A Greeting

It was after school on the following day. Each member of the student council was

preparing for the closing ceremony in between meetings relative to their position. They ran

throughout school in groups of two to three with copies of the closing ceremony agenda in

hand. After Alisa and Masachika finished those responsibilities, they began to practice for

their upcoming speech on the stage in the gymnasium.

"Thank you all for your time."

Although they didn't have a microphone to practice with, Alisa finished giving her

speech and was showered with Masachika's applause from below.

"Perfect. Just do what you did here tomorrow, and we're set," he advised, walking up

the steps to the stage, but Alisa's expression suddenly clouded with anxiety.

"Yes… All I need to do is remember what I practiced…"

"Are you worried? You had no problem speaking at the debate."

"That's because I was focused on my own inner world… But there are going to be a lot

more people at the closing ceremony, right?"

"Yeah, I mean…everyone at school has to be there, so this gym's going to be packed,"

he replied honestly with a shrug, since he felt there was no use sugarcoating it for her. He

then brightened and replied:

"But that doesn't change what you have to do. It doesn't matter how many more people

there are. You just need to focus on how you're going to speak and—"

"I don't think that's going to be enough. I figured that much when I saw you speaking at

the debate the other day. There's a distinct difference between self-righteously regurgitating

memorized talking points and speaking directly to the people. This speech is my chance to

greet everyone, which is why I need to look them in the eye when Ispeak. I want to speak with

them, not at them," she said with a serious gaze at the floor below the stage before turning

her eyes firmly toward Masachika. "Hey, how do I converse with the audience like you do?"

She really is always trying to improve herself, he thought in admiration as he scratched

his head.

"I mean…it's kind of something you just have to get used to doing for the most part.

But first, you need to make sure you can perfectly say your speech without glancing at your

script. After that, all you need to do is watch and see how the audience is reacting, then

change your tone and how long you pause. Maybe even stick a few jokes in between your

lines, but make sure you stay focused."

"…"

Alisa frowned after hearing his advice, and Masachika realized he was demanding far

too much, so he smiled and added:

"But this is your first time, so don't expect to be able to do everything perfectly. Like

I said, it's something you have to get used to doing. So all you need to do this time is keep

your chin up and confidently say your piece."

"…Is that really going to be enough?"

"Trust me. Consider this practice for the upcoming election. I told you yesterday.

Remember? We don't want to provoke Yuki or excite her because she'll try to trip us up."

"…!"

Those words suddenly made Alisa realize she was unconsciously feeling pressed that

she had to beat Yuki, and she was dumbfounded.

"Alya, do you want to know a little secret to relieve tension and get the audience's

attention?" he asked, lowering his voice and gently patting her on the shoulder to calm her

down.

"A secret?"

"Yep."

He whispered into her ear as she raised a brow, and ultimately her jaw dropped. She

then appeared to be in deep thought.

"That's…"

"Easy, right? And it's very effective as well."

"…All right, I'll give it a try." Alisa nodded with an expression of utmost seriousness.

Masachika looked at her confidently…and all of a sudden, a voice called out to them from

the wing.

"Are you practicing for tomorrow's ceremony?"

Their eyes simultaneously darted in the direction of the voice, only to find Yuki with her

usual curated smile and Ayano standing behind her, bowing with her usual blank expression.

"Oh, you two are done with your work for the day, too?"

"Yes, everything went smoothly."

Their exchange may have sounded friendly, but there was an unusual tension filling the

space between them. Yuki slowly walked toward Masachika with a hand over her mouth,

her head tilted.

"Giggle. Is everything okay, Masachika? That look on your face is scaring me."

"You've got a lot of nerve saying that. Getting rid of that proper-young-lady facade and

going full mask off, huh?"

"Oh my. Me? Giggle."

She widened her eyes and smiled a perfect ladylike smile, but the light behind those eyes

was cold and distant. While most people would shudder at the terrifying sight, Masachika

simply shrugged and looked back at Alisa.

"See? This is the real her. I know I've said this before, but don't be fooled by her act."

"O-okay…"

"Oh dear. Alya? Giggle. Did I disappoint you?"

But Alisa slowly shook her head.

"No. I was a little surprised, but I haven't become disillusioned."

"Oh my…"

"We still haven't known each other that long, after all. It's only natural for there to be

sides of you I don't know about yet."

"…"

"Besides…you were serious when you said you still wanted to be friends with me,

right?"

"…Yes, of course."

"Then everything's okay." Alisa nodded with ease, catching Yuki by surprise.

"Plus…I was able to reexamine myself thanks to you."

"…What do you mean?"

Yuki's fake smile faded, although she was still tilting her head. Alisa then stared her

straight in the eye and declared:

"You asked me why I wanted to become the student council president the other day,

and you will get that answer. Tomorrow. I'll also receive far more support from our fellow

students."

Staring at Alisa, Yuki blinked in genuine confusion for a few moments before dissolving

into laughter.

"Ha-ha-ha! You really are a sincere, wonderful person."

"Wh-what's that supposed to mean?"

Alisa appeared embarrassed by the unexpected praise, but Yuki continued without even

a hint of shame:

"I was only speaking the truth. I am really happy to be your friend, Alya."

"…!"

Alisa swiftly looked away as though she couldn't take anymore bonding, which only

made Yuki smile more.

"And because you are so wonderful, I have something I would like to tell you," revealed

Yuki.

"…What is it?"

"I told you my brother was gone… I never said he was dead."

"Huh…?"

Alisa looked back at her with a blank expression and saw Yuki's mischievous grin.

"He ran away from home, and while he cut ties with the Suou family, he is still very

much alive and well."

"Wh-what?!"

Alisa's face turned bright red as fury rippled through her for being led on like that. She

shot Yuki a piercing glare, which Yuki parried with a cool, refreshing smile of her own…until

Masachika swiftly jumped in front of Yuki, cheerfully smiling as well.

