Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 9 Chapter 1

The Faction

The election period at Kiou Academy had begun.

Since I was one of the people involved, I read through the election rules.

The election period lasts for three weeks, or thirteen days excluding weekends. Considering this is to select the student council officers who will one day lead entrepreneurs and politicians, that timeframe feels appropriate. For these thirteen days, the presidential candidates are free to campaign and win the support of the student body.

By tradition, the first day is for unveiling the candidates' posters and announcing their platforms, often accompanied by flyers. The school had already designated the official bulletin boards and the areas where flyers could be handed out.

I arrived at school just like any other day and found a large crowd of students gathered on the first floor of the school building. I knew immediately why they were here: the presidential candidates' posters were up.

"Oh, Tomonari and Konohana-san."

"Morning, you two~!"

Katsuya Taisho and Karen Asahi had spotted us.

Hinako and I said our "Good mornings" and walked over.

"It's so crowded."

"Yeah, well, the candidates this year are a pretty big deal."

Taisho said, looking toward the posters.

There were three candidates for student council president. Two of them were Mirei Tennouji and Narika Miyakojima.

Both are celebrities on campus, rivaling Hinako in popularity. Tennouji-san's family business is on a scale comparable to the Konohana Group, and Narika's family is a titan in the sporting goods industry. On top of that, Narika's own recent achievements at school have been impressive and earned her a lot of praise.

Since they had both consulted me about their posters, there wasn't much point in me looking again. Still, seeing the posters they'd poured their hearts into drawing so much attention... it was a moving sight.

(...Their posters have improved so much from the first drafts.)

It was nice to see their hard work pay off.

Tennouji-san's first draft had been like a supermarket sales flyer—gaudy and cluttered... Thank goodness we fixed it.

Narika's first draft, on the other hand, was so full of her anxieties that the supplementary notes were longer than the main text... That, too, was thankfully revised.

Because I'd run a consulting business in the Management Tournament, they both came to me. But frankly, I don't know anything about elections. I just did my own research and offered objective advice... I guess the results weren't half bad.

As I stood at the back of the crowd, arms crossed and nodding in satisfaction—

"Tomonari-kun!"

Tennouji-san called out my name cheerfully and walked over.

"Thanks to you, I ended up with a splendid poster!"

"You're welcome, but I didn't really do much..."

"Oh, don't be modest! This elegant poster, shining in gold, truly captures my essence!"

Tennouji-san said, gazing happily at her own poster.

Hinako has the title of "Perfect Ojou-sama," and Tennouji-san is her flawless equal. Except for one thing... her desire to "Show off my Ojou-sama-ness!" often goes overboard. It's the whole reason she has blonde hair and that high-class "ojou-sama" way of speaking.

That's why her first draft was so flashy. I thought it was a waste to bury her true qualities, so I pushed to keep the design elegant. I remembered that classic cafe we visited before the tournament, and I aimed for a style that wouldn't look out of place even if it were hung on the wall there.

"Um, Tennouji-san! Good luck!"

"I'm voting for you!"

Students in the crowd cheered for her.

"Thank you, everyone! I'll be giving a speech tomorrow, so please be sure to come!"

Tennouji-san thanked them gracefully and turned to leave. Her blonde ringlets swayed, catching the morning light, and the students watched her, mesmerized.

"Itsuki!"

Someone else called my name, and I turned. Narika was walking over.

"Thanks for helping me so late last night! Because of you, my posters and flyers are getting a really good reaction!"

"That's great."

"It was the same during the tournament. Your ideas are amazing. I never would have thought to use my calligraphy skills here."

Narika said, looking at her poster with admiration.

Since Tennouji-san's poster was all about highlighting her personality, I wondered if Narika could do the same. I remembered she was an excellent calligrapher. Just to be safe, I checked with our homeroom teacher, Fukushima-sensei, who said there were no rules on poster content. So, I suggested she write it with a calligraphy brush.

The result was an incredibly striking poster. Students were staring, drawn to the powerful, ink-black strokes of her platform.

"Miyakojima-san! I'll be cheering for you!"

"Onee-sama! You definitely have my vote!"

Students cheered for Narika.

"Thank you. Um... I'll do my best not to let you down!"

