Rich Girl Caretaker Vol. 9 Chapter 4
A Fair and Square Match
It was after school. Winter was approaching, so the sun set early, and the sky was already dyed a pale orange.
The rumors Rintaro had spread were definitely dying down. Tennouji-san and Narika both felt it from the audience's reaction during their lunch speeches and were relieved.
Just as I'd hoped, Kiou Academy's self-correcting nature was strong. This school is full of serious, diligent people, and most are willing to point out when something is wrong. They don't just blindly believe hearsay; many will check the facts for themselves.
I believe negative campaigns exploit the human habit of not thinking deeply. But that doesn't apply to Kiou Academy, where the majority do think things through.
I don't mean to be arrogant, but the next time I see Rintaro, I want to say one thing to him. He's somewhat disappointed in this school, and I want to tell him, with my head held high, "See? This school isn't half bad, is it?"
If possible, I'd like him to come to like this school, even just a little—
—But the situation has changed.
In the classroom, which had begun to empty, Taisho walked over to my desk.
"Tomonari, you weren't very focused during the afternoon classes. You okay?"
"...I'm fine."
I could only manage a strained smile.
Taisho just said, "I see," signifying he understood. But I felt he had sensed the 'don't dig any deeper' aura I was giving off and stayed quiet.
"Still, that new rumor is super weird. Saying you're faking your identity?"
"...Yeah."
"No one's gonna believe that crap."
Taisho completely believed in my innocence. It seemed the thought that this was the very reason I was worried didn't even cross his mind.
My classmates were the same; no one suspected me.
That's exactly... why this is so hard.
Guilt pricked at my heart from the inside.
One day, I want to stand with everyone as my true self... but I can't reveal that identity right now.
"Tomonari-kun..."
Asahi-san walked over, looking apologetic.
"I'm sorry. Do you think... Rintaro got angry because I helped you...?"
"This isn't your fault."
Taisho said, and I nodded.
"Like Taisho-kun said, you don't need to feel responsible... I hope you'll keep helping us with the campaign."
"............Yeah."
Asahi-san nodded lightly.
"That Rintaro guy. His smear campaign failed, so now he's spreading this identity crap? Means he's getting desperate, right?"
"...Maybe."
I haven't heard any basis for this rumor yet. Like Taisho said, it's highly possible Rintaro just threw this out in desperation.
However—my position doesn't allow me to be careless.
(If he has some kind of proof to back this rumor...)
The moment I considered that risk, it felt like he had his hand around my heart.
The rumor is true. I faked my identity to transfer here. For me, having my identity questioned is the worst-case scenario.
Even if there's no proof, even if no students believe it, what will Kagen-san think if he finds out?
If my real identity is exposed, my mission as an attendant is over.
I am a bomb big enough to destroy Hinako's 'perfect ojou-sama' persona—
"Tomonari-kun."
"Itsuki."
Someone called me from the classroom doorway.
Tennouji-san and Narika were peeking in. I stood up and walked over.
"Sorry, it's almost time for the speech, isn't it?"
"This is no time for that."
Tennouji-san said gravely, while Narika stood beside her, looking at me with anxiety.
"Itsuki... are you okay?"
"...I don't know."
Precisely because they know my true identity, they understand this rumor can't be ignored. They could probably see the shadow of despair in my heart.
(Hinako...)
I glanced back into the classroom and my eyes met Hinako's.
Seeing her eyes clouded with worry, I made my decision.
"I'm going to talk to Rintaro."
I said to Tennouji-san and Narika.
"Please, you two focus on the speech. Joutou-kun's approval rating has also risen, so we can't fall behind now... I'll figure out a way to deal with this rumor myself."
As planned, today they are scheduled to give a speech reflecting some of the requests from Hinako's supporters.
They seemed to sense my resolve and nodded firmly.
After seeing them off, I headed for the first-year building, pulling out my phone.
I made the call, and it was answered immediately.
"Shizune-san, I'm sorry, something urgent has come up—"
I told Shizune-san about the rumor spreading through school.
Since I'd already told her we were under a smear attack, she immediately understood this was likely part of it.
'I've determined that it's impossible for your true identity to have been leaked.'
Shizune-san gave her assessment instantly.
'Ever since Tennouji-sama found out, we have taken thorough, watertight countermeasures. We will not make that kind of mistake again. Even if someone noticed something from your behavior, it is absolutely impossible for any critical evidence to have been leaked from our end.'
"...I understand. I'll check on my end, too."
'Please. Be careful.'
Even though Shizune-san was certain, her voice was more tense than usual. She also recognized how bad this situation was.
I put my phone in my pocket and was about to climb the stairs to the first-year building.
But Rintaro was standing right in front of me.
"I was waiting for you. You wanted to talk, right?"
"...Yeah."
Rintaro gave me a bold smile. I stared right back at him.
◆
"You really got me."
Rintaro said as soon as he sat down across from me in the school cafe.
He slid one of the flyers across the table—the rumor clarification I'd made last night and printed this morning.
"This is impressive. I checked the website, too. The sheer amount of information... I never thought you'd deal with the rumors using such a brute-force method... For someone like me, who relies on underhanded tricks, it's incredibly frustrating. I'm amazed you had the guts to go for a frontal assault in this situation."
"...I'm not good at underhanded tricks."
"That's for the best. Nothing beats being fair and square."
You're one to talk.
I let out the irritation welling up inside me as a sigh.
"...I want to talk about the rumor you spread about my identity."
Neither of us had touched the cups on the table.
I could feel the tension in the air as I asked:
"What proof do you have to spread that?"
"I don't have any proof at all."
Rintaro said shamelessly.
"That's how negative campaigns work. First one to say it wins."
Rintaro picked up his cup and took a sip of coffee.
"Of course, it's more effective with proof, so I planned to investigate. Even if you were faking your identity... the Konohana Group must be backing you, right?"
My public identity is the heir to a mid-level IT company within the Konohana Group. If that was a lie, the Konohana Group would have to be involved.
"There's no investigative agency that can go up against the Konohana Group. I tried pulling my own strings... but it was pointless. I gave up on finding hard evidence right away."
To Rintaro, this topic probably wasn't even worth getting tense over. He put his cup down and stared at the saucer for a moment, perhaps contemplating the price of the china.