"Oh, thank goodness. I was worried this was going to destroy your friendship."

His smile was unnaturally joyful, which made Yuki immediately cautious, reverting

back to her usual archaic smile.

"Oh my. You make it sound as if our friendship has been damaged in some way,

Masachika."

"No? I mean, I think you're a punk for what you did, but what's new?"

He spoke with a bright tone and mirthful smile as he approached Yuki and Ayano. Alisa

watched anxiously from behind, but Yuki's smile didn't waver, even when her brother was

standing right in front of her.

"Wait… Could it be? Are you angry that I waited until you were sick to attack?"

"Not at all. Striking when your opponent's down is only natural in war. Plus, giving me

the medicine without me noticing took a lot of talent. Beautifully done."

"Why thank you. What an honor," she replied, and yet she got chills from her brother's

smile. And Ayano, who was glancing in his direction, was no different. Cold sweat trailed

down their backs, for there was something eerie about the bizarre energy Masachika

emanated. As he continued to exude intimidation, he cheerfully went on:

"It's a weird feeling. Hard to describe it, to be honest. It's like…wanting to pet your

cute little dog that is biting you but also wanting to discipline them so they never bite you

again. Know what I mean?"

Yuki, however, didn't joke about the frightening things her brother was saying. She

even set aside her usual noblewoman facade after seeing just how serious his eyes were—

something she hadn'tseen in ages. Allshe felt now was a tinge of fear and exhilaration, which

manifested in the form of a fierce smirk and sparkling eyes, and as a result, Masachika's

sneer grew even more sinister as well.

"If I were to give some advice, though…," he began, looking down at Yuki without any

humor. "You took a bite, so now you better clench your jaw and not let go."

The ambition glowing in his stare was proof enough that he hadn't been driven into a

corner, and it was at that moment that both Yuki and Ayano realized they had stepped on

the tail of a sleeping lion.

Ha-ha… I think I got them a little worried, but maybe I didn't go hard enough.

There was no simpler declaration of war, but that worked out in Yuki's favor as well,

since she had wanted to fight him head-on. Her fighting spirit rose with her elation as she

quivered with excitement. Ayano began to quiver as well…but where she was quivering will

forever remain a secret.

The terrifyingly tense atmosphere swallowed the stage like a storm. It was almost hard

to believe this was the day before the closing ceremony speeches, but a hesitant voice soon

called out from one of the wings, clearing the air.

"Hey, uh… I wanted to do some final checks before tomorrow, but…"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and found three second-year students from

the student council in the wing. Touya wore a slightly stiff smile, so Masachika and Yuki

rid themselves of their fighting spirit and walked over. Alisa and Ayano calmed themselves

before following. Although the air was still tense among the first-year students, Touya began

the final checks for the closing ceremony. It wasn't long before the conversation shifted

toward the next day's speeches.

"Now, for our student council member greetings tomorrow, I, the president, will speak

first, followed by the vice president, Chisaki, then Big Kujou, and then the first-year students

will speak after that. There aren't many student council members this year, so I'm not going

to give you a time limit, but let's try to keep the speeches to no more than three minutes long

if possible. Any questions?"

He had given only a brief rundown of the ceremony earlier, so hands were raised. After

making sure everyone was okay, Touya somewhat hesitantly shifted his gaze to the four firstyear students.

"Okay, now for the speaking order of the first-year students… What do you want to do?

Last year, the candidates for student council president played rock-paper-scissors to decide

order."

As Yuki and Alisa exchanged glances, Yuki smiled slyly.

"I wouldn't mind playing rock-paper-scissors," she suggested, but right as Alisa was

about to agree, Masachika cut her off and interjected:

"No way. Rock-paper-scissors rewards whoever can read their opponent best."

"Yes, I suppose." Yuki shrugged.

"Hmm?" wondered both Touya and Alisa, raising their eyebrows.

"I get it." Chisaki nodded.

"Whaaat?" said Maria with a confused smile. Ayano, true to form, was one with the air.

But these siblings were not joking. Because if you're as big an otaku as either of them, the

first game you master is rock-paper-scissors, just in case you are ever drugged and wake up

to find yourself in the middle of a death game where you have to bet your life to survive.

Once again, these siblings were not joking.

"How about we flip a coin?"

"Yeah, that sounds fair."

"Perfect. Ayano can flip the coin, and Alya can call it, then. How does that sound?"

"Nah, let's have someone else flip the coin."

"Giggle. Very distrusting today, aren't we?"

The obvious reason neither Masachika nor Yuki would be allowed to flip the coin was

because they could possibly cheat. Ayano, on the other hand, didn't have the skill set to cheat

like them. Nevertheless, Masachika still couldn't risk it—not after she casually slipped him

the medicine that made him sleepy. Of course, Masachika and Yuki weren't allowed to call

heads or tails, either, because they could easily predict the correct answer.

"Um… How about I do it?"

Masachika looked at the second-year students and noticed Maria pulling out a hundredyen coin, so he glanced over at Yuki to make sure she was okay with that. She shrugged,

which was enough for him, so he looked at Maria once more and nodded.

"We would really appreciate that. Okay, Masha will flip a coin, and Alya will guess if

it's heads or tails. If she guesses right, she gets to choose whether she wants to go before or

after Yuki, and if she guesses wrong, then Yuki gets to do that."

"Sounds good to me. The side with the picture on it is heads, and the side that says 'one

hundred' on it is tails. Everyone ready?" asked Maria as she placed the hundred-yen coin in

her palm. Alisa, however, shot her a skeptical look and asked:

"Masha, are you sure you can do it?"

"Alyaaa. ♪ Stop making fun of your big sister. Of course I can do it. Just you watch."

Maria pouted.

"Ready? Three, two…one!"

