Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 10 Epilogue

Epilogue

Once all the student council members were assembled, Minato-senpai began the handover.

Even though it was called a handover, most of the necessary documents were already prepared, so Minato-senpai just taught us how to use equipment that could be explained verbally. She told us that the treasurer had to use this specific software, and general affairs should be managed with this handbook...

After all the explanations were finished, Minato-senpai swiftly left the room. Now only the members for this term remained, as if she wanted us to enjoy the moment without interruption.

"I am the student council president now, Mirei Tennouji!!"

Tennouji-san announced in a loud voice.

"I do not intend to be a woman who can only talk. As I said in my final speech, I want to be a role model for the students."

Tennouji-san said, with strong determination in her eyes.

There are probably many people who just make sweet promises to gather support. But Tennouji-san's pride would never allow that.

"Therefore... I ask for your cooperation to make that a reality."

With that, Tennouji-san bowed her head.

Everyone was shocked. Of course, I was shocked too. Tennouji-san had shown how dependable she was in her final speech. But the first thing she did upon meeting the new members was to bow her head... no one had expected that.

But Tennouji-san's sincerity was palpable in her posture. To be a role model. To lead. She had said those things, but she wasn't being arrogant. By bowing first, Tennouji-san was showing everyone that she didn't want this to be a one-woman show.

"I am only human. Even though I want to lead the students, there will surely be times when things do not go well. At those times, I want you all to support me. I am certain, from now on, I will show my weaknesses only to you."

If the Tennouji-san who leads is her "public" side, then the Tennouji-san who interacts with the student council is her "hidden" side. To move gracefully on stage, one needs support from backstage. That's why she was asking for our help. Hearing that declaration, I nodded firmly.

"I will definitely support you."

I replied, clapping.

I will support you. As I said it, I suddenly thought of Hinako.

Hinako, who has to maintain the image of a perfect Ojou-sama, completely lets go in her private life. Maybe Tennouji-san will be in a similar position from now on.

The public Tennouji-san who leads the students. The private Tennouji-san who works so hard in the student council room.

...If that's the case, then this is my specialty.

I'm not a caretaker for nothing. Taking care of an Ojou-sama who works hard to protect her image is familiar territory for me.

"I'm looking forward to working with you."

"Thank you!"

Abeno-san and Yodogawa-kun also chimed in, applauding.

Finally, Narika smiled.

"I'm proud to be able to work under you, Tennouji-san."

That encouragement from Narika, her former rival, must have been especially touching. Tennouji-san's face crumpled for a moment, then she firmed her eyes, as if holding back tears.

The sound of applause filled the room. I thought the meeting would end on that good note, but...

"Well, actually, I would have preferred if Miyakojima-san had become president."

Abeno-san casually dropped that bombshell.

"Wh—!? Wh-Wh-Wh-Why!?"

"Because she was the first one who invited us to a tea party. Tennouji-san did it later, but it was Miyakojima-san's idea, right?"

Abeno-san looked at Narika with a calm expression.

"Y-Yes..."

Narika, unable to lie, could only nod hesitantly. It seemed Abeno-san currently admired Narika more than Tennouji-san.

Tennouji-san glared at Narika with a look of pure regret.

"Narika Miyakojima...!! I knew it, you are my rival...!!"

"Why are you glaring at me like that when I'm supposed to be on your side!?"

Is... everything going to be okay? Can this group of student council members actually work together...? I wondered, as I set a goal in my heart.

As vice president, my duty is, of course, to support Tennouji-san. But beyond that, there's something I want to accomplish in this role.

I remembered something Minato-senpai, the former president, had said—that there are people in this academy who do unsavory things.

(...I want to make sure people like that don't appear.)

A world where honest people are rewarded might sound too idealistic. But with Tennouji-san, I felt like we might just be able to achieve it.

There are so many people in this academy suffering under the weight of their family responsibilities. Hinako is one, so are Tennouji-san and Narika. Asahi-san, Rintaro, and Joutou... they all seem to be buckling under that burden.

Can I reach out my hand to people like them? If they could just feel a little relief, surely those "unsavory" people wouldn't appear in the first place.

(A problem unique to Kiou Academy... As a commoner, I want to solve it.)

The me of the past wouldn't have said something foolish like that. But after hearing Joutou's pledge to make Kiou Academy more open to commoners, I couldn't mock the idea anymore.

If this "commoner" perspective of mine can be useful, I'll use it to its fullest for Tennouji-san's sake.

My goal is... to create an academy where everyone can live a noble life.

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