Ren had ways to deceive the students and show them light. For a politician, that was a common tactic. You don't have to be clean. You just have to act clean and convince yourself you are.

But right now, Ren didn't have the vision that so many students, like Mirei, had hoped for.

Ren looked at the students' eyes. Their trust in Mirei was strong and unshakable. In it, there seemed to be a deep understanding of Mirei.

Just then, Ren remembered.

The Promise Experience Event held a few days ago. Ren hadn't just watched Narika's salon; he'd also secretly observed Mirei.

While observing, Ren had coincidentally overheard a conversation.

"Oh, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Oh, you remember me. I was in your class last year..."

"Of course I do. Please, have a seat."

The reason Ren remembered this conversation was because that student was his classmate.

Ren, planning to solidify his base, had treated the third floor of the school building as his territory and tried to pull students from classes 2-D to 2-F to his side.

But many of those students had turned.

Most of the students who had turned were acquaintances of Mirei and Narika.

(...I see.)

Ren replayed their conversation in his mind one more time.

Last year. That was when Ren was inactive.

Ren had slacked off since the second semester of his first year. But during that time, Mirei and the others had continued to live their lives earnestly. Every class, every exam, the Management Tournament... they had done it all with their whole hearts.

That was the difference.

Ren didn't have that accumulation of past experience.

So it was only natural the students showed more understanding for Mirei than for Ren.

Ren smiled.

In the end, it was their daily conduct that made the difference.

If only he had tried his best from his first year… maybe the result would have been different.

But this wasn't a world of "if only."

In this world… Ren had lost.

"My name is Ren Joutou."

After a long silence, Ren spoke into the microphone.

"I am grateful to everyone who has supported me until this point."

Seeing Ren bow deeply, the students grew restless. They must have sensed a different atmosphere from Ren's usual, spirited speeches.

After raising his head, Ren thought of those who had supported him. Rintaro, Maki... in his heart, he apologized to them and opened his mouth.

"However, I have realized my own lack of ability."

The auditorium became noisy.

"I find... I want to see the vision of the academy that Tennouji-san has painted."

Ren's voice echoed in the vast auditorium.

He wanted to see... how that overly clean, pure girl would live her life.

The new form of the academy they would weave.

"Therefore, I will be casting my vote for Tennouji-san."

He left the stage and returned to the wings. There was no applause. They were probably confused. But, after a delay, the students realized Ren had just waved the white flag.

Looking at the suddenly noisy and agitated auditorium, Ren bowed his head to Maki, who was in the wings.

"Sorry, I couldn't meet your expectations."

"No, you don't need to apologize."

Maki stared at Ren and said,

"Deep down... weren't you hoping for this ending?"

Ren's heart skipped a beat.

He remembered, days ago. When Rintaro was running the negative campaign, Ren had, in fact, imagined this future. To take responsibility for his junior's mistake, the only way was to withdraw from aiming for the presidency. It would be a lie to say he'd never thought that.

That's why, the day before the debate, he'd allowed Maki's plan to steal information. If he had to step down, he at least wanted to take on the role of giving a warning.

"...Maybe so."

Ren nodded slowly.

"But I fought seriously."

Ren said it firmly. Somewhere in his heart, there was a feeling that it was good he'd lost.

But, on the other hand, he'd also wanted to win. —If not, what was this regret? When he realized he'd lost, why had he searched for the cause of his defeat?

He wanted to win.

He wanted to lead this academy.

"Joutou-senpai—!!"

With heavy footsteps, a student ran into the wings. Rintaro ran up to the startled Ren.

"Rintaro…"

"—Is this my fault!?"

Rintaro shouted.

Tears were streaming from his eyes.

"Is it because I did something I shouldn't have...!?"

"...No, that's not it."

He fought seriously and lost.

Even if part of him wanted to lose, Ren had no intention of slacking. He'd used all the strength he could muster. It was a fight he could be proud of.

"Rintaro. ...From the beginning, I was just leaving everything to someone else."

Ren explained the reason for his loss, the one he'd realized on stage.

"I wanted Konohana-san to be president, and after learning she wouldn't run, I just... hoped someone would understand our intentions."

But during that time, an impatient Rintaro had turned to a scheme. Ren had slowly become more positive about the election, but it was still too late.

"The guy who always leaves things to others, wanting to win in the end... I guess I was just too selfish."

This wasn't just about the election period.

The difference between victory and defeat was how sincerely they had lived their lives for months leading up to this day.

From the wings, Ren looked at the state of the students.

The students who had been confused were now calm, celebrating Mirei's victory. Now that Ren had announced his defeat, Mirei's win was certain.

In the middle of the crowd, Mirei stood proudly, accepting the applause.