She then jumped into the air for some reason and flipped the coin. A part of everyone's

soul died as they watched Maria hop up and down once more, for who knows why, while

she pursued the flying coin with her eyes until she eventually slapped both hands together

and caught it like someone trying to smash a fly.

"I got it! See? I told you I could do it, Alya!"

Maria smiled smugly and bragged with both hands clasped together, but Alisa's eyes

were cold.

"So? Which side is up?"

"Huh…?"

Maria looked down at her clasped hands and realized it was impossible to decide which

way was up and which way was down.

"Um… How about we say this way is up, then?"

She turned her hands so the left was on the top and the right was on the bottom.

"Heads," stated Alisa with a detached tone.

"What? Don't you think you should think about it a little longer?"

"Just show us the coin."

"Mmm… Fine."

Maria removed her left hand, revealing the number 100. Yuki, who had been watching

Alisa's expression the entire time, noticed her briefly frown.

"Tails. All right, Yuki, do you want to go before or after me?"

"Hmm…"

Yuki placed a hand on her chin as Maria and Masachika quietly watched her.

It would have been great if we won the coin toss, but whatever… Let's just see how much

of our plan she can see through.

Yuki focused on her own thoughts while her brother stared.

Normally, going last makes you stick out more and gives you the advantage…but if I

go first and impress everyone so much that they won't even bother clapping for Alya, then

I could destroy her. On the other hand, going first usually means you become the standard

for the rest, which will get you at least the bare minimum amount of clapping, so it would be

difficult to absolutely crush Alya if I make her go first. She and everyone else could even use

that as an excuse. "Oh, she went first, so give her a break." Stuff like that… Maybe I really

should choose to go first? That was what I was planning on doing anyway. But…

Yuki tried to analyze the situation from a different angle.

That's only if I wanted to absolutely crush her to the point of no return, but now that my

brother's serious about this, maybe it'd be better if I tried to win in the safest way possible…

Which means going after her would give me the edge. I should probably see how he is

planning to fight first before striking…

That was when Yuki was suddenly overcome with a feeling that something was off. The

way her brother was acting a moment ago…and the way he was clearly trying to taunt them…

Now that I think about it…he was really trying to scare us…which is unusual for

someone who normally pulls the strings from the shadows to get things done… Was that

all an act?

Her gut told her she was right the instant the thought popped into her head. She swiftly

looked at Masachika and put on her thinking cap.

If that was all an act…then what is he after? He acted like he was angry that we tricked

him and made it seem like we were going to fight head-on. But he really doesn't plan on

fighting fair and square. And…! He's trying to distract me from Alya! That's it!

It hit her like a divine revelation from the heavens as she stared hard into her brother's

eyes. While she couldn't read his poker face, she could tell she was approaching the truth.

Yes… I got so caught up with my brother that I almost lost sight of things. It's Alya

I'm after…and she isn't that mentally strong from what I can see. Plus, she is probably still

traumatized from yesterday's announcements that we did together, since she was having a

really hard time talking. That was why I was planning on forcing her to go after me at the

ceremony. The pressure would crush her.

Once she remembered her original plan, she realized that Masachika was trying to

distract her with something else, but that was over. She'd seen through his little trick.

He is going for a draw! He wants Alya to go first so she doesn't have to feel pressure

while still getting at least the bare minimum amount of applause! Which means I am sticking

to my plan and going first so I can dominate!

Around five seconds had gone by while Yuki reached her conclusion with her

extraordinarily quick thinking.

"I would like to go first, please," she announced to Touya, seeming smug.

"All right, then. Suou and Kimishima will go first, followed by Little Kujou and Kuze."

Alisa silently nodded in agreement with the terms and slowly grinned.

The next day arrived. Thanks to the student council's preparation the day before, the

closing ceremony was going smoothly as the teachers spoke and the disciplinary council

made their announcements. Touya, Maria, Alisa, and Masachika were watching the

ceremony from stage right while Chisaki, Yuki, and Ayano were watching from the wing

on the opposite end.

"Now let's hear from our student council members."

The time had finally come. The emcee from the broadcasting club called out the names of

the second-year students to come one at a time to greet their peers. Touya, oozing charisma,

proudly greeted the student body and ended his speech with a surprise announcement: They

were finally getting new summer uniforms. Chisaki spoke cheerfully, adding jokes here and

there, and gave a relatively brief speech. Maria wore her usual bubbly smile and gave a

very detailed, well-thought-out speech, despite her friendly tone and demeanor. While each

second-year student was unique in their own way, every one of their speeches won the

crowd's attention. Their eyes were locked onto the stage with gazes usually reserved for

movie stars…until it finally came time for the first-years to speak.

"Now let's hear from the student council publicist, Yuki Suou."

The air in the room instantly changed when the first presidential candidate took the

stage: Some waited in anticipation of the silent battle between candidates, some bounced

with excitement, and some calmly readied themselves to assess the situation. A myriad of

gazes settled on Yuki where she stood onstage and where she was projected onto the large

screen behind her, evoking some excitement among the crowd.

"Hello, my fellow students. I am the student council publicist and former middle school

student council president, Yuki Suou, and I plan on running for student council president in

the election for next school year."

She gave a small bow with her archaic smile and was immediately greeted with cheers

from the audience in the gymnasium. She nodded at the crowd and then continued her speech

in a lighter tone.

"Therefore, I would like to tell you all a little about my vision for next year. When

I become the student council president…I promise to create an environment where your

opinions matter. Oh dear? Was that too generic?"

Yuki suddenly smiled mischievously, creating some laughter in the audience and

clearing the tension. She then lifted a large box from behind the podium and presented it

to the crowd.