He let out a quiet sigh.
The rumor had no basis. The rumor he'd spread... was a complete lie.
He hadn't discovered my true identity.
(Thank god............ But I can't show it.)
If I looked visibly relieved, he'd suspect me.
So I feigned calm, as if being suspected meant nothing.
"But I don't think the possibility is zero."
Rintaro's gaze shifted to me.
"If your true identity, Tomonari-senpai, was a commoner who couldn't get into this school... then it would make perfect sense why you don't act like a student here."
From his perspective, that's what it must look like.
"Please give me a chance."
"A chance?"
"Yes. Assuming your identity is that of a commoner, I want to share my thoughts."
I didn't get it, and tilted my head in confusion. Rintaro stood up.
If, right here, he found out I was a commoner—he opened his mouth and said:
"—Why would you hide it!?"
Rintaro's loud voice pierced my ears.
"Isn't the situation you're in amazing!? You came from a common background, but now you're the center of attention at this school!! You've proven that a commoner can change this much if they just try!!"
Rintaro roared out his true feelings.
"You are the perfect standard-bearer for us! If you join our side, we'll definitely win! Our side is where you truly belong!"
He shouted himself hoarse.
A drop of sweat ran down Rintaro's cheek. He had sacrificed his usual calm, spitting out the passionate thoughts hidden in his heart.
It seemed this is what he would have said, if I really were a commoner.
But I already had an answer.
"............Sorry. You're mistaken."
Hearing my answer, Rintaro's excited expression crumbled.
"I see............ Haha. That's just how reality is. Even if you were a commoner, if those words didn't move you, it's meaningless."
Rintaro laughed, empty, and slumped back into his chair.
...He really was pinning his hopes on me.
Hoping my true identity was a commoner, that I would become the standard-bearer for Joutou's camp... Considering Joutou's platform, someone like me was indeed the perfect, final puzzle piece.
I looked at Rintaro, his head hung low. His slumped shoulders radiated regret.
His methods aside, he's been serious from the start.
To me, Rintaro wasn't a stranger. He was my friend Asahi-san's brother, and someone I'd spoken to a lot during this election.
So, let me say this.
I should have the right to say it now.
"Rintaro, can you stop being so emotional?"
He looked up at my words.
Just as I'd told him, I try to stay logical to survive here, but sometimes I hit my limit.
But he's the same.
"You're just trying to get revenge on Asahi-san. You're continuing this smear campaign just for that."
Ever since I heard Takuma-san talk about the "politician types" at Kiou, I'd felt something was off... I didn't think Rintaro was one of them.
He's not a politician type... He's just an emotional kid.
"...I'm not so childish as to be doing this just for revenge on my sister."
Rintaro said, confused. He didn't seem to get why I'd say that.
"I'm doing this to make Joutou-senpai president. I took a rational—"
"You've kept first place in your grade since you enrolled."
I cut off his excuse.
"You were apparently top of the entrance exam, too. You're diligent in class... you participate actively, and the teachers rate you highly."
I'd investigated Rintaro. I didn't have time before, when I was deciding between Tennouji-san and Narika. But now, I'd used my time to find out about him.
And after investigating... I was impressed.
For someone like me, aiming for vice president, he was clearly a formidable rival.
"If you can spread rumors through the whole school, it means you're well-liked... You spread rumors that were the complete opposite of the truth, so you must be trusted by your classmates."
Even as first-years, many know Tennouji-san and Narika. But many still believed Rintaro's rumors. That means his word carries weight.
Someone so well-liked being at odds with me... that in itself was strange.
If he wasn't acting rationally, but based on personal feelings, and if he were using his full potential—
"You're not on Konohana-san's level, but you're in a similar position for the first-years. There are other students with better backgrounds, but you overcame that to become number one... Someone like that wouldn't only be capable of a smear campaign, would he?"
"That's... just your speculation."
"Then why do you look so pained?"
Rintaro fell silent.
"I don't think it's all revenge. On the first day, Tennouji-san and Narika were in the lead. You thought you couldn't compete without using some tricks. That's true... but you could have found another way."
Rintaro's hands on the table clenched into fists.
"Think about it. If you weren't fighting with Asahi-san... would you really have chosen this method to make Joutou-san win?"
"............!"
"Your goal is to start your own company, right? You've been honing your skills for that. You're so ambitious... so why are you clinging to such a boring method?"
Rintaro's face twisted, and I continued.
"I'm not underestimating you."
I saw his gaze waver, and I pressed on.
"You could have used other methods, but you chose a method that would hurt people because you wanted to use this chance to get back at Asahi-san."
It's just a tantrum. Lashing out.
Rintaro's choice of a negative campaign was a childish move, designed to hurt someone who wouldn't pay attention to him.
I'd been wrong all along.
This wasn't business or politics. It wasn't a battle of wits.
Rintaro's problem was a simple, emotional one that everyone has.
And the only one who realized that from the start... was probably Asahi-san.
"Rintaro... just because you're hurting, doesn't give you the right to hurt other people."
I said my final piece and waited for his response.
Rintaro bit his lip, his body trembling slightly. He kept his head down, like a child being scolded by his parents.
(...He didn't even realize it himself.)
I'd vaguely guessed.
He'd unconsciously mixed up his efforts to elect Joutou with his hatred for Asahi-san. But now, hearing me say it, he must have finally realized... that he was really just trying to get revenge on his sister...
"Even if..."
Rintaro's voice was barely a whisper.
"Even if I am just getting revenge on my sister... so what?"
He chose... to follow through.
"My answer doesn't change... If you want me to stop, come to our side."
This is the one part I still don't get.
Rintaro has been trying to recruit me. He's been saying it since before he suspected I was a commoner.
I don't know why... but I can't agree. I have other people I want to support.
"...I know a way to stop you."
This should be the simplest method.
"You're doing this... without Joutou-kun's permission, aren't you?"
"!"
Rintaro's eyes widened. His reaction told me I'd hit the mark.
"I've spoken with Joutou-kun. I know he wouldn't approve of this. I'm guessing trying to recruit me was your personal decision, too."
When Hinako and I talked with Joutou, I thought about it.
He wanted to recruit me, but he was strangely polite and reserved. I thought I was just being conceited, but when I asked Hinako, she thought it was odd, too.