Ren clapped, too, from the wings.

"For now, let's celebrate. ...Don't worry, life is long. We can use the lesson from this time... for the next time."

Life is long. Therefore, we can build.

Ren felt grateful he'd realized that before becoming an adult.

"I will never forget this day."

Ren looked at Mirei as if seeing something brilliant.

In his eyes, a light was shining.

◆

After Joutou finished his speech, we wrote the name of our chosen candidate on the ballots we'd received in class, then put them into the ballot boxes placed along the auditorium wall.

Once the voting was finished, we returned to our classrooms to await the results.

With Fukushima-sensei watching over the class, the broadcast began.

"We will now announce the results of the 72nd student council election."

The students held their breath. The voice echoed in the tense atmosphere.

"The elected student council president is Mirei Tennouji-san."

Even though I'd expected it... I felt my tense shoulders begin to relax.

The students of Class 2-A erupted in applause for Tennouji-san, who wasn't present. The applause I could hear from the classroom next door also felt like an expression of their trust in her. Looking at my classmates' faces, I could tell everyone was anticipating a bright future. Was it just my imagination, or could I hear a boisterous "Ohhhhhhohohoho!!" laugh from far away? ...Even if it wasn't my imagination, just for today, it was probably forgivable.

As the applause died down, my heart began to pound. The president had been announced. If that was the case, next... was my turn. For a moment, a weak voice sounded in my heart. ...Since Tennouji-san had successfully become president, wasn't that enough? My goal had been achieved. I could still support Tennouji-san without being vice president, and I could leave the rest to Rintaro. With that line of thinking, I tried to brace the part of myself that wanted to feel relieved.

No, I won't.

I want to win.

Not someone else—I'm the one who wants to support Tennouji-san.

"Next, we will announce the other student council members."

My breath caught.

After a pause that felt like an eternity, the voice echoed.

"Vice president, Itsuki Tomonari-kun. Treasurer, Abeno Haruka-san. Secretary, Yodogawa Ryuji-kun. General affairs, Narika Miyakojima-san."

This time... I could finally let my entire body relax.

I leaned back into my chair and stared at the ceiling. If Tennouji-san saw me, she'd probably scold me—"Watch your posture!"—but I couldn't move. It felt like I'd just finished a long, long journey... It was so hard to get here...

As I was reliving all the hardships, applause from my classmates washed over me. Everyone was looking at me. Their gazes were filled with strong trust...

"The students elected as student council members, please gather in the student council room."

Ah... right.

Since I'd been elected, I had to go to the student council room for introductions. I forced my suddenly heavy body to move, stood up, and headed for the hallway.

On the way—

"Congratulations!"

Someone called out.

"Great job!"

"I'm expecting great things!"

"Keep it up!"

"I'm rooting for you!"

Everyone was cheering me on.

Hearing the echoing applause and shouts of support, my eyes grew hot, and I had to stop for a moment. A few small laughs made me feel embarrassed. How pathetic, I thought, wiping the corner of my eye with the back of my hand. I'd become vice president... not by relying on the 'president's vote,' but thanks to everyone's support. Everyone had trusted me.

"—Thank you, everyone!!"

Holding back tears, I bowed deeply.

Amidst the unending applause, I raised my head and met Hinako's eyes. I understood the words in her gaze and replied with my own.

—Go.

—I'm going.

I'll become a man who won't be criticized, no matter who sees me standing next to Hinako.

Today, I've taken a significant step toward that goal. Maybe I'm not all the way there yet. But I'm definitely on the right path. Just keep moving forward. My instincts told me so.

On the way to the student council room, students clapped as I walked down the hall. It felt like a victory parade. I nodded my thanks several times as I walked.

Pushed forward by the cheers and applause, I finally reached the student council room. I took a deep breath, then knocked on the door.

"Come in."

A familiar voice came from inside, and I tilted my head in confusion.

When I opened the door, the person I'd pictured was standing right in front of me.

"Minato-senpai?"

"I've been waiting for you, Tomonari-kun. ...Congratulations. Starting today, you are the student council vice president."

"......Thank you."

I said, a little confused.

I'd heard this meeting was for the new members to meet, but... were last year's members attending, too? As I was wondering, Minato-senpai smiled at me.

"For the handover, the outgoing president welcomes the newly elected officers in this room every year."

".........I see."

I understood it was for the transition.

But Tennouji-san and the others weren't here yet. ...Maybe I'd come too quickly. The overwhelming applause and cheers had surprised and embarrassed me, so I'd rushed over here. I should have taken my time.

"It seems the other members still need a moment. ...This is quite convenient for me."

What did she mean, 'convenient'?