"Specifically, I want to talk about this: the suggestion box, which has been around for

years at our school. There are probably more of you who haven't used it even once compared

to those who have. As you all know, I address many of these during the afternoon

announcements I make on behalf of the student council, but it seems to me there are not

that many people with problems or requests. Why, though? Perhaps you believe leaving a

suggestion in the suggestion box is pointless because nothing is going to get done about it?"

Her specific question prompted the student body to reflect on how they felt. After they

nodded back at her individually as though they agreed, she continued to explain why.

"But it is understandable that you would all feel that way. After all, most members of

the student council have no experience with the kind of work we do. Even working adults

spend their first year learning the ropes at their job, and yet most members of the student

council serve out their entire term after only one year, then move on. Trying to listen to

student requests and actually realize their demands is an extremely difficult task, especially

this year. Because this year…for some reason…! For some reason, we hardly have any firstyear students in the student council. In other words, we are short-staffed."

The students laughed at Yuki playing dumb. "Whose fault do you think that is?" they

joked. Yuki defended the second-year student council members, claiming the problem they

had was due to a lack of members in the student council, while peppering her conversation

with quips before smoothly transitioning to the main issue.

"However, the moment I become president of the student council, I will meet the

demands inserted into the suggestion box," she firmly declared before continuing.

"To be specific, I will be solving at least one suggestion per month. The experience I gain

from this will then be used to further implement even more difficult demands. For example,

altering or adding new events on field day, expanding upon the school festival's events and

length, and increasing free time during field trips. Furthermore, I believe creating new events

for Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays would be very fun as well."

Excitement followed the exhilarating proposals for many students, but it came with

skepticism as well. "Can she really do that?" wondered more than a few. Nevertheless, Yuki

wouldn't be Yuki if she didn't have an answer for that as well. She smiled boldly, her eyes

sweeping the crowd before she suddenly declared:

"Furthermore, I believe thisissomething only I can achieve, utilizing the skillsI acquired

during my two years in the middle school student council in addition to my achievements

and experiences as a member of the student council in high school. And I plan on proving

that to all of you soon through my work. Thank you all for listening."

Yuki then bowed once more before being showered with raucous applause and cheers

echoing throughout the gymnasium. She raised a hand in response and calmly exited stage

left to return to her seat.

"Now, that's cheap. She talked a big game while not giving a single detail about what

she's specifically going to do this year. She even made excuses for why we didn't do much

about the suggestions in the suggestion box all while making it sound like she was sticking

up for our second-year peers…and her argument was convincing, too, which makes it even

less fair," Masachika acknowledged with a bitter smirk as he watched her walk away. Touya

nodded, his own expression a combination of bitterness and admiration.

"She really knows how to talk a big game and stretch the truth. She's probably better

at it than me."

"Ha-ha… Yeah, she has a lot of experience. Plus…I guess she is a bit of a liar as well."

"Wow. Harsh."

They continued to joke back and forth, and Maria checked in with Alisa.

"Alya, are you okay? Are you nervous?"

"I'm fine… Just leave me alone right now."

"Oh my. Alya, come on." Maria pouted at her sister's typical coldhearted response.

Masachika smiled a bit at their exchange, and Ayano was called to the podium, but there was

a brief stir in the crowd when they saw her projected onto the screen. It was only natural,

though. After all, while she may have been wearing the school uniform, her hair was neatly

tied back like a maid's. Even her messy bangs, which usually obscured her face, were

properly brushed out of the way, exposing her beautiful forehead, and though her expression

was as blank as it always was, she seemed highly motivated in a way… Maybe? …Probably

not. Regardless, countless guys in the crowd went wild when they saw this girl, who usually

never stood out. "Who is that cutie?!" wondered the male students. "Wow! Ayano looks so

cute today!" expressed a portion of the female students as well. Ayano was actually extremely

popular among a select group of girls at school and was like a school mascot to them.

"I am Ayano Kimishima, a general member of the student council, and outside ofschool,

I am a maid for the Suou household and an attendant of Lady Yuki."

Perhaps the best way to describe the mood in the gymnasium at that moment would

be "?!". First, a beautiful girl suddenly appeared, and now she was claiming to be Yuki

Suou's attendant? The information overload would be way too much for most people, but

the commotion in the crowd didn't stop Ayano.

"I plan on running with Lady Yuki in the election for next school year. I have been by

her side ever since we were children, and I plan on using my years' worth of experience as

her attendant to support her one hundred percent. She is a wonderful woman of high morals

who was gifted with both talent and beauty, and I believe she has what it takes to make the

school a better place as the student council president," she stated in a monotone voice as if

she were reading from a script. Nevertheless, there wasn't even a hint of exaggeration or

deception in her voice as she stared into the crowd with her unclouded eyes, which gave a

strange ring of honesty to what she was saying. Before long, the crowd seemed to realize that

she was simply stating facts. Besides, Ayano was just speaking her truth, after all.

"Lady Yuki has maintained an excellent academic record every year at this school, and

she speaks English at a native level. In addition, she has recently started to study Chinese

and is already at the conversational level. Piano, flower arrangement, karate—she is talented

in school, the arts, and even sports. And yet never once has she let it go to her head. She

always expresses gratitude to those around her and is considerate of others. She even gets

me, a maid, something special for my birthday every year."

Ayano then closed her eyes, slightly lifted her chin, and pressed her lips together… It

appeared she was trying to look proud, but she wasn't moving any of the muscles in her

face. Regardless, a certain group of girls in the crowd squealed with delight at the sight

of her incredibly smug (?) expression. Laughter soon followed like a wave throughout the

audience. "She's pretty funny." They guffawed. Although Ayano blinked in bewilderment at

their unexpected reactions, she proudly and passionately rambled on about Yuki some more.

Her unique vibe and way of speaking appeared to be addictive, and before long, everyone

was listening on the edge of their seat.

"Yeah, I figured this would happen," muttered Masachika as he listened to Ayano's

speech from the wing.