Joutou knows nothing about the recruitment or the negative campaign.
"...Are you going to tell Joutou-senpai?"
"...That's up to you."
Rintaro looked confused... as if to say, If you knew, why didn't you just tell him from the start?
Because before I could tell, a bigger question arose.
Why... did Rintaro have to act alone?
Why... as a vice-presidential candidate, did he have to go this far?
I think the smear campaign was largely revenge. But what about recruiting me?
Why Rintaro, and not Joutou himself?
"I heard Joutou-kun's family values tradition."
"...You even investigated that."
I heard it from Tennouji-san.
In any field, reform brings friction. And in the political world Joutou's parents navigate, that friction is a liability.
To survive, his parents don't want their son making waves. Politicians are always under scrutiny. A son's missteps can end a career.
In that environment, does Joutou really intend to push for reform at this school?
I... don't think so.
"Rintaro. Joutou-kun doesn't intend to win—"
"—That doesn't matter!"
Rintaro shot back, as if running from reality.
"Joutou-senpai's ideals are correct. He is the one who should lead this school."
Rintaro stood up and left the cafe.
I picked up my untouched coffee and downed it in one gulp.
The cold bitterness helped me switch gears.
"............Right."
I've made my decision.
I'm going to interfere in this sibling quarrel.
◆
As I passed the covered walkway, I heard Tennouji-san's speech. Her location today was in front of the gym, and as I got close, I could see a crowd.
I approached a girl standing slightly away from the crowd.
"Tomonari-kun?"
"Asahi-san... I want to talk to you about Rintaro."
Asahi-san must have seen from my expression that this was serious. She gave a small nod, and we left the area in front of the gym together.
As we were walking, I turned my head and my eyes met Tennouji-san's, who was in the middle of her speech. Seeing me with Asahi-san, she probably realized it was about Rintaro. She gave me a brief smile, as if to say, "Leave this to me," and continued her speech in a clear voice.
I was grateful for how reliable Tennouji-san was and led Asahi-san to the area behind the gym.
After confirming no one else was around, I shared the details of my conversation with Rintaro.
"...I see. So that was all Rintaro acting on his own. Joutou-kun didn't know anything about it."
Asahi-san said, looking troubled.
"What should I do... I kind of glared at him during lunch today..."
"That can't be helped. I already knew Rintaro was the mastermind, but I didn't think he was doing it behind Joutou-kun's back."
Come to think of it, I was surprised he admitted it so easily. I still don't really get why he was so open with me, even saying he planned to tell me he was the one behind it all along...
"Then, if we just have Joutou-kun stop him, everything will be resolved, right?"
She was right.
She was right... but I shook my head.
"No, let's not do that."
"Eh? Why...?"
"If we do that, Rintaro will still be left with that lingering resentment."
If we just tattle to Joutou-kun, Rintaro will probably behave for now. But once the election is over and he's not under Joutou's control, he'll definitely do it again.
For example, at your family's home...
"But, that... that's a private quarrel between me and my brother. You don't need to worry about that..."
"No. Please let me help you find a solution."
Asahi-san spoke apologetically, but I stated my resolve to intervene.
The biggest reason I want to get involved is that I can't just ignore Asahi-san while she's hurting. But if I said that, she'd probably just feel more guilty.
So, I only explained the selfish part.
I have my own reason for wanting them to end this fight.
"The Management Tournament was tough, but it was a really interesting event for me. I learned firsthand the importance of competing seriously with others... I have the same hope for this election."
This is definitely selfish, but it's also my true feeling.
I've been hoping to gain valuable experience from this election. I learned from the tournament that as long as everyone involved can grow, then even if you're sometimes rivals, and even if it's awkward, after it's over you can become good friends. Ikuno and Suminoe-san are perfect examples. I met them in the tournament, and now we can talk normally.
I'm really satisfied with that result.
So, I have the same hope this time.
"Sorry, this is for my own sake, but I want this to be a clean election. One where everyone can laugh together at the end, win or lose. After this election... I want to be able to get along with Rintaro, too."
Get along with Rintaro.
Hearing me say that, Asahi-san's big, almond-shaped eyes went wide.
If Rintaro were acting rationally and just trying to frame us, I wouldn't suggest this. I'd feel bad for Asahi-san, but I'd go tattle to Joutou and have him stop Rintaro.
But if Rintaro wasn't fighting with Asahi-san, he never would have resorted to this in the first place.
That being the case, the root of the problem isn't entirely with Rintaro.
If we can just arbitrate this sibling dispute... everything can be resolved.
"So please let me mediate your fight... I want myself, you, Asahi-san, and Rintaro to all be able to fight fair and square."
Rintaro brought his family quarrel into this election.
If I wanted to ignore their entanglement... I could.
However, even if I became vice president by doing that—I would definitely have regrets.
Even if I climbed over a hurting Asahi-san and a pained Rintaro to get the position, I wouldn't be able to carry out my duties with my head held high.
"............Thank you."
Asahi-san thanked me quietly.
"Thank you for thinking so seriously about me... no, about both of us."
Her eyes welled with tears.
I deliberately stressed I was doing it for myself, but maybe that just made her take it to heart even more. Asahi-san has wanted to end this fight with her brother all along.
She wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and looked at me.
"Tomonari-kun... can I ask you to do this?"
I could feel Asahi-san wanting to take a step forward, so I nodded without hesitation.
"You can. You're always helping me, so please let me do this one small thing to thank you."
"Hahaha... you've really become reliable."
She must be remembering when we first met.
For the past six months, I feel I've been living as earnestly as I can. If that daily accumulation has shaped me into a reliable person, then I should help Asahi-san this time, too.
If the path I've taken so far was correct, then I want to help someone, just like I have in the past.
"My~ No wonder so many people like you~"
Asahi-san said with a laugh.
"Do that many people like me?"
"Yep. In all sorts of ways."
All sorts of ways?
I didn't get what she meant by that last part, but Asahi-san just looked at me and smiled without saying more.
"Well then, I'd like to decide on a concrete plan to get you two to make up... but before that, there's one thing I want to ask you."
Hearing this, Asahi-san's mood shifted, and her expression turned serious. I asked:
"Back then... why did you betray Rintaro?"
