Ayanokoji Aoi POV

“‘We’ are aiming for Class A! So lend me your strength. I’ll prove from here on that I’m not a traitor!”

Student Council President, just as you intended, Horikita has grown.

It’s not like there’s no lingering instability, but at least she’s become half as capable as someone on Hirata’s level. For someone incompetent, I didn’t expect this much growth in such a short time.

‘You’re lucky. If you’d behaved pathetically, I was really going to erase you.’

In my hand is a file folder containing two sets of documents. One is evidence meant to save Horikita, the other is fabricated evidence meant to bury her.

In other words, whether Horikita lives or dies is decided in my hand.

Of course, I have no intention of being ruled by personal feelings and driving some incompetent to ruin. I took out the documents meant to kill Horikita, tore them to shreds and threw them into the hallway trash can.

Then I opened the classroom door to give a reward to Horikita, who had grown in a satisfying way.

“Look at them pushing someone around without evidence. That’s why incompetents are useless.”

“Ayano… koji?”

Horikita looked at me with eyes full of confusion and tension. To respond to that gaze, I showed everyone the file folder I was holding.

“There’s no need to prove anything later. Starting now I’ll present materials containing evidence and grounds showing Horikita isn’t a traitor.”

At my words, the incompetents of Class D all stirred, regardless of whether they were on Horikita’s side or not.

“Ayanokoji, is that really true?”

“I’ll start now, so everyone sit down. Hirata, control them so they don’t do anything pointless.”

Following my instruction and Hirata’s control, the incompetents took their seats. As attention focused on me, I took out the documents and began explaining.

“From now on I’ll present evidence showing Horikita isn’t a traitor. If you have complaints, speak now without interrupting the flow.”

As expected, Shinohara couldn’t stay quiet and raised her hand.

“I don’t even understand what evidence you’re talking about? It’s true Horikita is the Student Council President’s younger sister!”

There’s no value in listening to words from such a pitiful incompetent.

“Is Horikita being the Student Council President’s sister automatically proof that the rumors are true?”

“We don’t even know how much of the rumor is true and she’s treated people harshly before! Even if she tried for the class, it’s hard to accept it all. She even skipped class before and cost us points!”

“You talk well. Coming from the ringleader who drained all the class points by acting selfishly since enrollment, your face is incredibly thick.”

When I brought up a sensitive topic, everyone flinched.

“S-So what! I didn’t know anything back then!”

“In what world does a student not know they should focus and study diligently during class? Compared to you, Horikita hasn’t shown a single lapse. I sit beside her, I can guarantee that. Compared to you who drained all 1000 points at the beginning, she maybe lost between five and ten. That’s adorable.”

“Ghk, Horikita skipped class the other day! She’s the main cause of losing class points! You were late that day too!”

To think they believe they can corner me with that. Truly excellent incompetents. I swept my gaze across everyone with a killing look.

“That’s your complaint? Then answer this. Class D’s points now, who do you think created them?”

“What? Obviously we worked hard—”

“No. Be precise. Who identified the clear factors in point fluctuation, won the bet against Class A raising the average scores, got Sudō declared innocent in the violence review, caught the attempted sexual assault offender and nearly beat him to death and supported Horikita by funding the study group? Me. Roughly 80% of Class D’s points are thanks to me. Unlike useless girls like you who contribute nothing yet raise their voices!”

My achievements rank among the highest in Class D. Even Hirata or Kushida can’t surpass that number. Compared to mindless incompetents who just follow orders, it’s the difference between heaven and earth.

My sharp truth left everyone silent.

“I won’t say more about cleaning up the mess you dumped. So from now on, incompetents who contributed less than me to class points should shut up quietly. I lost points? Assume there was a reason. Complaints from anyone below me will be ignored.”

No one could respond. Even Shinohara, who had been brazen, sat down silently.

“Then listen. The rumors are threefold. Horikita being the Student Council President’s sister, receiving exam trends and past questions from him and receiving massive points from him to move to Class A. The first is true, so skip. We’ll verify the second.”

I displayed documents compiling study materials Horikita reported to me.

“As you know, during finals, Horikita had me confirm all study content and materials first. As the one who reviewed them, I’ll say this: she didn’t receive them. She compiled past questions overnight and analyzed teacher tendencies herself. I uploaded detailed files to the Class D board. Check them.”

Everyone opened their phones.

“There are photos of her handwritten materials too, so suspicions she got them from the President should be gone.”

Those taught by Horikita looked moved. Effort alone means little in private, but when shown publicly it can be used, for example gaining incompetents’ trust.

That solves one. Next is the crucial point issue.