She stumbled over her words a bit, but even in the spotlight, she didn't shrink back like she used to.

After Narika left, the atmosphere calmed down slightly. And then—all those eyes turned to me.

"Ngh."

I knew. I knew exactly what all those looks were asking. —Which side are you on? And I still didn't have an answer. My stomach started to ache. I clutched it as I headed for the classroom.

◆

"Sigh..."

"Tomonari, you're not exactly hiding your worries."

As I was sighing at my desk, Taisho and Asahi-san kindly came over.

"Including you, there are two candidates for vice president, right?"

"It seems so. But there haven't been any rumors, so I don't know who the other one is."

"I heard a rumor. Someone from the first year."

"Huh, really?"

I hadn't heard that. A first-year running for vice president... That's ambitious. I won't underestimate them just because they're younger. Unlike me, they must have gotten into this school the normal way. Objectively speaking, they're probably more qualified than I am.

"Anyway, if there are two candidates, you have to win the election. That means which faction you belong to is crucial."

"...Yeah."

That's exactly what I was stressing about.

The election isn't just for president. The student council has five officer positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and General Affairs. If any position has multiple candidates, it goes to a vote.

For Vice President, there are two candidates, including me. I have to campaign for myself, too. I'm right in the thick of this election.

The main campaign activity for a VP candidate is to support a presidential candidate. You follow the candidate you think will win, acting as their subordinate... The reason for this strategy lies in the election rules.

In a Kiou Academy student council election, the entire student body votes. However, the elected president is given a special "President's Vote." This single vote is worth one-third of the total student body's votes.

In other words, the new president can easily choose their own officers. At Kiou Academy, the winning president almost always gives their vote to the VP candidate who supported them. Therefore, a VP candidate's choice of faction is critical.

This year, there are three main factions: Tennouji-san's, Narika's, and that of the third, as-yet-unseen candidate.

To put it simply, the VP campaign is identifying the most likely winner among the presidential candidates and supporting them. In exchange for that support, you ask them to give you their President's Vote.

Of course, the President's Vote is only one-third. If the other two-thirds of the vote go to the other candidate, you'll still lose. So, I also have to demonstrate my own competence as a VP and earn the students' trust.

"I'm rooting for you. You've got my vote."

"Thank you."

With all this weighing on me, that sincere support was a relief.

"You too, right, Asahi?"

Taisho looked at Asahi-san. But Asahi-san had a complicated expression and seemed lost in thought.

"Asahi?"

"Huh? Ah, yeah! I... I also think you'd be better, Tomonari-kun."

Her awkwardness was obvious. I sighed quietly.

"Um... You don't have to force yourself to support me."

"N-No, no, no! I am! I'll vote for you!"

But you're really not acting like it... Still, the thought that Asahi-san might not vote for me was disheartening. I guess I'd subconsciously assumed everyone in our group would support me... I need to correct that. Friendship and dependency are two different things.

The election period has only just begun. The real work starts now. But to move forward... I have to pick a faction. Will I support Tennouji-san? Or Narika? Who should I choose...?

"...I can't sort this out. I'm going for a walk."

There was still time before class. I left the room and just wandered the halls.

"My, Tomonari-kun."

"...Suminoe-san."

I ran into Suminoe-san, who had just arrived.

"The election period starts today, doesn't it."

"Y-Yes, it does."

She flashed me her "public" innocent smile, and a chill went down my spine. Suminoe-san continued to smile.

"Which faction do you plan on joining?"

"That's..."

I froze. Seeing my hesitation, her eyes sharpened.

"You wouldn't dare betray Tennouji-sama, would you?"

The pressure was intense. She stared hard at me until the very last second before disappearing into the classroom. I clutched my stomach and let out a long breath—

"Ah, Tomonari-kun."

Kita walked over, looking concerned.

"What's wrong? You don't look so good."

"...No, I'm fine."

"That's good... You're running for VP, right? I'm rooting for you."

"Thank you."

Maybe my efforts up to now had paid off. A lot of people were willing to support me. However, Kita didn't go back to the classroom. He lingered, looking as if he was debating whether to say something. Finally, he spoke.

"Which faction are you joining?"

"...Er."

"I'm not trying to pressure you, but... I think Miyakojima-san needs someone to support her."