Her expression stiffened.
"I heard you gave up on starting a new company and chose to inherit the family business... but it wasn't just for a stable future, was it? Forgetting anyone else, I don't think you would abandon Rintaro for such a simple reason."
Choosing to inherit the family business for a stable future is a perfectly normal way of thinking, so I didn't question it. But seeing Asahi-san suffering so much from guilt lately, I felt there had to be a special reason. Besides, it's not in her character to betray someone just to save herself. There must be another reason for a rift this big between her and her brother.
"I do... have another reason for 'betraying' him."
Asahi-san said in a weak voice.
"But... even if I explained it to him now... it wouldn't be convincing."
"Do you have a goal, but you're not confident you can succeed yet?"
"...Yeah."
I see.
Well, then it's simple.
"In that case, it's time for the consultant to step in."
All I have to do is make sure Asahi-san's goal succeeds.
Asahi-san's mouth fell open, and she stared at me, dumbfounded.
◇
Rintaro returned home, went straight to his bedroom, and flopped onto his bed, still in his uniform.
After talking with Itsuki at the cafe, he went about his business as usual, assisting Ren Joutou's speech. He meticulously checked the audience's reactions and the reach of the audio. If needed, he would immediately gesture to the speaker to make instant improvements. That was his style.
For example, today he turned the mic volume up louder than planned. By the sixth day, the audience's attention was waning, and there was more chatter than usual. He raised the volume so the speech wouldn't be drowned out.
Ren Joutou's approval rating was rising.
The exhaustion he felt in his whole body was a sign of how fulfilling the work was.
All that was left was for Ren Joutou to actually want to win—
"...Dammit."
Even though the numbers were growing, he couldn't feel them getting closer to the goal. He even wondered if his exhaustion was all for nothing.
Rintaro thought of the man named Itsuki Tomonari.
He was the last piece his camp was missing. If he would just switch sides, they could win even with Ren Joutou as he was.
But the negotiations hadn't gone well.
Not only that... at this point, Itsuki basically had leverage on him.
(If he tells Joutou-senpai... it's all over.)
Just as Itsuki suspected, Rintaro had run the smear campaign behind Ren Joutou's back. If someone snitched, Rintaro wouldn't be able to make another move.
There was a mountain of campaign work to do... but he couldn't find the strength to get up.
As Rintaro stared at the ceiling, he heard a noise from the next room.
His sister, Karen, seemed to be home. It was 7 PM... she was back late. Ever since the election started, Rintaro had stayed after school to discuss the campaign with Ren Joutou, getting home around 6 PM every day. That was already late, but Karen had stayed even later.
She wasn't even a candidate, what was she doing at school...?
Just as Rintaro was wondering, he heard the door next to his open and close quickly, followed by footsteps in the hall.
...So noisy.
Rintaro felt annoyed at his sister's unusual behavior.
Maybe seeing the clock made him realize he was hungry. He climbed off the bed and headed for the dining room.
Rintaro didn't want to see his family, but he didn't want to sulk in his room, either. That was too much like a rebellious teenager.
Before he entered the dining room, he heard his sister, Karen... and his father.
"Karen, this plan needs their approval—"
"I know, but Tomonari-kun is going to help me complete it—"
When Rintaro opened the door, they both stopped talking and looked over.
Were they talking about something they didn't want him to hear? He wanted to say he wasn't interested, but the name Itsuki Tomonari caught his attention.
If Itsuki had told Karen everything... she would probably tell Joutou what Rintaro had done.
Was that what they were just talking about?
Rintaro grew suspicious and glared at the two of them—
"Rintaro."
His sister called his name.
Rintaro ignored her and sat down at a seat far away.
"Rintaro!"
Karen's clear voice echoed through the dining room.
This made Rintaro turn his head reflexively.
"...What?"
"Give me some of your time tomorrow after school."
Karen's expression showed a strong determination.
"I have something I absolutely must tell you."
This strong, powerful voice was different from the sister he knew.
This wasn't her just being cornered and owning her mistake. Rintaro could feel Karen's resolve, and because of it, he couldn't ignore her like he used to.
"...If this is boring, I won't forgive you."
He glared at his sister.
But she glared right back with the same intensity.
This was so annoying.
After all this time...
What was there left to talk about...?
◆
After school on the seventh day of the election period.
After all the candidates' speeches had ended, we gathered at the cafe.
Seven of us were gathered around one table, a rather large group. Since we were a bit conspicuous, we asked a waiter to lead us to a table in the back. The members were the six of us from the Noble Tea Party, plus the sole underclassman, Rintaro.
"I see."
After everyone's drinks were served, Rintaro was the first to take a sip of his coffee.
"Are you all here to put... the only underclassman... on trial?"
"That's not it."
Asahi-san shook her head.
"I asked everyone to come because I want them to hear what we're about to discuss... But only Tomonari-kun and I will be speaking with you."
As Asahi-san said, we didn't intend to intimidate Rintaro. It couldn't be helped if it looked that way, but since he could still make sharp remarks, he'd be fine.
Besides, he brought this situation on himself.
"Everyone here is a party to this conversation, for example, as victims of the negative campaign."
Tennouji-san and Narika were the very victims of that.
Taisho's presence would be explained later.
And Hinako was here—because she was also a party to this matter.
"First, I'll explain the situation to everyone."
I started by sharing the recent information with Tennouji-san, Narika, and the others.
"This whole smear campaign was Rintaro's doing alone. He spread those rumors behind Joutou-kun's back."
Tennouji-san and the others looked a little surprised.
They seemed to have a lot of questions, but they held them back for now. They understood that this conversation was primarily between me, Asahi-san, and Rintaro, and that if everyone spoke freely, the topic would lose focus.
"I believe Rintaro did this for several reasons. One of them is his feud with Asahi-san."
I said this and looked at Rintaro.
He had previously denied this possibility, saying he wasn't so childish as to be seeking revenge on his sister.
But Rintaro spoke, his expression serious.
"I've had time to organize my thoughts... I'll admit it. What I did was definitely influenced by my personal grudge against my sister."
"!"
Rintaro glared at Asahi-san, who winced in pain.
But she held on. She pressed her lips together and didn't look away from Rintaro.