"Yuki gave a very convincing address, and her achievements in middle school really

help her case. Then she had Ayano, who has known her since she was a child, essentially

vouch for her, strengthening her case." Masachika spoke in a detached tone, praising their

rivals after objectively analyzing their speeches. He then looked back at Alisa and said:

"Those speeches were airtight. I can see why Yuki wanted to go first and shoot for a

shutout victory."

Masachika calmly acknowledged the severity of the situation.

"…But you think we can win, right?" asked Alisa, showing no signs of concern in her

eyes.

"Yep. Thanks to you, of course." Masachika nodded calmly at her unshakable trust, and

he smiled with evident satisfaction, relieved that she wasn't letting her rival's speech get to

her. He gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"So you don't need to get competitive or go out there looking for a fight."

They knew their chances of winning against Yuki would be slim if Alisa played by her

rival's rules, and Yuki knew that, too, which was probably why she was trying to bait Alisa.

"I know… I'm completely calm now thanks to you."

But Alisa was no longer feeling any sort of rivalry with Yuki.

"Then we're good. Do you remember the official name for these speeches, by the way?"

Alisa smiled a bit at his question.

"Of course. 'Greetings from the Student Council,' right?"

"Exactly. 'Greetings.' While it has become a custom to give policy speeches, that wasn't

what this was originally for. First…"

He shifted his gaze toward the students sitting in front of the stage.

"…let's give them a chance to get to know you."

Following those words, Ayano's speech ended at exactly the three-minute mark. She

bowed and left the podium before meeting up with Yuki, where they both took another bow.

Immediately, the gymnasium began to shake…or at least that was what it felt like—a

testament to how much applause and cheering followed their bow. The storm continued to

overtake the building for a full ten seconds, loud enough and long enough for the emcee

to hesitate whether to proceed or wait, until it eventually died down as Yuki and Ayano

disappeared into the wing.

"Well, uh… Now let us hear from our student council accountant, Alisa Kujou."

Alisa took to the podium in front of the still extremely excited student body. Only after

the silver-haired young lady was projected onto the screen did the audience begin to focus on

her. Itseemed about 50 percent of the audience wasinterested, 30 percent wasindifferent, and

20 percent felt bad for her. Most of the students were already captivated by Yuki's speech,

and there were hardly any students left who were expecting anything from Alisa, let alone

wished to support her. It was asifshe were standing alone in a foreign land with no one to help

her. While the audience's eyes slowly began to focus on her, she opened her mouth and said:

"Спасибо за представление. Я казначей ученического совета Кудзё Алиса. На

будущий год я планирую выдвинуться кандидатом на выборах председателя совета.

Прошу вас поддержать меня."

Her Russian greeting came out of nowhere and with great force, leaving almost every

student dumbfounded in their seat. They all stared at her now as she suddenly fell silent and

slowly blinked.

"…My apologies. It seems I was so nervous that I started speaking in Russian."

The crowd erupted in laughter. The princess Alya seemed to be joking around, but she

said it with a completely straight face. "Yeah, right!" "Wait. Is she joking?" The crowd went

wild, trying to figure out if she was joking. Alisa inwardly sighed in relief, since they'd

reacted just as she and her partner hoped they would. This was the secret Masachika had

taught Alisa the day before to hook the audience within the first ten seconds.

"First, speak in Russian. This should help relieve some of the tension when your turn

comes around, since Yuki and Ayano are going to go before you. You're probably going to

be pretty nervous during the ceremony, and you still might be somewhat traumatized after

what happened during the afternoon announcements, whether you're aware of it or not. So

speak in Russian first until you're completely calm. I mean, it doesn't matter if you say the

wrong word or stutter in Russian, since no one's going to understand anyway, right?"

Alisa secretly smiled to herself, relieved that it turned out exactly how Masachika said it

would. Then after taking a deep breath, she faced the microphone once more and continued.

"Allow me to introduce myself again. I am the student council's accountant, Alisa Kujou,

and I am planning on running for student council president next school year."

But even after taking a deep breath, it still took a lot of courage to say those next words.

She was hesitant. She was still wondering if it was really okay to say this. But this was a

greeting. This was an opportunity for everyone to get to know Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou.

Which means…I have to be honest. I can't stretch the truth. No bells and whistles. It's

time for them to know the real me!

Alisa fired herself up, looked straight ahead, and began her story.

"I transferred to thisschool last year, and Istill have not done enough to earn your praise.

My work in the student council has only just begun, and I am not going to lie to you and tell

you that I fully understand how difficult being the student council president is. In fact, there

are probably many thingsI lack at the moment that prevent me from becoming the president."

I'm afraid of how they'll react. I'm terrified of revealing my imperfections. But I have

someone who believes in me. I have a partner I can count on more than anyone else in the

world—someone who knows my flaws and who still agreed to support me and cheer me on.

And I believe those words, which is why I've done everything I can to weave my own.

"However, if there is one thing I am proud of…"

Alisa placed a hand on her chest, swept her eyes across the audience, and clearly

declared:

"It is that I can work harder than anyone else."

This was one thing she could say with confidence. This was something she knew wasn't

a lie.

"My entire life, I have always worked hard to achieve my ideal results. The fact that I

have maintained my position as top student in my grade since my transfer should give you

an idea of how hard I work."

That was when Alisa suddenly started to feel a bit out of breath, and she realized how

awfully shallow her breathing was. Nevertheless, there was no time to worry about that. She

couldn't pause. She had to keep talking to her audience.

"Furthermore, I was chosen as the ladies' MVP during field day last year, and I received

first place for my class'sshop during the school festival…! That was a team effort, of course."

I can hardly breathe! My legs are trembling. I'm having trouble hearing anything… Or

perhaps I'm not allowing myself to hear.