"...You're right."

I thought so, too. But...

◆

It was lunchtime.

I was eating with Hinako as usual when she patted my thigh.

"Are you going to sleep?"

"Mhm."

I sat cross-legged so Hinako could lie down.

"Hoo..."

Hinako rested her head on my lap and, moments later, her breathing steadied.

This time of year, it gets cool after sunset, but the daytime temperature is perfect. If I didn't have so much on my mind, I'd want to nap right alongside her.

(...I should ask for advice.)

I took out my phone and made a call. I wasn't sure if she'd be able to pick up, but it connected immediately.

"Itsuki? What's up? It's rare for you to call at this hour."

"Yuri, sorry. Do you have a minute?"

"Yeah. Is it important?"

"...Yes."

"Hold on, I'm moving."

I could hear the lively sounds of a cafeteria along with her voice. Her high school must be on its lunch break, too. I felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering the atmosphere of my old school.

"Okay, so? What's up?"

Yuri asked, having moved somewhere quiet. The background noise was gone.

"I wanted to talk to you about something. My school's student council elections are starting—"

I explained my situation to Yuri. How I was a candidate for vice president, and to win, I needed to support one of the presidential candidates and get results. But first, I had to choose a faction...

"Woooow... Your problems are so luxurious."

"Luxurious?"

"It means you have the option of joining either faction, right? Usually, it's the opposite. You'd have to fight just to get into one."

Hearing her put it that way, she was right...

"And you're coming to me for advice on this?"

"I've decided I'm going to consult you on all my major life decisions."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Yuri giggled. This was important, so I'd wanted to talk in person, but there just wasn't time. And being this indecisive isn't a good look...

(...If this follows the usual pattern, one of the presidential candidates is going to be left isolated.)

There are three candidates for president, but only two for vice president. When the VP candidates pick their factions, one presidential candidate will be left without support, isolated. I don't want that to be Tennouji-san or Narika. It's not that I'm just trying to spare their feelings; it's that neither of them deserves to be isolated. Tennouji-san and Narika are both incredible. If they're going to run... I want them to be able to use their full potential. I personally don't want to see them held back by a lack of manpower. The other VP candidate might want to support one of them, but I haven't heard a word from Tennouji-san or Narika about it, so it's unlikely. This line of thinking is probably selfish, isn't it...

"Just do what you want to do, right?"

Yuri said it so casually.

"As long as you can live with the decision, it's fine. Like me, I only ever think about myself."

"...Do you, really?"

"Yeah. In your shoes, I'd probably be thinking about what's best for my cooking career."

For Yuri, her goal is making her family's diner a national chain. Maybe I also need to look at this from a wider perspective, beyond just this one election. My ultimate goal in life is—to protect Hinako. To gain a position where I can support ojou-samas like Hinako, Tennouji-san, and Narika. That means becoming a successful consultant. And one day, I want to be able to stand beside them proudly, without hiding who I am. That idea might be selfish...

(...Come to think of it, everyone is running for their own reasons.)

Tennouji-san is running to surpass Hinako. Narika is running to change herself.

"Being selfless is nice and all, but you'll just get stuck in a rut, won't you?"

Because I've always been that way— Back when I was a poor student, I never thought about what I wanted to do. Yuri called me out on it back in the summer, saying I was bad at investing time in myself. But I know it, too. Just maintaining the status quo isn't going to cut it anymore. If I don't actively chase my own goals, I'll be left behind. The world I've chosen to live in is just that harsh.

(...I'd forgotten my original motive.)

Just as Tennouji-san and Narika have their reasons, I have my own reason for entering this election. At the end of summer break, Takuma-san told me,

"If you want to be a director at the Konohana Group one day, you should join the student council at Kiou Academy—"

Things have changed since then. I found the path of a consultant during the tournament and showed I have a talent for it. That was probably an unexpected development, even for Takuma-san. My life plan is a little different from the one I drew up back in the summer, but the thing I want to do hasn't changed. To stand by Hinako's side. That is my one, unshakable dream.

"...Thanks. I know what I have to do now."

"That's good."

We both fell silent.

"Huh?"

I tilted my head, confused.

"You're not going to say your usual line? 'Because I'm your big sister'..."

"...I'm not saying it."