"Rintaro, I'm going to end this fight between you and your sister right now."
"...Huh?"
Rintaro was taken aback.
He must have thought this gathering was just to persuade him to stop the smear campaign.
But no, we had asked him here today to put an end to this sibling feud.
"Do you know why Asahi-san chose to inherit the family business?"
"...Of course I do. To protect herself. We both saw our father's pathetic state, learned what we should do, and then she just... abandoned it. It's unbelievable."
Rintaro glared at Asahi-san.
But I knew Asahi-san wouldn't do something that would earn such resentment.
"What if it was to protect you?"
Rintaro's eyes widened.
"Protect me...?"
I looked at Asahi-san.
From here on, it was her turn to explain.
"I'm sure you know... Dad is an outcast in our company."
Rintaro was silent. Asahi-san continued.
"If neither you nor I inherited the company... it would probably be inherited by an executive who hates our family."
Asahi-san had said it before.
Within J. Co., Ltd., an "anti-Asahi" faction that was distant from her father was growing. Rintaro had fueled it, but the anti-Asahi faction existed even before she "betrayed" Rintaro.
"The company you want to start is the home electronics store we came up with together, right?"
"...Yes. I figured the problem was the company's system; the product itself, I'd choose home electronics to leverage our family's knowledge."
"Which means your company will be in the same industry as Dad's current company."
Rintaro shot Asahi-san a suspicious look, as if to say, 'What are you getting at?'
However... this was the crux of it.
"If neither you nor I inherits J. Co., Ltd.... wouldn't that company become your biggest rival?"
'Rival.' Rintaro reacted slightly to those words.
"Our family's company is, after all, one of the top five electronics retailers in the country by sales. Our history and capital are on a completely different level than a small company... Do you think a startup can compete with that? It's too powerful an enemy."
"...Even if we're in the same industry, we won't necessarily compete. Besides, I'm poaching the employees who hate Dad and bringing them with me."
"But you can't poach everyone. Our company is full of employees who hate our entire family... Those people will inherit our company! And when you start yours, they will definitely try to crush you."
Rintaro is brilliant; his grades at Kiou Academy are proof.
And precisely because he's so brilliant, he'd be seen as a threat. It's true that some people would want to crush a promising rival early on.
I'd heard Rintaro had won over some of the J. Co., Ltd. staff, but it seems it wasn't a perfect plan. Including its subsidiaries, J. Co., Ltd. has over five thousand employees. Since each company has its own representative, there's a whole group of next-in-line chairperson candidates.
Since Asahi-san's father has no problems on the management side, he isn't disliked by the general employees. Only the high-level executives who know him personally might dislike him. This also means the anti-Asahi faction consists mostly of J. Co., Ltd.'s upper management.
Upper-level execs are often deep-thinking and cautious. Even if Rintaro used his father as a stepping stone to try and win them over, pulling all of them to his side would be next to impossible.
If both Asahi-san and Rintaro left J. Co., Ltd., who would take over to lead the anti-Asahi faction at the company's core? In that case, the future Asahi-san foresaw would be extremely likely to happen.
"Besides, I think you know this, Rintaro, but starting a business isn't that simple. It's very possible it won't succeed."
I had thought so too during the Management Tournament. Because it was a game, the company would grow automatically. But in real life, you'd definitely hit walls multiple times. Even just financing it wouldn't be easy.
Even for a student at Kiou Academy, there's no guarantee a startup will succeed.
"If your startup doesn't go well... and you have no 'safe harbor' to return to, it would be awful. I wanted to leave a safe harbor for you."
Asahi-san said, recalling the resolve she'd made back then.
"I... decided to inherit the family business because I wanted to protect my family."
Rintaro was stunned.
This was Asahi-san's reason for "betraying" Rintaro.
If no one in the family inherited, J. Co., Ltd. would unfortunately fall into the hands of outsiders. If his startup succeeded, it would be fine, but what if it failed? They would have nowhere to go. Once the anti-Asahi faction had the company, they could never take it back, and they couldn't live as they had before.
Asahi-san was considering the possibility of Rintaro's startup failing.
She acted to avoid the worst-case scenario of her family being left on the street.
"In short, your sister wanted to leave you a place to come home to, just in case you failed."
At the same time, this proved Asahi-san was prepared to walk alone onto the "battlefield" against the headwind of the anti-Asahi faction.
Asahi-san's resolve to protect her family was in no way inferior to Rintaro's resolve to start his own company.
Hearing this, Rintaro's fists clenched. He glared at his sister.
"Why... Why didn't you tell me any of this before..."
There were two reasons.
One was because Asahi-san is kind... She decided to protect the family home so her brother would have a safety net, but as an older sister, she couldn't bring herself to say something that "held a favor" over him. And she didn't want to pour cold water on Rintaro, who was so excited to start his own business.
However, more important than that, was the second reason.
"It's because I wasn't strong enough."
Asahi-san said apologetically.
"If I was going to tell you, I had to prove I wouldn't end up like Dad. So, I decided to wait until I had a breakthrough of my own before I told you... I'm sorry. I kept thinking and thinking, but I couldn't find one. I felt like I was working hard, but unlike you, my grades just aren't that good."
Asahi-san laughed self-deprecatingly.
Rintaro's grades were exceptional, but Asahi-san's were still well above average in the Kiou Academy environment. When I first transferred, I often asked her for help during study sessions.
She couldn't convince her brother with just "average" skill.
Asahi-san was trapped by the very rule she'd set for herself.
"But... I've finally taken a step forward. So I decided to tell you today."
She shot me a glance.
"Rintaro, look at this."
I took the documents from my bag and handed them to Rintaro.
"This is..."
"You know how Asahi-san ran a mobile electronics sales business in the Management Tournament, right?"
Rintaro nodded slightly.
"This is the—business plan."
As I answered Rintaro's question, I handed the same document to Hinako and the others.
Asahi-san wanted to protect her family but had been at a loss for how.
Therefore, I prepared this plan.
"This business will be led and implemented by Asahi-san."
This was Asahi-san's first step to protecting her family.
"After the election, I plan to ask the company execs to approve this. Tomonari-kun and I discussed the market analysis and business model... Dad has already seen the proposal, and he said if it goes well, he'll actively consider it, taking my tournament results into account."