"Yes, there are traits and experiences that I would lack as the student council

president…"

Alisa suddenly had a flashback of what the audience said during the debate and of her

performance during the afternoon announcements. The more she thought about how she had

to keep talking, the more it felt like her throat was being ripped apart.

I knew I wouldn't be able to do it. Speaking my heart to the audience while looking them

in the eyes? Me? The girl who always ran alone, never opening up to anyone? The world

looks hazy. My legs are trembling, and I can hardly brea—

Keep your chin up

"Не вешай нос!"

As those Russian words suddenly slipped into her ear, Alisa could feel her five senses

sharpen until she realized that she was looking straight down.

Did he just say that in…Russian? Don't tell me he practiced just for this moment?

The instant the thought popped into her mind, she felt the reassuring gaze of someone

watching over her from the wing, and at that moment, everything seemed so ridiculous to

her. She couldn't help but crack a smile because of how overprotective her partner was. Alisa

lifted her head and saw a small commotion in the crowd along with the quizzical looks on

their faces. She could…hear them, and at the very same time, she could remember her goal

as she faced forward and confidently squared her shoulders.

"My apologies. There are still traits and experiences that I would lack as the student

council president. For example, speaking in front of a crowd like this. I became painfully

aware of this fault of mine after my somewhat poor performance during the afternoon

announcements two days ago."

She honestly was heading in the same direction even now, and she would have continued

to go down that path if it wasn't for her partner's help. However…

"However, I am talking to you now. I am speaking my mind to you all with my own

words, and I plan to continue improving myself, one fault at a time."

Alisa could feel her words carve themselves into her mind as she spoke.

Oh… I'm not perfect. I was never perfect.

How arrogant I have been. I believed I was better than everyone else based on my own

set of values, and I looked down on those around me because of it. But in reality, there are

countless things that other people can do and that I can't. And it isn't just my first actual

rival, Yuki, or the first person I've respected, Masachika. Sayaka, Nonoa, Ayano—there are

an endless number of people who can do something betterthan I can. But I neverrealized that

until now. Even if I said I did, I hadn't truly felt that way deep down inside. But I understand

now in my heart that there are plenty of people with praiseworthy skills and talents.

I just had to be pushed into a corner like this to finally realize it…

It's funny, but that is also part of what makes me who I am. I'm not good around other

people, but my pride wouldn't allow me to admit that was a weakness. On the other hand,

having so much pride drove me to overcome my weaknesses, and that is also what makes

me Alisa Kujou.

Before Alisa realized it, she was no longer afraid to show her true self, no matter how

imperfect. No longer was she thinking about the speech she wrote. Her expression conveyed

relief as she faced the audience to open up her heart to them.

"What I can promise you is this: I will continue to work hard to become the ideal student

council president, and if I feel like I am not fit to become the president before next year's

election…then I will pull out of the race."

She smoothly lowered her head.

"Therefore, please watch over my progress and feel free to point out whatever you think

it is I may lack. I will use your input to become the president you want. Thank you all for

listening."

Her speech was followed by scattered applause after she removed herself from the

podium. While it was far from enthusiastic, the applause was warm and encouraging. Alisa

bowed deeply once more before exiting the main stage. Masachika breathed a sigh of relief

as he watched and analyzed the situation.

It looks like they really liked herforthe most part. She did very well, especially when you

consider how Yuki instantly won over the crowd before Alya even got a chance. It looks like

taking her speech in a completely different direction from Yuki's really paid off in the end.

"Oh, hey. You did really well out there." He praised Alisa when she returned.

"…You really think so?"

"Definitely. You were really cool," he added, gently patting her on the shoulder until

the emotions in her eyes suddenly caught his attention.

"You seem relieved."

"I am… I feel a lot better now."

"…? Really? …Oh, it's my turn."

Masachika looked up as his name was called. He didn't immediately understand exactly

what she meant, but the emcee called him to the podium before he could ask about it.

"I guess it's my turn. Be back soon."

"Good luck."

"Yeah, I've got this."

As he headed toward the podium, he glanced back once more at Alisa…and the other

two behind her, and smugly declared:

"Time to win this show."

Once he stepped into view, every student locked onto him, seeing as he was the last

member of the student council to go. He took his time, slowly walking to the podium, and

when he finally reached it, he gazed out over the crowd with a confident grin.

"Hey. I'm student council member Masachika Kuze, and I plan on running with Alisa

Kujou during next year's election. Oh, and one more thing…"

He paused, then dramatically swung his arms out and struck a pose. His left arm hovered

under his chest with his left hand supporting his right elbow, and he held his right hand

straight up in front of his face, closing his eyes. It was a pose only a narcissist with glittering

eyes would make, and he was, in fact, sporting a leering grin like one before looking

crookedly at the crowd.

"The vice president and true power behind the throne during Yuki Suou'sreign in middle

school…was me."

The crowd's reaction to the long theatrical pause between sentences and the overdone

acting was…

"Pfft!"

"…"

"Okay…?"

…varied. Some laughed and some wondered what was wrong with him, but most people

had had no idea. "Oh, he was the vice president?" they said. Masachika blinked a few times

in what appeared to be confusion, tilting his head at the lukewarm responses, which he'd

actually expected.

"Hmm? Did I just bomb?"

His bold statement made even more people start to laugh. He then cleared his throat, put

his puzzled feelings behind him, and continued:

"Anyway, I was Yuki Suou's vice president in middle school and did a lot of work for

her behind the scenes. Now, I know what you're thinking: 'Wait. Then why isn't he going

to be running with Yuki for next year? Is he cheating on her? He must be cheating on her!'"

The laughter continued to travel like a wave across the crowd.

"'Why,' you ask?!" shouted Masachika, slamming his hands against the podium and

silencing every last bit of laughter. He then sharply observed the crowd as they stared, eyes

wide.