Yuri sighed.

"I'm not going to lose to you... and I'm not going to lose to Konohana-san, either!"

The call ended. Had something changed for Yuri, too? Still... now that she's not saying "I'm your big sister"... it feels kind of lonely. I really am selfish.

"...Hya!"

"Waah!?"

Someone suddenly poked my side, making me yelp.

"Hin-Hinako, you were awake."

"I woke up halfway through... I didn't interrupt you. Aren't I great?"

"...You're great."

"Ehehe..."

She was practically begging for praise, so I patted her head. She giggled, overjoyed. I feel like I'm petting a cat.

"...An election isn't like management."

Hinako said, her head still on my lap.

"In management, the important thing is to improve many companies... but in an election, there can only be one winner."

Coming from Hinako, who had successfully managed multiple companies in the tournament, that carried a lot of weight. Only one winner. Normally, that means trying to save everyone is difficult—

"But... that's just a matter of perspective."

Hinako's eyes were locked on mine.

"I want you, Itsuki, to be the one who freely defines... what this event is going to be."

"...Yeah. You're right."

Hinako nodded.

"Mhm."

"Just wondering, what is this student council election... to you, Hinako?"

"Hmm... A relaxing festival?"

Hinako tilted her head as she said it. She's usually the star of every event. Because her position is so different this time, it's relaxing for her, which is probably why she's so happy.

"But, I'll be cheering for you properly."

Hinako insisted she wasn't just a spectator.

"I hope you, Tennouji-san, and Miyakojima-san... all get a good result."

Hearing her pure-hearted wish, I couldn't help but smile. She's right... That's exactly how I feel, too. I unconsciously started to stroke her head as it rested on my lap.

"Mm? Mm, mm... Ehehe..."

As I stroked her hair, her smile got progressively sillier.

◆

I was walking back to the Class A classroom with Hinako when we ran into two girls in the hall.

"Ah."

"Ah."

"Ah."

I made a sound, and Tennouji-san and Narika did the same. Had they been together just now? Tennouji-san and Narika exchanged a silent look, nodded, and then turned to me.

"Tomonari-kun, do you have a moment?"

"I have something I want to talk to you about."

Tennouji-san and Narika both spoke, their expressions set with determination.

"Perfect timing. I have something to tell you both, too."

They both looked surprised. We probably want to talk about the exact same thing.

"Well then, I'll just go back to my seat."

"Okay, see you in a bit."

Hinako, reading the room, started to head back... but it's not like this is a secret. I'll tell her all about it when we get home.

Lunch was almost over, so the hall was empty. We moved to the deserted stairwell landing and stood facing each other.

"Alright, let us go first."

I nodded, and Narika spoke up after Tennouji-san.

"Itsuki, for this election... you don't need to help us."

"Eh?"

That was the last thing I expected. My eyes went wide. Don't need my help? Does that mean...

"Do you mean... I'm not helpful?"

"N-No, no, no! That's not it at all!"

"That's right! You're more than helpful! To be honest, we both desperately want you!"

Is that so...? I tilted my head, confused. Tennouji-san blushed and gave a sharp cough.

"Knowing your personality, I figured you wouldn't be able to choose just one of us, right?"

"That's..."

They saw right through me.

"Setting aside the posters and flyers, if you try to support both of us, you're going to be impossibly busy. So, Miyakojima-san and I discussed it. We decided to run without VP support, so you don't overwork yourself."

"With your skills, Itsuki, the third presidential candidate will probably want you on their team. So what we're saying is, don't worry about us. We want you to run your own campaign with a lighter heart."

They were telling me that if I couldn't choose, I should just give up on both of them and join the third candidate. But... that's not what I was thinking at all.

"Please, don't worry. Even on our own, we'll—"

"—I refuse."

I cut them off flatly.

"Please don't say that. Please let me help. Tennouji-san, Narika... I will support both of you with everything I have."

Do they think I'm only worried about the burden it'll place on me? That's not it. I was agonizing over who to support, but I never once worried about the workload. That wasn't even part of the equation. I was worried about the rules of the election. I was worried if it was a problem to break from the old format of one VP for one president. But Yuri and Hinako gave me the push I needed. That problem is solved. If that's the case, I have no reason to compromise.