Minato-senpai looked at me.

"Tomonari-kun. Let's talk for a bit."

◇

Staring at Itsuki, Maki Minato recalled a memory from her first year of high school.

When she had just entered Kiou Academy, the Rakuou group, her family's business, was experiencing stagnant performance. Although sales were their specialty, the market had matured in the last ten years, and profits were struggling to grow.

To fix the slump, Maki's father responded to shareholder demands by reshuffling management in the mail-order division and formulating new measures to increase profits.

At that time, a monster named Takuma Konohana was invited as an external advisor.

This was the beginning of Maki's encounter with Takuma.

"Heeh, so you think the same way?"

"Yes!"

It happened at a dinner Maki attended with her father and Takuma.

Since childhood, Maki had watched the Rakuou group from behind her father's back. She'd predicted that the mail-order division would one day be forced to shrink and had even formulated her own countermeasures.

When she explained her thoughts at the dinner table, her father was shocked, while Takuma showed interest.

The measures Maki formulated were similar to the strategy Takuma was proposing to her father as an advisor.

Realizing this, Maki was ecstatic. —Her ability had been recognized in the adult world. In fact, someone with similar values was already succeeding in the adult world.

At that moment, Takuma became Maki's guidepost. Although Takuma's proposal was similar, the content was far sharper and more detailed than hers. In other words, Takuma was her superior, the embodiment of the future she wanted to achieve.

Maki resolved to observe and learn from Takuma's tactics. The more she learned about his knowledge and experience as a consultant, the more impressed she became. And above all, Takuma had an incredible ability to motivate people. She began to hope she could be like him one day.

Unable to contain her growing feelings, Maki finally made a request.

"Please make me your disciple!!"

Seeing Maki bow so deeply, Takuma let out a small sigh.

"Fine, I guess."

Being accepted as his student, Maki felt a happiness she had never known.

But she didn't realize. At that moment, all Takuma was thinking about was how strong a connection he needed to build with the Rakuou group. A connection with the Rakuou group, which had dominated the industry since its founding, was valuable to Takuma as well.

Takuma didn't treat Maki carelessly because he wanted to maintain his relationship with the Rakuou group.

He allowed Maki to be his student because he judged it would strengthen his connection with the company president, her father.

Maki didn't realize that Takuma had no interest in her abilities from the start.

Therefore, the shocking end arrived.

"Takuma-san! I've organized the documents!"

"Ah, yeah. Put them there."

Maki studied while acting as Takuma's assistant.

She didn't just do menial work. Sometimes there were more serious jobs, and they even did consultations together. Although she lacked experience, she sometimes felt she could offer sharp opinions. A few of those ideas were adopted by Takuma, and Maki felt she was achieving results. She didn't mean to belittle Kiou Academy, but she felt what she was doing had already surpassed the level of a student.

But... why? Takuma's view of Maki never changed.

It was as if... he wasn't interested in whether someone was useful or not.

One day, Takuma handed Maki some documents.

"It seems this company is having trouble with a business partner."

Because it was a company she had visited with Takuma, Maki nodded immediately. They must have been hesitant to outsource part of their business, but looking for a new partner meant they'd finally made a decision.

"Could you find a potential partner from this list?"

Maki's eyes widened.

This was a job with far more responsibility than before.

Previously, she was only allowed to give advice, but now she could finally choose a business partner herself. Maki felt her efforts had paid off and was ecstatic.

Clutching the list, Maki was full of enthusiasm.

"Alright!! Please give me about a week!!"

"What are you talking about?"

Takuma replied calmly.

"You have to choose now."

His cold, icy gaze bore into Maki.

A moment later, Maki finally understood. This wasn't a job with great responsibility. Her efforts hadn't earned her his trust.

On the contrary...

Takuma was testing Maki's talent.

The time and information given. Could she use them to produce the ideal answer?

Maki felt it was impossible. The list of potential partners had over twenty names. She should research the strengths and weaknesses of each, visit them if necessary, and only then, after careful consideration, arrive at an answer. That's what consultation was.

But Takuma... could probably find the answer with just the information in his hands.

Only now did Maki finally understand what Takuma was looking for.

What Takuma sought was extraordinary talent equal to his own.

She could do the work despite being a student. —That meant nothing to Takuma. He wasn't interested in small skills or simple tricks. Put simply, Takuma didn't care about results achieved through effort. Only natural-born talent interested him.

In the end—Maki couldn't give Takuma a satisfactory answer.

Seeing Maki unable to answer, Takuma yawned lightly and went back to his laptop. Maki stood frozen for several minutes, clutching the list. After ten minutes, she managed to summarize an answer, but all she got was a sigh.