"Because I dumped her! I dumped Yuki's sorry butt, so it's not even cheating!" he

declared with a completely straight face. The audience exploded with laughter once again,

and some even jokingly hurled insults at the stage: "You're an asshole!" "Slow down there,

man!" And just like that, the rising tension from moments ago had vanished. Masachika

raised a hand to calm them, then lowered his voice into something more composed.

"Now, why did I dump Yuki and decide to go with Alya, you might ask? Well, before

I answer that, I need to ask you all something first. My fellow students, what kind of person

do you think deserves to be the president of the student council? The most gifted student?

I don't think so. I think you have to be someone who, above all, attracts others… Yeah, I

know what you want to say. 'That sounds like Yuki to me,' right? I know, I know. Just hear

me out first, okay?"

His playful remark brought some laughter back into the crowd in addition to dispelling

any doubts that arose.

"First, we need to talk about what specifically makes someone magnetic, and that is

someone who is genuine, someone who listens to others' opinions, and someone who works

hard. They're the kind of person you look at and say, 'Wow, they're working really hard, so

I should work harder, too!' And most importantly, they have a pure heart. They will not hurt

others to satisfy their own selfish desires. If anything, they will put others' wants before their

own. People tend to gather around selfless individuals like that, and I think people who are

able to get along with most of their peers deserve to become the student council president."

After offering a coherent explanation, Masachika slightly changed his tone and asked:

"With that in mind…how did you all feel about Alya's speech? I hardly had any say in

it, by the way. Oh, except for the Russian bit in the beginning. I put her up to it because I

honestly thought it'd be hilarious."

His confession was immediately followed by voices of surprise mixed with laughter in

the crowd. "Was it really necessary to admit that?!" "That was your doing?!" Masachika

waved his hand dismissively.

"There's no way Alya would have done something like that on her own… Anyway, back

on topic. When I heard Alya give her speech from the stage wing, I was honestly like, 'Wow,

awkward…'"

The crowd began to buzz somewhat after he criticized his own partner's speech.

"But at the same time, I felt she was genuine and extremely straightforward. Wouldn't

you all agree?"

After a good portion of the audience nodded in agreement, he approvingly nodded back

and continued.

"Alya is an honest person. She's genuine. She isn't going to present herself as something

she's not or claim she can do something she can't just to get people to like her and vote for

her. And she's a hard worker, as she mentioned herself. She's extremely flexible and willing

as well, to the point that she used the ridiculous hook I suggested to get the crowd laughing,"

he said in a joking manner, but his gaze narrowed seriously after that.

"Those are the traits that drew me to her and the reasons I want to support her. That is

why I chose Alya over Yuki, and that is why I want you all to do the same as well."

He looked at the crowd before almost immediately adding:

"But, well, I guess it is pretty hard to put your trust into one guy's personal opinion. I'm

sure some of you are thinking, 'Sounds like a matter of taste, if you ask me.'"

He shrugged and nodded at them as though these hypothetical skeptics had a point, then

raised an index finger into the air.

"But let me tell you something. Not an opinion. A fact."

After pausing and waiting for everyone to focus on him…he played his trump card.

"Once Alya becomesstudent council president…Sayaka Taniyama and Nonoa Miyamae

will be joining the student council as well."

The hard-to-believe announcement was followed by a brief moment of silence until a

stir quickly rippled through the audience.

"We have already received their firm commitment. Can you all believe it? Once rivals

during a fierce debate, and yet they are now talking about creating a new student council

together. Alya has done something that Yuki and I couldn't back in middle school."

Masachika glanced over at Yuki in the wing as the audience sat in bewilderment and

doubt.

"Yuki mentioned a few moments ago that she would be the only one who could change

the school thanks to her experience over the years in the student council, but is that even

true? In addition to Alya, you get Sayaka and Nonoa, two talented former members of the

student council who were Yuki's most formidable opponents in middle school, and you get

me—someone who has just as much experience in the student council as Yuki. So I ask you:

Do you really believe she is the only person who can change this school?"

Studentsin the crowd exchanged glances asthough he had a point, but Masachika wasn't

done yet.

"Think back to what Yuki said during her speech: We don't have enough first-year

students working in the student council this year, so we are severely limited to what we can

do. But how does a lack of first-year students even limit us this much? The answer is simple:

Any second-year student who could have helped already dropped out of the student council

after losing in the election. Only one pair of talented individuals running for student council

president and vice president ends up staying in the student council while first-year students,

who lead the next generation, slowly drop out after each debate. This has been true every

year there has been a student council as far as I know, and this is why the student council

always suffers from short-staffing."

It was a hard truth known by all, but it was so normal to them that nobody actually

thought deeply about it.

"But if we had more second-yearstudents contributing in the student council, then surely

we could stably manage it without being influenced by uncertain factors like first-years,

right? And only a student council centered around Alya can do that. As student council

president, she will be able to create a dream team of former presidential and vice-presidential

candidates, and to me, that is the ideal student council."

Numerous students expressed excitement over his plan of having former rivals join and

run the student council together. Their eyes sparkled at the dreamlike idea, which had never

been done before. And yet Masachika still wasn't finished.

"Of course, Yuki and Ayano are no exception. When Alya becomes president, I am going

to have them join us as well. After all, you heard Yuki. You saw how passionate she was

about reforming the school. Even if Yuki did lose the race, I am sure she would be thrilled to

help us if it meant making the school a better place!" he suggested with a smirk, bringing not

only laughter but also assurance, since people now knew that no matter what happened, Yuki

would be on their side. In the midst of their laughter, Masachika overdramatically bowed

humorously one last time.

"I apologize for how long that was, but we need your help if we are going to make this

the best student council you've ever seen. Thank you all for listening."

But the final surprise occurred the moment he stepped down from the podium. While

he began his journey back to stage right, Alisa emerged from the wing…with Sayaka and

Nonoa in tow.