"...Do you really think this will be approved? Even if the proposal is sound, the company is full of people who hate Dad—"
"—That's why I'm proposing it!"
Asahi-san stood up and declared loudly.
"I'll do it, to prove that I am fit to be the next chairperson!"
Asahi-san made this decision for Rintaro.
Legally, Asahi-san can't directly command employees. So, on the surface, the proposal can't be in her name. But the important part is who's substantially in charge. Once she has permission from her father, the chairman, Asahi-san will be able to freely enter the company and participate in meetings.
She'll be criticized for overstepping, but she already knows she'll face that adversity.
In short, she just has to make the anti-Asahi faction see her in a new light.
She plans to use this business to show the company her determination and her ability.
To make everyone think—Karen Asahi has what it takes to be chairperson.
"I've cut off my retreat and made my decision... Even if I'm still a student, it doesn't matter. To protect my family, I will be fully involved in the company. When I inherit in the future, I'm going to start building a track record now so I don't lose people's hearts like Dad did."
Asahi-san was resolute, staring Rintaro down.
"...This business isn't just about our company."
Rintaro said, flipping through the proposal, his voice strained.
"If this business plan succeeds, my sister will definitely earn the trust of the employees. But... the other companies involved... what about Taisho Moving? This plan makes it look like they're just handing all the rights to J. Co..."
Rintaro looked at Taisho, holding a "that's impossible, right?" sort of doubt.
But Taisho just nodded seriously.
"Yeah. We're giving the rights to your company."
This was why we had asked Taisho to come.
Taisho explained as if it were obvious.
"I asked my dad to let J. Co. be the 'face' of this business."
"Y-You... why would you do that..."
"I told him it was for a friend, and he agreed right away. Our company really values loyalty. Old-school B2C companies are like that, more or less. That's the kind of company you wanted to build, right?"
"...!"
Taisho's father values human connections.
Rintaro had learned from his father's failures not just to look at profit and loss, but to think from the employees' perspective... in other words, he learned how important empathy was.
Taisho was just putting that into practice... The irony is that Taisho, the man currently standing in Rintaro's way, was embodying Rintaro's own ideal.
Taisho was without a doubt the biggest hidden contributor here. I was only able to make this business plan so quickly because he didn't hesitate to ask his father.
Taisho is going to be an amazing chairman one day...
"My dad just laughed and said if J. Co. becomes a regular client in the future, he's happy to help however he can... Rintaro, a lot of adults are looking forward to what your sister can do."
Hearing this, Rintaro looked at Asahi-san with a sharp gaze.
Asahi-san sat up straight, her expression serious, without a trace of guilt.
"Joutou-kun is currently running as a reformer, opposing the traditions of Kiou Academy, right?"
Asahi-san sat back down and asked Rintaro, who nodded silently.
"Are you the same? You think tradition is bad?"
"...Yes. Rather than be tied down by old, rotten customs, it's better to fly toward a new goal... Our company is the same. Why would you deliberately inherit that collapsing paper castle? I don't get it..."
Rintaro answered in a weak voice.
As if he lacked conviction.
"But... we've been protected by that tradition all this time."
Asahi-san said gently.
"Our whole family has been protected by this company. Our family has been able to eat because of that tradition... So I'm going to fight to protect it."
Asahi-san stated her battlefield and her reason for fighting.
"I think Dad failed. And he regrets it deeply. That's why I'm inheriting—not to cut away his failure, but to use that failure as experience."
'Failure is the mother of success.' As I listened to Asahi-san, I thought that perhaps this was the meaning behind the word "tradition."
"I will protect the place our family belongs. So you are free to chase your dream—but, no more of these dirty tricks. And don't diminish Dad anymore."
Asahi-san said this, and bowed her head to Rintaro.
"Rintaro... I'm begging you."
Rintaro looked like he was about to cry, thinking desperately.
It's true, some people are protected by tradition. It doesn't sound great to call it "vested interests," but Asahi-san's family was indeed protected.
They had watched the foundation of that tradition crumble. Rintaro thought to fly the nest; Asahi-san thought to rebuild. I think both ideas should be respected. Rintaro should be able to understand that now.
Neither Rintaro starting a business nor supporting Joutou's reforms is a bad thing. But now that he's let go of his hatred for his sister, how will he see his own past actions...
He reflected on himself with eyes cleared of confusion, and what would he think—
"............I get it."
Rintaro said, his voice trembling.
Asahi-san looked up.
"Even if I kept fighting with these underhanded tricks, I'd hit a wall eventually. If you told Joutou-senpai about this, I couldn't resist..."
He sighed, deeply.
"It's enough............ I'm tired."
Rintaro said this last, and hung his head, not moving.
I and Tennouji-san and the others looked at each other—they all looked at me as if to ask, 'Does this mean we convinced him?'
...This can be considered a success.
I felt that Rintaro's last words were his true feelings—he was tired. And why wouldn't he be. Climbing by using dirty tricks, racking your brain to come up with slander to beat others... of course it's exhausting...
Rintaro is smart. He vaguely knew what he was doing was wrong.
His shoulders slumped in dejection, but he also looked a little lighter. He might have been wanting to put this burden down all along. To drop the heavy weight called "guilt" from his shoulders...
Maybe Rintaro had been waiting for this day... is that thinking too much of myself?
No, not necessarily.
Because he's always............
"...Hey, Rintaro."
When I called him, he looked up.
I looked at his face and asked the question I'd been wondering.
"The reason you kept trying to recruit me was because—"
"This is—"
A voice from behind me made me nearly jump out of my skin.
I turned around quickly, and saw who was standing there—
"What are you all doing?"
"...Joutou-kun."
Joutou was staring right at Rintaro.
Seeing Rintaro's utter dejection, his expression soured.
"Rintaro, what happened?"
"Joutou-senpai..."
Rintaro cringed.
"...I'm sorry. I have something I have to apologize to you for."
He's going to confess to acting on his own—
I met Asahi-san's eyes. We had decided beforehand: if we could end the sibling feud, we wouldn't pursue what Rintaro had done.
After all, I believe a Rintaro who has reconciled with Asahi-san will compete fairly.
So it was fine...