"How about we end this 'mentor-student' relationship?"

You're not planning to keep depending on that, are you?

Takuma's gaze left Maki able to do nothing but nod. She realized she had never been needed, and she lost all confidence to continue as his student.

Takuma had apparently succeeded in building his connection with the Rakuou group. He had no more contact with Maki, and Maki began to avoid him.

Maki became student council president only by circumstance. While his student, she had worked hard at her studies to be recognized, and without realizing it, had put herself on the path to the presidency. With support from those around her, she was elected automatically.

When she became president by chance, Maki felt disappointed in Kiou Academy. She thought, if someone with her shallow abilities could become president, then Kiou Academy was just a collection of childish brats.

But Takuma had already lost hope in her.

It seemed there was no one in this academy who could satisfy that man. Maybe not even in the adult world.

A little girl wanting to be his student... it was an impossible dream.

She decided to just be proud she had once been his student, and move on with her life. With that thought, Maki decided to end her connection to Takuma.

…However.

However... he appeared.

That man's student.

A child who could satisfy Takuma. And what's more, he was enrolled in this very Kiou Academy...

(...I was thrown away.)

Trying to suppress the roiling emotions inside her, Maki stared at the boy in front of her.

Itsuki Tomonari. ...She'd realized Itsuki was Takuma's student when she heard his reputation in the Management Tournament and investigated his managerial skills.

At the time, she was shocked.

Itsuki's management style was a living copy of Takuma's.

Curious, Maki investigated Itsuki further. If he was friends with Hinako Konohana, that perfect Ojou-sama, it was no wonder he had a connection to Takuma. The more she investigated, the more Takuma's shadow appeared, and before the election, she had called Takuma to confirm.

Itsuki Tomonari.

That man's student.

Maki had the right to judge his talent.

"Honestly, I tried to break your spirit in that debate," Maki said.

"I thought you wouldn't be able to recover, or maybe you'd fall onto the wrong path... but I'm curious. The reason you didn't... was it because of those two candidates?"

"...That's right. If it weren't for Tennouji-san and Narika, I might have used the same methods you did."

Hearing that answer, Maki nodded, satisfied.

Maki had suspected that Mirei Tennouji and Narika Miyakojima were dependent on Itsuki. If Itsuki fell into despair, she thought they would fall with him, but it seemed that was an unnecessary worry.

"That Promise Experience Event was impressive. ...Students at Kiou Academy tend to have a realistic outlook. Especially for those aspiring to be entrepreneurs, a strategy to build a framework—even if just in form… is very effective."

As she spoke, Maki picked up a document from the table.

"Do you know the student council's first job?"

"...Managing the cultural festival, right?"

"Correct. Even though it's an annual event, because it's a time when the system isn't fully formed, there's a lot to do. I had a hard time, too, so I thought I'd help you out a bit."

Maki handed the document to Itsuki.

"I've compiled a list of potential suppliers for the equipment we'll use at the festival. ...Tomonari-kun, can you pick a potential partner from this?"

"Pick... you mean, now?"

"Yes."

Maki nodded.

"You have to choose now."

Maki was repeating the very test she had once failed.

Itsuki took the document, a little confused, and read over it.

What kind of answer will he give?

Will he be unable to answer, like I was?

Will he break out in a cold sweat and give a careless answer, using what little knowledge he has... just like I did?

"Hmm, let's see..."

As he scanned the document, Itsuki suddenly looked puzzled.

He tilted his head and looked up at Maki with a curious gaze—.

"...They're all pretty good."

He answered as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"All the partners listed here are quite excellent, aren't they? ...As expected of the former president. Thank you for finding such trustworthy partners."

The answer given was perfect.

Just as Itsuki said... Maki had only listed excellent partners from the start. This was a test designed so that picking any single company would be a mistake.

But the answer that came back was so perfect, it almost felt sarcastic.

"Ahahahahahaha—!!"

Maki laughed.

Itsuki was startled by the sudden outburst. But the one who was truly shocked was Maki.

—I've truly lost.

Maki realized it. She had been completely beaten by this boy.

Takuma's eye wasn't wrong. That man was definitely watching this boy.

She didn't feel disappointed. On the contrary, she felt... relieved. The emotions that had been pent up in her heart for so long were finally starting to fade.

(Ahh, I...)

While laughing, Maki thought of Takuma.

She had never wanted to admit it. She had wanted to argue, time and time again, that she was worthy of being his student. That if he let her go, he'd never find another student as good as her.

But... someone like that had appeared.

Someone more worthy of that man than she was.

(I... wasn't acknowledged by that man.)

The emotions she had painstakingly suppressed began to flow out.

From now on, it seemed she could finally move forward.

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