"You both misunderstand. It's not that I can't choose. It's that I want to support you both, at the same time."

They were silent, looking completely stunned. I pressed on.

"My goal is to become a business consultant. To achieve that, I need to accumulate as much consulting experience as I can. It'll be incredibly busy... but isn't that perfect? I refuse to let this opportunity pass. The busier, the better."

Being overwhelmed by work doesn't scare me. From the moment Hinako pulled me into this world, I've been living every second of my life that way.

"I have my own goals I'm fighting for in this election. That's why I'm going to support both of you."

I looked them straight in the eyes as I said it. In response, Tennouji-san and Narika just... stared, looking dazed.

"...That's incredible."

"...So cool."

 


Their cheeks were flushed. I tilted my head.

"Um, you two?"

""—Ah!""

Tennouji-san and Narika both snapped out of it.

"I understand. If you're going that far, then please, I would be honored to have your help."

"I already trusted you completely, but... now, I'm the one who's asking you."

They both agreed. I let out a breath of relief. Good. I'm not useless to them...

"However, that leaves the problem of how this will look to everyone else. Being on two factions at once... you might be seen as an opportunist, just trying to get the President's Vote..."

"I already have a few ideas for that. I'll explain them to you both later."

Class was about to start. I heard the warning bell. I channeled my consultant mindset from the tournament. Save the complex discussions for later. First, confirm the immediate tasks.

"For now, the campaign is about handing out flyers and tomorrow's speech, right? Have you written your speech drafts?"

"Yes, I've written part of it..."

"I started... but I'm not finished..."

I'd expected as much. They're even busier than I am, so of course they're behind. Since I was so late in making my decision, I need to pull out all the stops to help them catch up.

"I'll help with the speech drafts. So, after school today, I want you both to focus on handing out flyers. Handing them out yourselves is the best way to shorten the distance between you and the students."

Tennouji-san and Narika nodded, their expressions serious. I continued laying out the plan.

"That said, it'll be tough to do it alone, so I'll introduce some people who can help. Also, you probably already know this, but the locations where you can hand them out are limited, so please be careful."

I'd get Suminoe-san to help Tennouji-san, and I'd introduce Kita to Narika. They're both serious and reliable, and they'll be a good complement to each of them. I finished, only to notice they were both looking at me with surprise.

"...You seem to know the rules really well."

Narika's simple question made me feel awkward.

"...Um, well, I really wanted to help out... so I, uh, researched everything beforehand."

I had memorized the entire student council election rulebook. Not just for the VP candidates, but the full campaign process for the presidential candidates, too.

"Pfft."

"Hehe."

Tennouji-san and Narika both burst out laughing.

"It seems we were worrying for nothing."

"Yeah. We probably should have just asked you from the very beginning."

Now that I've decided to support them both, I won't betray their trust. After we split up, I walked back to the classroom, remembering what Yuri had said days ago.

—Because if I can't choose, I can't choose.

She had been forced to choose between staying at her family's shop or training at an elite restaurant. And without flinching, she chose both. I'll learn... from that same greedy, ambitious mindset.

◆

After school.

Tennouji-san and Narika, just as I'd advised, were focused on handing out flyers.

"I am Mirei Tennouji! I humbly ask for your vote!"

"I am Narika Miyakojima! I look forward to everyone's support!"

They were in two different locations near the school building's exit, handing out their flyers.

As far as I could tell, the students leaving for the day were all willing to take one. This either meant that Kiou students were genuinely interested in the election... or was it just because Tennouji-san and Narika were so famous? I couldn't deny that some students probably felt obligated to take one, considering their families. But as long as they campaigned seriously for these thirteen days, the election wouldn't be decided by something so trivial.

Handing out flyers had two purposes. First, like the posters, it was to let the general student body know their platforms. Second, it was to promote the speeches starting tomorrow.

"Starting tomorrow, twice a day... I will be giving speeches during lunch and after school! Please come and listen!"

"I plan to explain the details of my platform in the speeches starting tomorrow! I have a lot I want to say to everyone, so please come listen!"

As they handed out flyers, they informed the students of the speech times and locations. After all, if no one knew about a speech, no crowd would gather, making it meaningless.

(...I still haven't seen the third presidential candidate.)