He had been carrying his own burdens, and was backed into a corner. I wanted him to be able to relax—
"It's about the rumors spreading around school, isn't it."
"—!"
Rintaro was speechless with shock.
But we were just as shocked.
"Senpai, you knew...?"
"Vaguely."
Joutou looked at Rintaro with a gentle expression.
"You don't need to apologize."
Joutou walked over to Rintaro, looking apologetic, and gently patted his head.
"It's because I was too weak... that I forced you to resort to this, right?"
Hearing this, Rintaro burst into tears.
The presidential candidate, Joutou, and the vice-presidential candidate, Rintaro. I had sensed they weren't just ordinary friends, and in this deep-seated trust, I could feel a certain bond.
How did their friendship become so strong...?
Come to think of it... how did they meet?
◇
Ren Joutou and Rintaro Asahi met two years ago at a social gathering.
It was a banquet for the political faction Ren's father belonged to. Ren attended as the son of the party's Secretary-General, and Rintaro attended as the successor to his father, who was an invited guest.
Rintaro had already given up on his father and had no intention of inheriting, but he attended, thinking it was a rare opportunity. Betrayed by his sister and backed into a corner, he was trying to find outside connections.
On the other hand, Ren was also expected to follow in his father's footsteps, and he was instructed to get to know the political and business celebrities who might one day be of use to him.
However, once the banquet began, both their fathers got busy, leaving Ren and Rintaro with nothing to do.
There weren't many children their age at the party. As they both looked around, it was perhaps inevitable that they would eventually meet.
Ren and Rintaro hit it off immediately.
Because they were extremely similar.
Rintaro, having witnessed how useless his chairman father was, had begun to doubt the educational policy of Kiou Academy, where he would soon enroll.
Ren, likewise, felt that the skewed thinking of his politician father and grandfather was wrong. Although it was to survive in the political world of cunning old-timers, their educational policy of forcing a "safe" life on their son was nauseating. Avoid scandals—for this purpose, they had drilled into him since childhood, "Whatever you do, don't make waves." His father's "advice" was practically "Don't have a mind of your own," forcing Ren to accept a life of utter boredom. It led Ren to feel a wisp of resentment even for Kiou Academy, his father and grandfather's alma mater.
Ren and Rintaro were both fed up with the rigid, old-fashioned thinking of adults.
And they wondered if they could change Kiou Academy, the foundation of their lives.
"What about winning the student council election?"
As they talked, they moved to a different spot. They snuck out of the hall and chatted with their hands resting on the mezzanine railing.
Rintaro's suggestion made Ren's jaw drop, but he shook his head.
"It's impossible."
"Why?"
"Just winning would be one thing, but if we try to change Kiou Academy's traditions, my dad will definitely stop me... He's terrified of me standing out."
Given Ren's position, it was difficult for him to fix the academy's system.
"But if we do nothing, more people like us will just keep appearing."
Rintaro vented his feelings. Ren thought for a moment.
He had to offer at least one alternative. He thought, and finally... reached a conclusion.
"...In my generation, there's a talented girl named Hinako Konohana."
Ren recalled a girl he had seen several times at social events.
"She'll probably be attending Kiou next year, too... I think she would understand our thinking. So, why don't we pin our hopes on her?"
"Pin our hopes? What do you mean?"
"I can't be president, but I can run."
Ren explained the clever plan he'd thought of.
"On the surface, I'll run to win. But the real goal is to make the whole school aware of the problems we're raising... Once we've done that, all that's left is to let Hinako Konohana win. She should take the problems we've raised seriously."
This way, Ren wouldn't have to become president.
He could just raise the issues with Hinako after she won, but that wasn't guaranteed. However, if he threw the problems out to the entire student body, she would have to solve them. All he had to do was create that situation.
However, Rintaro frowned.
"...I'm against it. I want you to become president."
"Don't ask the impossible. Even without my family's restraints, I could never beat Konohana-san. She's just that perfect."
"It's possible!"
Rintaro said with conviction.
"Promise me. If you win, you'll fight alongside me... Promise me we'll change this society together!"
Ren sensed Rintaro's resolve and sighed deeply.
"...Fine. I promise. But I don't want to be president. I'll run, but my focus will be on exposing the problems. I won't get sidetracked."
"If you'll promise me that, then it's enough."
Ren knew becoming president was an impossible dream.
But this promise ignited Rintaro's fighting spirit.
"I will absolutely make you president... no matter what it takes."
Ren saw an eerie glint in Rintaro's eyes.
He saw it... but chose to ignore it.
Tradition, customs, status, environment—destroying these things is no easy task. Ren sensed that it would require the extraordinary obsession Rintaro was now showing.
Therefore, after enrolling in Kiou Academy, Ren devoted himself to his grades for a time.
It was to test his own obsession, to build enough strength to stand up and speak out. He couldn't stand being someone who just complained.
Since he was restricted by his father, he couldn't lead the reform. However, the act of advocating for reform also came with responsibility. Ren wanted to be a man worthy of bearing it.
On the day the exam results were posted, Ren went to observe Hinako, who was in another class.
Other students were asking her for help.
"Konohana-san, can you teach me political science?"
Hinako, upon being asked, thought for a moment and replied.
"I can, but if it's political science, I think Joutou-kun in the next class is better at it."
She knew his name—
Hinako Konohana knew his name—
Ren had gained the confidence he sought. At the same time, he had earned the right to speak to Hinako when the time came. This wasn't carelessness; since he couldn't win, he judged there was no need to keep trying, and he lost his will to study.
After that, Ren quietly lowered his presence... so his father wouldn't see through his plan.
One year later.
The election period began. Rintaro and Ren ran as a pair.
As promised, Rintaro gave Ren his full support. But Ren himself, just as he'd declared, was active only up to the point of "exposing the problems." After that, he refused to put in the effort required to win.
After school, Rintaro sat alone in a classroom, his head in his hands.
(...Since Joutou-senpai doesn't intend to win, it's going to be hard to beat them in a straight fight.)
He'd seen the first day's bulletin and despaired at the gap.
Rintaro looked at the notebook on his desk. He'd written down every idea he had for winning, from useful to trivial. Now that he'd hit a wall, he looked at it, grasping at straws.
There was one strategy that could be implemented immediately.
(A negative campaign... If I focus on the first-years, it's not impossible...)
