“No matter how capable you are, you’re still a Class D student. We’re acknowledging our faults and seeking a peaceful settlement, yet you come out brazenly like this…”

“According to your logic, Sakura’s photos don’t show who started the fight. Sudō may have started it, but at the same time, Class C may have started it. Moreover, they could be evidence of a trap maliciously set by Class C to attack Sudō. I believe it is clearly wrong to turn away from such a worst-case scenario and run away through the means of a settlement.”

“So you’re saying we should bear all that and still make a settlement…”

“Isn’t it that by bowing your head first like this, you want to create the reality of a situation where Class C is not at fault?”

I responded using the exact same logic Sakagami-sensei had used. Even his previously relaxed expression became quite a sight to see.

“Y-you insolent… Are you saying you want to take this all the way?”

Ignoring his anger, I turned to the student council president this time.

“Student council president, any further debate is a waste of time. However, what we learned from today’s meeting is that our claims are completely opposite and that one side is telling a very malicious lie. I will never accept a settlement.”

At my confident words, the student council president asked Class C without changing his expression.

“To Class C. Do you assert that everything you said today is true, without a single lie?”

“Of… of course.”

“Then Class D?”

“I’ll say it clearly again. There are no lies whatsoever.”

At that, the student council president delivered the conclusion I had been hoping for.

“Then we will hold another deliberation tomorrow at 4 p.m. By then, if there is no clear proof of the other party’s lies, or an indication of admitting one’s own fault, we will make a judgment based on the evidence presented so far. Depending on the case, ‘expulsion’ may also be within the scope of measures. That is all.”

At those words, all of Class C realized that the situation had gone terribly wrong.

According to Ryūen’s plan, they had probably only been prepared to receive a suspension. One suspension wouldn’t really hinder their school life. They never imagined expulsion would be on the table. Having suddenly been placed on the guillotine, they glanced at me as they wondered what to do.

And even in this situation, when they saw me without the slightest change in expression, no, even smiling, they felt a moment of fear.

I wrapped things up and stood to leave, but Horikita blocked my path.

“Wait! What are you planning to do next? Can you really make Sudō innocent?”

Useless woman. Your value in this matter is already over. From here on, this is no longer within your scope. Shut up and stay out of it.

Staring coldly at Horikita, I said, “You’re more useless and incompetent than Sakura, who can testify clearly. I order you not to do anything from now on. I’ll take care of everything myself. Seeing you now… it’s hard to believe you’re the younger sister of the student council president, a true elite. So ability really isn’t hereditary, is it?”

Humiliated, Horikita lowered her head in frustration and leaving behind Sudō who worried about her, I went straight to Sakura.

“You did well, Sakura. Your testimony completed my plan.”

“B-but… in the end, innocence…”

“That’s my job from here on. You don’t need to worry about anything, just wait for tomorrow. By then, everything will be over.”

For a chess piece that contributed to the best play, I’ll give praise like this as many times as it takes. She performed more usefully than Horikita, so I’ll make good use of her from now on as well.

At my warm words, Sakura looked like she might burst into tears at any moment. Sakagami-sensei watched me soothing Sakura with a cold gaze and said, “Your choice was truly foolish. Because of your mistaken judgment, your friend will be expelled. Insolent brat… be ashamed of your foolish scheme.”

At those words, Sakura looked like she was about to cry. But unlike her, I smiled calmly and said, “I guarantee that the deliberation will end with Sudō’s innocence. I will make it so. I’ve already beaten someone three steps above A. How could a mere one-step-above C be difficult?”

“…”

Sakagami-sensei said nothing more and left the student council room. I gently embraced Sakura, who was quietly crying while desperately holding back her sobs and moved on to the next stage of my scheme.

With expulsion now a possible outcome, this was exactly the situation I had been trying to create. Only with this situation in place could my plan succeed. And all preparations were complete.

Ichinose had already indicated her willingness to cooperate. Confidentiality was also perfect. Tomorrow… I have to choose the timing carefully.

Because that timing will be the moment my victory is confirmed.

* * *

I ordered Horikita and Sudō to escort Sakura back to the dormitory. Then, watching as the teachers and Class C students all left, I remained in the student council room.

And then… the person I was waiting for arrived.

“As expected, you stayed behind, Ayanokoji Aoi.”

The student council president. Horikita Manabu. Beside him was the secretary, Tachibana-senpai.

I had known from the first time we met. That he wanted to meet me. It was what I wanted as well.

“You chose a dangerous option over a rational one. Have you thought about how you’ll deal with the consequences?”

“I simply follow the choice I believe is right.”

In the heavy air, I could feel the tension. Right now, in front of this man… I felt fear and at the same time, I felt his expectations toward me.

“It seems your claim of innocence isn’t just bluff.”

“I believe in my own ability. Compared to me, even Zhuge Liang and Kuroda Kanbei are nothing more than novices, I dare say.”

At my brazen yet weighty words, the student council president smiled in amusement.

“When you appeared with Suzune today, I thought you might show some kind of scheme.”

“And instead, you gained expectations, didn’t you?”

“Indeed. You brilliantly found and passed the student council’s test that contained hints of the school system. Moreover, in this midterm exam, you had all five members including yourself score 100 in every subject and using that, achieved victory over Class A while being Class D. A terrifying scheme indeed. And now this time as well…”

At the same time, he gave me a look as if testing me.

“Can I expect it again?”

Horikita Manabu. You will be satisfied with me.

“No matter how much you expect, it will exceed that.”

At those words, the student council president pushed up his glasses and headed toward Tachibana-senpai, who was waiting by the door.

“Unlike Suzune, you understand the difference between pride and solitude. If only Suzune were even half as much like you, I wouldn’t be worried.”

So despite appearances, you do have a warm side that thinks of your younger sister. Your strictness is surely because you’re worried about her incompetence.

But your sister is already beyond saving.

“I, too, have an older brother like your sister. I strove endlessly to defeat my own brother, who is far more perfect and flawless than you and in the end, I could not beat him. But after I graduate from this high school, I will surely return and defeat my brother. Your sister, Horikita Suzune, isn’t even trying to surpass you. She only wants your recognition and to chase after you… she is nothing but a hopeless human being.”

At those words, Tachibana-senpai bristled.

“You! How dare you speak about the president’s sister like that in front of him!”

“Enough, Tachibana. What she says is true.”

The student council president seemed to sympathize with my words.

“Ayanokoji Aoi. You are indeed a human worth looking forward to. I’ll be anticipating tomorrow’s deliberation.”

Thus ended my brief first meeting with the student council president. The moment he disappeared, I finally let the strength drain from my legs and collapsed to the floor.

…In the face of his overwhelming presence, enduring was all I could do. Horikita Manabu. He is, in name and reality, the strongest in the school.

I can defeat Ryūen. I can defeat Sakayanagi. But that man… that man called Horikita Manabu, I…

I will truly have to give it my all to defeat him. Though he still falls short of my brother.

Thinking of my next task, I closed the door to the student council room.