Are they handing out flyers somewhere else? Or are they just observing the situation today? Candidates are free to decide their own campaign activities, so it's not a problem... but this quiet is a bit concerning.

"Tennouji-sama is so noble and pure, she is the most suitable for Kiou Academy! Please give her your support!"

"Miyakojima-san is not afraid of change. Why not entrust the school's future to her?"

Suminoe-san and Kita were also helping distribute flyers. When I first asked Kita, he was a bit unsure, but now he seemed to have overcome his hesitation and was handing them out with everything he had.

Sparks flew between Suminoe-san and Kita. Suminoe-san opened her mouth wide—and shouted: "Long live Tennouji-sama!!" Suminoe-san... That sounds like brainwashing. Don't say that...

"Itsuki... are you staying a while longer?"

"...No, let's go home."

Handing out flyers was the opening skirmish before the main speeches. I wanted to see it through to the end, but I had another task. Trusting everyone should be fine. We had to divide the labor.

Although... one of them had lost control... Ah, Tennouji-san went to warn Suminoe-san. I saw Suminoe-san looking dejected and toning it down, and then I returned to the Konohana mansion.

"—Alright."

I had asked Shizune-san to exempt me from my other servant duties—aside from my primary caretaker role—during the election period. So, as soon as I got back to my room, I took the speech drafts from my bag.

I always have to thank Shizune-san for being so understanding of what I want to do. I'm just a commoner caretaker hired as an experiment; no one could have predicted I'd run for student council. I immediately started checking the drafts.

(...They both wrote very earnestly.)

Takuma-san once told me,

"You have a talent for seeing the human hearts hidden behind data."

I vaguely felt I could use that skill here. Both drafts conveyed their strong will for this election.

My job was to find the most effective way to communicate that will to the audience. Candidates can't just give speeches anytime; it's limited to lunchtime and after school. Lunchtime is short, but after school, there's more time, so they can give a more detailed speech. In that case, maybe they should prepare two different drafts.

(This part is just like management.)

Just as Hinako said at lunch, management and elections are completely different. Even so, I could still use my experience from consulting for multiple companies in the tournament. In short, I just need to leverage their respective strengths and help them grow. In both management and elections, you win by gaining the most trust. That rule is universal. In an election, the "company" just becomes the "candidate," and "stocks" become "votes."

(...To be safe, I should ask Hinako.)

I looked at Hinako, who was lying on the bed behind me.

"Hinako, can you look over these drafts for me?"

"Mhm... leave it to me."

"Sorry to bother you when you want to sleep."

"It's fine... If it's for you, it's nothing."

Hinako said this, got up, and pata-pata-pata'd over to my side. She looked at the drafts spread on the desk... Her amber hair brushed against my arm. It tickled.

"Here... there are too many numbers. It might be hard to understand."

"...I see."

In an environment without charts, just stating numbers verbally would probably confuse the audience. They can use a projector for speeches, but the draft I was having Hinako check was for lunchtime. Since lunchtime is short, I didn't want to rely on one. Tennouji-san and Narika also need a basic break, so it would be hard to deal with unexpected equipment failure.

"So you've learned about this kind of presentation stuff, too?"

"Mhm... Father said I might have to stand on stage at a shareholders' meeting one day."

The scale of that is terrifying. ...It feels so far away. Right now, it feels unattainable. But, I've found the direction I need to go. I just need to grow, step by step, without rushing. Just as I was thinking that, my phone vibrated with a call.

"...It's Takuma-san."

"Ugh..."

Hearing that, Hinako made a disgusted face and dove under my covers. You really hate him that much...

"Hey, Itsuki-kun."

"Hello. What can I do for you?"

"The election period started today, right? I wanted to give you some encouragement."

"Encouragement...?"

When Takuma-san says that, it always feels like there's a plot, making me uneasy...

"You want to be elected vice president, right?"

"Yes."

"And two of the presidential candidates are your friends... You've definitely chosen to support them both simultaneously."

"...Just as you said."

As expected of Takuma-san. He sees the whole picture. My choice aside, how did he know Tennouji-san and Narika were running? His information network is as mysterious as ever.

"Well, if you're going to be a director at the Konohana Group, this is the least you can do."