He had been actively expanding his network in his grade just for this.
This was very real. After all, he'd used this method to win over executives at his father's company.
It was a dirty tactic. Ren might not like it.
As Rintaro hesitated, his sister's face inexplicably flashed in his mind. As the frustration in his heart reached his head, he decided to do it.
(But if this gets out, it'll make Joutou-senpai look bad.)
Considering the risk, he couldn't involve Ren. He had to do it alone, so the blame wouldn't fall on Ren.
(Even if it doesn't get out... can we build a healthy student council this way?)
To Rintaro, Ren Joutou was a brilliant senpai. The day they met, they'd talked passionately, and he'd realized Ren's insight far surpassed his own. Unlike Rintaro, who just hated the high society centered on Kiou, Ren had already, back then, conceived the very platform they were now running on.
That's why he worried if someone like him was fit to be by Ren's side. If it were just him, fine. But he didn't want to stain Ren's life.
He racked his brain until sweat beaded on his forehead.
He might become a liability to Ren one day.
In that case...
(............I'll just find a replacement vice president.)
After he'd done all the dirty work, he'd just hand the VP spot to someone else. That way, Ren would be surrounded by clean people. A rock-solid student council would be born.
Rintaro wasn't sad. His reason for running was to fix Kiou. If that wish was granted, he didn't need to be on the council.
He wasn't attached to the position.
Because of that, his thinking was pure.
Rintaro left the classroom and headed for the first-floor hallway.
(The other candidate for VP... is Itsuki Tomonari-senpai.)
He stopped in front of the display, "A Peek into the Candidates' Daily Lives," and mused.
He had already investigated Itsuki Tomonari thoroughly. He was a rival for the same seat. A transfer student, but his grades were improving. In the tournament, he'd fought off a corporate acquisition, proposed a new business, and won the 'Best Consultant' award.
The display itself showed how serious he was.
His day started with cleaning, then study and exercise.
He didn't just leave everything to servants—unlike his own father, he didn't use his status to act high and mighty.
At the end of the report, there was a third-party comment:
'His sincere attitude influences those around him. Seeing his efforts gives one a chance to re-examine oneself.'
Rintaro liked that.
He could take the place of a 'dirty' me, and support Ren properly.
(I'll leave it to him.)
He'd give the seat to Itsuki Tomonari in the end. He had the achievements, the ability, and the character.
Therefore—it was fine to get his own hands dirty.
He worried about how to hand over the position, but he'd just tell him the truth. Once Itsuki knew he was behind the negative campaign, he'd be indignant and take the seat. He'd surely think Rintaro wasn't fit for it.
Rintaro decided what he had to do—and immediately began spreading rumors.
The third day of the election period.
Ren finished his speech, said goodbye to Rintaro, and on the ride home, thought about what happened at lunch.
(...There are weird rumors.)
He'd been passing the first-year building to find Rintaro, and first-years walking by were arguing about Mirei Tennouji and Narika Miyakojima.
As their classmate, Ren knew immediately the rumors were baseless, but first-years might believe them.
And for these rumors to spread at this time... it felt like someone was pulling the strings.
(...Is it Rintaro?)
He remembered the look in Rintaro's eyes two years ago.
Ren wouldn't easily suspect him, but he had an indescribable feeling—that he might do it.
However, he couldn't let it shake him.
Ren's feelings were complex. He had to steady his heart. He could run, but he couldn't win; he could only raise the issues. It was a high-stress battle. Frankly, he needed to hold back.
He wasn't a politician's son for nothing. He could give better speeches. He could show more charisma... In his speeches, when he felt the crowd responding well, he was tempted to get serious, and he had to desperately suppress that urge.
On his way home, he checked his phone and saw messages from friends.
A questionnaire was circulating.
What would you want Hinako Konohana to do?
(...This is interesting. They really are the biggest swing vote.)
A good focal point.
Who made it? Not his camp, so... Mirei Tennouji? Narika Miyakojima? Or their VP, Itsuki Tomonari?
It was a likable plan. They weren't just ignoring Hinako's absence; they were facing it and trying to overcome it.
Ren chose to show his respect by filling it out.
What did he want Hinako to do—Ren had always had an answer.
Rigid thinking creates a rigid environment.
To change the environment, you have to refresh the organization.
Widen the pool of students. Seek out more free and diverse...
Ren wrote the necessary policy into the questionnaire.
—Abolish the "family-status system."
Ren believed this was the policy that would open Kiou Academy to the common people.
(...Hinako Konohana... why...)
Ren put a hand to his forehead.
The biggest miscalculation of this election—
—was that Hinako Konohana hadn't run for president.
Ren had planned to trust her, to entrust everything to her—but the situation had changed.
The candidates now were Mirei Tennouji and Narika Miyakojima. They were brilliant, but compared to Hinako, he had some concerns.
Rintaro's scheme might just be a good test.
Ren questioned their strength.
If they were to lose to a mere dirty trick... he couldn't leave the school to them.
◆
"First, I want to apologize to you all."
Joutou stood before us at the table and bowed his head.
"Due to my lack of supervision, disrespectful rumors were spread... If you can, I hope you won't blame Rintaro. It was because I am useless. I will take responsibility and put a stop to them."
The atmosphere changed. Frankly, we were too stunned to react.
Joutou was protecting Rintaro. But it wasn't just kindness; it was a powerful, trusting relationship.
"However, I still—think this school is too 'clean.'"
Joutou glared at Tennouji-san and Narika.
"The fact that the people who will stand at the top of this school are being overwhelmed by a trick like this—that fact makes me feel a sense of crisis."
What's happening...?
His aura was changing.
Was he always this... strong?
Was he always this... intense?
"Rintaro... I'm sorry. I made you push yourself. Because my heart was weak, I let you fight for me."
Rintaro bit his lip in regret. Joutou looked at him gently.
"Thanks to you, I've woken up."
Joutou ran his hands through his messy hair, slicking it back. His sharp eyes and strong brows were revealed, giving him a dignified air that highlighted his exceptional quality. It was obvious at a glance that this was his true self.
The pathetic aura I'd felt before was gone.
Joutou stared at us with sharp, bright eyes and declared:
"From now on—I will be taking the field myself."
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