"Hmm? Is that…? What the…?!"

"No way?!"

"Hey, look!"

"Whoa! Seriously?!"

The biggest surprise of all was proof of what Masachika had claimed. Alisa, Sayaka,

and Nonoa stood together side by side before bowing once more to the crowd. They were

instantly showered with explosive applause and cheering. The students had no idea what

the agreement between Alisa and Sayaka actually had been like, but that didn't matter. Two

candidates who they believed would never work in the student council had now joined hands

with Alisa and Masachika, and that fact alone was enough to get people excited.

"Alya, you earned this applause," he said to Alisa by his side.

"…!"

He heard her breath catch in her throat and made a conscious decision not to look at her.

The four of them began to return to the wing, but the applause and cheering did not end, and

it was just as impressive as the reception their rivals received.

"Good work, guys."

"…Thanks."

"That was pretty dope, Kuze."

"…"

While most of them shared praise for one another, Sayaka, on the other hand, was

wearing a complex expression and looking away. She resettled her glasses in silence, then

stated in a flat voice:

"We're even now, right?"

"…Yes, we're even. Thank you," replied Alisa, bowing in gratitude as Sayaka's eyes

wandered uncomfortably.

"As I told you all before, I have no intention of cheering either of you on, let alone

supporting your campaign. While I will keep my promise of joining the student council if

you become president, I will not help you during the election any more than this."

"I know. But I am going to continue to work hard…until I win you over as well."

"…You don't say," Sayaka bluntly replied before turning her back on Alisa and heading

toward the side door in the rear. However, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

"I'm looking forward to it," she muttered over her shoulder before promptly heading

out the door.

"Good luck, you two. Like, I can't promise I'll vote for you, but I'll definitely help out if

Lissa becomes the student council president," commented Nonoa cheekily, and she followed

after Sayaka.

"Oh, cool. Thanks."

"'L-Lissa'?"

After watching in bewilderment as they left, Alisa's expression relaxed, and she looked

over at the other stage wing, staring at Yuki with a fierce gaze. This is why I want to become

the student council president. That was what her eyes were telling Yuki.

It might have started as a personal goal for only myself, but now I have to do it for

Masachika, Sayaka, Nonoa—for the people who believe in me. That's why I can't lose, and

I won't let your determination discourage me any longer.

Yuki confidently smiled back. You can't afford to lose? Well, neither can I. That's the

spirit. Now come at me.

They stared each other down for another few seconds until Maria spoke up, snapping

Alisa out of it. Yuki watched Alisa talk with Maria and Masachika with Touya as her lips

twisted into a bitter smile.

"You got me," she muttered.

It was a battle she could have won. The disparity between their achievements and

popularity alone was enough for Yuki to win, but she still went out of her way to crush Alisa

in theirskirmish during the afternoon announcements. It was only natural thatshe would win,

and yet it somehow ended in a draw. No. While they received essentially the same amount

of applause, Masachika's and Alisa's speeches had better hooks and were something people

would be talking about the next day. So even if it sounded like a draw right now, Yuki, in

reality, had just suffered a loss.

"Wow, I honestly wasn't expecting them to get those two to help out," muttered Chisaki

in admiration.

"…Yes, that was definitely unexpected," agreed Yuki. It was completely

unexpected…and it was most likely a consequence of Yuki's actions as well. The afternoon

announcement—the battle she dragged Alisa into to break her mentally and hurt her chances

in the election—ended up becoming what led Masachika and Alisa to asking those two for

their help.

I went too far…and it ended up highlighting her integrity…

To make matters worse, her brother was now serious about this because of what she'd

done. So this is what they mean when they say, "Too much scheming will be the schemer's

downfall," huh? thought Yuki, grinding her teeth when Ayano suddenly bowed before her.

"You have my deepest apologies, Lady Yuki. If only I had done a better job of—"

"You didn't do a single thing wrong, Ayano. This is on me. I went overboard with my

schemes and ended up misreading my brother."

She shook her head, cutting Ayano off.

Yes, I should have chosen to go after Alisa instead of reading too much into it. If I had

done that, none of this would have happened. I assumed she would have passively gone for a

draw. No… My overconfidence tricked me into believing that was her only option. I thought

I would be able to win if we fought head-to-head, even if I was up against my brother. And

my arrogance led me to believe his threats were merely bluffs, which made me confident I

could easily crush them.

He saw right through me…and correctly predicted every single move I made.

He'd seen it all coming and still purposely made a big deal about threatening them. Yuki

most likely would have been extremely wary of him if he hadn't had done that. "Strange.

He's acting far too calm. What is he scheming?" she wondered.

It appears my dear brother was one step ahead of me the entire time… Ha-ha-ha. He

really is amazing.

And yet, despite losing, Yuki felt oddly refreshed. Of course, she wanted to win, but at

the same time, she didn't want him to lose. She wanted the brother she'd looked up to and

respected since childhood to be just as amazing as she remembered him.

Ack. I can't be thinking like this.

She wanted to defeat her brother, but she didn't want him to be defeated, either. Though

her feelings contradicted each other, this was how she truly felt. However, feeling this good

about losing would surely cause her to lose again. That was why she had to seal those feelings

away once and for all.

"You may have won this time, but you won't be so lucky next time." She grinned with

confidence that she was going to win.

Chisaki's eyes wandered like those of someone who saw something they weren't

supposed to as she quietly slipped away. Ayano watched the other girl leave out of the corner

of her eye, then whispered to Yuki:

"Lady Yuki."

"Yes?"

"You really sounded like one badass last boss just now."

Ayano held her hands together in front of her chest, her eyes sparkling as if to say, "I

finally get it!"

"You've got to be kidding me. The one time I wasn't even trying to…," mumbled Yuki,

rolling her eyes at her partner.