“The next topic you’ll react most strongly to. Points.”

Everyone focused.

“Remember what Chabashira-sensei said at orientation? That private points can’t be exchanged for money so not spending them disadvantages you. That’s not true. They can be converted before graduation, at low rates.”

Everyone was shocked.

“Really? Where’d you hear that?”

“Upperclassmen.”

“You had friendly upperclassmen? Not the President?”

“There’s also Kiryuin Fuka, a second-year.”

Actually it was Koenji who told me. He smirked.

“Anyway, I thought wealthy underclassmen could trade with upperclassmen for favorable rates. I formally consulted the President and concerned about inequality, he proposed measures via council meeting.”

I showed a document stamped by the council.

“This is a new rule effective today at noon. Special authority allowed me to reveal it to Class D. Listen.”

I read calmly.

[Addition to School Regulation Article 3 Clause 29 effective July 26, 20XX. Monetary transactions or transfers of private points between upperclassmen and underclassmen without legitimate reason are prohibited. Especially transactions exceeding 5 million points must present justification upon council investigation.]

Approved : 3-A Horikita Manabu — Student Council President
Proposed : 1-D Ayanokoji Aoi

I posted it on the board.

“This eliminates buying or illegal transfers through upperclassmen. Horikita receiving points is impossible. That settles it.”

Even if she intended to receive 20 million points, it is impossible now. I proposed it citing Koenji’s example and fairness principles. Koenji agreed indifferently. The President passed it quickly as necessary.

“Afterward I learned Horikita never considered such methods. If she intended to, she’d have asked earlier. The President confirmed she wouldn’t stoop to that.”

Horikita relaxed. Her brother’s trust reassured her.

“You wouldn’t trust her words, but mine as an outsider you would. No better proof exists.”

Most believed. A few doubted.

“But we don’t know she never intended betrayal.”

… Karuizawa Kei. I’ll deal with you soon.

“If doubts remain, we’ll do this.”

I approached Horikita.

“I’ll personally monitor her. If betrayal signs appear, I’ll stop her. In return, she’ll support study sessions freely.”

Everyone stared.

‘No surprise. To grow her, our relationship must deepen. Ultimately to discard later, but that’s secondary.’

“Anyway, Horikita is my personal maid now. I punish or insult her. Anyone touching her challenges me.”

No one would now, except Kushida perhaps.

I signaled Hirata.

“Ayanokoji’s right. Don’t fall for Class C rumors. Trust Horikita and aim for Class A.”

Applause followed. Unity restored, temporarily.

Class D remains unruly. Rumors may spread, but my ability suppresses them.

Even jagged stones shatter when struck by steel.

Horikita Suzune, now most will trust you. My influence empowers your words. Don’t disappoint your brother or me. I’m not generous enough to grant three chances.

* * *

During break after the uproar, I left the classroom while classmates spoke with Horikita.

I was thirsty, so I went to get coffee.

Then Class D’s hero stopped before me.

“She can stay in class as you wanted. As long as I watch, she’ll be fine.”

I answered what he wanted.

But his expression was off.

“Sorry, Ayanokoji. I’ll repay you.”

“No repayment needed. Just avoid trouble from your girlfriend.”

“By the way… Is there a traitor?”

I stayed silent. Enough for him to realize the truth.

But Kushida’s face must stay hidden. Useful still.

I deflected.

“Can’t conclude traitor. Maybe anger.”

“Yeah, it’s hard to believe someone would do that.”

“How’d you suspect that?”

“Class C spreads rumors earlier normally. The timing seemed odd.”

So he didn’t know at all. Kushida cared about points then, but probably not anymore. Her anger runs deeper than logic can suppress.

She might destroy points and blame us. I hope she does so. Then no allies will remain for her to counter with.

“For now don’t worry. I’ll check later.”

“Tell me if I can help.”

“If needed. Done?”

“No, one more…”

He held scraps… from the shredded document.

[Evidence Horikita is traitor]

Unfortunate.

Confirmed. Hirata Yosuke… is troublesome.

Better eliminate—

“I didn’t know Class C prepared such schemes.”

“…What?”

“Good thing you destroyed it first.”

…Correction. Eliminating pointless.

He trusts me blindly.

What a fool. Better to be ignorant.

“You didn’t believe it, right?”

“Of course.”

I left.

His interpretation is irrelevant. Horikita survived and grew.

My sincerity is irrelevant. Friendship? Impossible with incompetents. She’s a piece for my match with the President. A sacrifice for capable players.

She received my help. That’s enough.

Helping friends is natural, regardless of purpose.

If results are good, intention and purpose are secondary.