"...Um, it's a bit late to ask, but... becoming a Konohana Group director and becoming a business consultant. Can those two goals coexist?"

"Of course. This society runs on merit, after all. If you become an outstanding consultant, you won't just be able to join our group; you could easily join any group."

This society runs on merit. I was starting to think so, too. I used to think life was all about luck, like your parents or family. But after seeing the Kiou students constantly improving themselves, I've realized that's only a tiny part of the final result. I won't deny luck is a factor, but it's also true that having skill opens doors. This society is very generous to those with skill. If Takuma-san says it's possible, then managing both goals should be fine. But I had one other worry.

"But, I thought about this during the field study. If an outsider becomes a director, won't that cause resentment from the people already in the group?"

"Hahaha... Good. Your questions are becoming more concrete."

Thanks to you. I remembered the Taiyo Construction shareholders' meeting. More than half their leadership had been infiltrated by the Suzuki Fund. We'll see the effects of that step by step... I can't forget the uneasy look on their GM's face.

"You don't need to worry. I'll handle it."

Takuma-san answered flatly. I tilted my head. He praised my question for being concrete, but his answer was extremely abstract, like he was brushing me off...

"This will be more work than the tournament. I suggest you rely on Hinako when you need to."

"Rely on Hinako...?"

"You know how high Hinako's practical skills are. You should absorb everything you can from her that you can't learn from me."

I don't really want to burden Hinako, but just as Takuma-san said, her practical skills are incredible. I've always been envious of them. During the election, Hinako isn't in the spotlight like usual. Maybe I'll ask for her advice when she's not too tired.

"By the way, Itsuki-kun. The Management Tournament omitted certain elements. Do you know what they were?"

Takuma-san asked this suddenly.

"...I don't know."

"You'll find out during this election. If you can overcome it, you'll grow even more."

The call ended. What was the answer to his last question...? The question lingered as I put my phone on the desk.

"Itsuki..."

Hinako, who had been hiding under the covers, peeked out and called my name.

"Itsuki... you want to be a director at the Konohana Group?"

"Huh? Yes. I haven't told you?"

"...No."

Eh...? Come to think of it, I guess I haven't told Hinako. I told Takuma-san at the beginning, and Tennouji-san figured it out during the tournament, but I haven't mentioned it to anyone else. Part of it is that it's embarrassing to say. And it could be taken as me doing it for Hinako, and I don't want to sound like I'm doing her a favor. I'm just doing it because I want to...

"Th-Then... does that mean..."

Hinako looked at me shyly and said:

"You want... to be with me... forever...?"

She asked, looking up at me. Hinako must mean working forever as a director. For me, becoming a director is the ultimate goal, so I hadn't thought past that... but as long as I don't get fired, I'll probably keep at it.

"...Yes. I hope so."

Hearing my answer, Hinako turned bright red and made to leave my room.

"Hinako?"

"...I'm going back to my room."

She opened the door, and a maid cleaning the hall looked at her. Looks like I don't need to walk her back. The door shut with a thud. I just stared at it. What was that about...?

◇

The second Hinako got back to her bedroom, she flopped onto her bed. She hugged her pillow tightly, replaying the conversation.

"...Ehehe."

She never knew Itsuki wanted to be a director at the Konohana Group. She knew he had high ideals, that he wanted to be her equal... to stand by her side. But she never imagined that goal was specifically a director at the Konohana Group... Not a director at the Tennouji Group. Not a director at Narika's family's company. Itsuki's goal was to be a director at her Konohana Group. And, he said he wanted to be with her forever. This...

(This... This is basically a marriage proposal...!!)

Hinako hugged her pillow, imagining her and Itsuki at their wedding, blessed by friends and family. Let's buy a dress, the most beautiful one. I want to get married soon. Maybe while we're still students? In her fantasy wedding, several familiar faces were there: Mirei Tennouji, Narika Miyakojima, Yuri Hirano. All of them were clapping for her.

(I won... I'm Itsuki's true love...! I really am the main heroine...!)

Hinako skillfully used the terminology she'd recently learned from shoujo manga. She hugged the pillow tighter. Let's just sleep now. I feel like I'm going to have the happiest dream.

"Pardon the intrusion."

The instant Hinako's eyes closed, Shizune entered the room. Shizune looked at the drowsy Hinako on the bed and spoke.

"Ojou-sama, it is time to study..."

"...Not today."

"The Master will be angry."

"It's fine. Father is at the main residence today."

Hinako had secretly confirmed her father's schedule. Shizune sighed.

"If you are too lazy, you will disappoint Itsuki-san."

Shizune had recently started using Itsuki's name more and more to motivate Hinako. It was very effective; usually, Hinako would obey. But—

"Heh."

"...What is that expression for?"

"Itsuki... chose me. So I'm not worried..."

Hinako gave a smile full of confidence, leaving Shizune confused.

"What did he say to you?"

"...He said he wants to be a director at the Konohana Group."

Shizune had vaguely sensed this. When the tournament began, Itsuki had struggled with whether to start his own business, and had asked Shizune how to get involved in management. Later, Itsuki chose entrepreneurship in the tournament, but his original goal wasn't starting a business, it was becoming a manager. The tournament was just a learning process. When he started consulting, he prioritized the big companies, making it clear he wanted to run a large-scale company in the future.

Logically thinking... he must want to be involved in the Konohana family's business. That decision takes courage. It's truly respectable. That must be why he's running for student council. Such effort is moving. I should at least try to support him during this election. But just as Shizune was feeling moved... she noticed Hinako had a goofy, dazed look on her face.

"Itsuki... said he wants to be with me forever..."

This brought Shizune's sentimental moment to a halt. She cleared her throat softly, trying to get the attention of Hinako, who was completely lost in her own happy world.

"You cannot afford to be careless."

"...Mweh?"

Hinako was completely careless. Shizune glared at her.

"Even if Itsuki-san feels that way, we don't know what the people around him will do... He attracted a lot of attention in the tournament. Even if he does become a director here, it's very likely he will be scouted by someone else."

"Sc-Scouted!?"

This was entirely possible. Hinako knew it, too. Her previous confidence vanished.

"Ojou-sama, you are aware, aren't you? That you are not the only one who has feelings for Itsuki-san."

"...........Yes."

Hinako answered quietly.

"............About four people."

"...That's quite a lot."

Shizune put her hand to her forehead. That man was more popular than she'd thought.

"Out of curiosity... may I ask who came to mind?"

"...Hirano-san, Tennouji-san, Miyakojima-san... and you, Shizune."

"What?"

An unexpected person was mixed in.

"You mean... me?"

"Because... you're always staring at him lately..."

Hearing that, Shizune knew what she meant. Ever since Itsuki discovered her cosplay hobby, she had been periodically warning him never to tell anyone. Especially when she heard topics related to costumes or hobbies, she would shoot him a death glare. That's what Hinako was talking about.

"Ojou-sama, that is because..."

"Because...?"

"No, that's..."

"That's...?"

The tables had turned. Watched by Hinako, Shizune averted her gaze.

"L-Let's get back on topic."

"...You're dodging."

"I am not."

I'm just preventing us from getting further sidetracked, Shizune convinced herself, and continued:

"As you know, Itsuki-san is a hot commodity."

"Mph... ugh..."

Hinako fell silent. Shizune pressed on.

"When he hears an offer from someone else, and he sees Ojou-sama being lazy like this, will he remain loyal...? —No, you must be prepared for him to abandon you."

"...Nn... nngh..."

Hinako didn't want to, but she couldn't stop imagining it. After the wedding, they were supposed to live happily ever after. But that happiness had made Hinako grow lax. Itsuki looks at her with cold eyes and says:

'Hinako, I'm sorry. I... am going to work for a more outstanding superior.'

'I-Itsuki...!!'

The thought made Hinako tremble.

"Itsuki... don't go..."

Seeing Hinako's distress, Shizune sighed. In reality, Itsuki would never hurt Hinako like this. She had only meant to motivate her a little, but the effect was so strong she felt she'd gone too far. However, she had to do her job. When Hinako had committed that breach of etiquette—the "three-second rule"—at that important dinner, Itsuki had blamed himself and despaired. But in truth, Shizune had regretted it just as much.

"Come, Ojou-sama. Let us study hard today as well."

Itsuki wasn't the only one by Hinako's side. When he offers the carrot, I will be the stick. Shizune firmed her resolve.

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