Part 1

After that, I bought souvenirs for the first-year students in the remaining time.

On the fourth day of such a fun school trip, all we have left is tonight.

After I finished bathing in the large bathroom, I received a message from Sakayanagi.

I responded to her request to meet with her and headed to the lobby where we planned to meet.

It's only around 8:00 pm, but there are much fewer students around today.

On this last night, there should be a lot to talk about in the viking and in the room.

[TL Note 35 : He says "viking" here to mean buffet again like I mentioned before, you can use the word "buffet" for this instead too but it literally says "viking" in the original so I left it like that.]

Perhaps because they quickly realized this situation, I don't see many students in the lobby.

With a favorable situation in place, Sakayanagi sat quietly in her chair and waited.

"Did I make you wait?"

"Certainly not. Thank you for taking the time to come here. "

Even though there aren't many people around, the combination of me and Sakayanagi is a little conspicuous.

In that sense, I'd like to do this quickly, but...

"It was a short time, but did you enjoy your school trip?"

"That's right. I was taught many things that I had never experienced before. Above all, it was frankly a good experience to be able to interact with students from other classes. I think I know a little more about Yamamura and Kitou now."

I mentioned both names here, but Sakayanagi looks the same as usual.

"I see.  I'm not particularly surprised, since you have a voracious appetite for absorbing knowledge."

"Do you get along with those two?"

I'll try to step in a little further by asking so.

"I don't have any classmates that I consider special. I see them all with equal eyes. It doesn't matter whether we get along, or whether we don't, you know."

Whether it was a lie or a truth, Sakayanagi replied vaguely.

Specializing someone can cause jealousy and other feelings among the other students.

As a leader, Sakayanagi may be seeing things equally without lying.

"Can I ask why you called me?"

"Are we done with the small talk now? Perhaps you're in a hurry? If Karuizawa Kei-san saw you here like this, she would be suspicious about us, right?" She said so while laughing like a little devil.

"It's not good to be seen meeting with an A-class delegate one-on-one. Right?" "He-he, it's a joke. I get it."

After smiling with restraint, Sakayanagi started speaking.

"I learned a lot during this school trip. Before we go back to school, I thought I would talk to you about the person who approached you at the sports festival, Ayanokoji-kun."

The time when we were talking in my room, absent from the sports festival along with Sakayanagi.

About the man who spoke out from the front door, is it..?

"I see. I am interested in that story."

"That's good. So you were also interested in the identity of that voice."

"I've been thinking about it a lot."

With what I sensed in Nanase also in mind, it's still unclear whether the caller is an enemy or not.

"So, I'll ask you, but what kind of person do you think he is? Is it possible that he comes from the same background as you, like Amasawa Ichika-san or Yagami Takuya-kun?"

"-No, I don't think so. If the other party only knew Sakayanagi, that could be possible, but he called my father "Ayanokoji-sensei". This is a big difference."

"What do you mean?"

"If he was a White Room student, he wouldn't have called him "Ayanokoji-sensei", so."

This is common to those who grew up in the White Room.

"But that's not an absolute proof, is it? If he is from a different generation than you,

Ayanokoji-kun, then the policies may be different, right?"

"It's true, I can't be sure. It was just my own opinion that made me feel this way. One big reason is that the man called last year, when my father was visiting this school. So, one can assume that they are related. Further, you yourself said that it was someone close to the politics and business world, yes?"

It goes back to the fact that he went out of his way to call him sensei.

With a little surprise, Sakayanagi nodded with joy, her eyes closed.

"That is right. The advice and such may have been unnecessary. I already have eyes on the owner of that voice, his identity, but I haven't confirmed the truth yet. I was going to make that clear here today. That's why I called you."

I turned my attention to the cell phone that Sakayanagi had placed at her lap.

"But, before I make everything clear, I'm calling here someone who should know him. They said that they will be here soon."

"In other words, among the second years, there is a student who has a connection with that man?"

"It seems that no candidates come up in your head, but is that true?" It's correct. I have no idea who she is referring to.

Of course, the owner of the voice is living his school life as a first year, so it would not be strange for someone from the second year to know him, but I don't think that's what this is.

There is no reason to call them here unless they at least know more about the situation on our side.

Is there a second year student, other than Sakayanagi, who knows about the White Room, and my father's identity?

"In the meantime, let's keep this conversation going."

"That sounds like a good idea."

Spending time in silence is not a clever way to spend school trips.

"How did you feel about the group divisions this time, Ayanokoji-kun?"

"The influence of the chart filled by individual students must have a great effect. As far as I could see, I felt that the adjustment was not just about one's own group, but also the students who gave extreme assessments."

"I agree. The students rated the best, and the students rated the worst. And an intermediate layer that doesn't belong to either. It will not apply to all groups, but I think there was definitely a bias. It must have been a combination that could easily affect the future."

"Following that, I want to ask you something."

"I'm glad to hear that. Ask me anything you want to know."

"What do you think about the final test?"

The groupings for this school trip will surely have an impact later on.

Sakayanagi closed her eyes happily and shook her head vertically with satisfaction two or three times.

"It's really fun to talk to you, Ayanokoji-kun. You always have the same idea. The final test is going to be tougher than last year."

One or two expulsions wouldn't be a surprise.

It looks like Sakayanagi is making such a prediction.

"You, with your protected points, will be safe, but the class points you lose anyway will remain the same. Aren't you worried that your large lead will be destroyed?"

"You think I'll lose in a direct confrontation with Ryuen-kun? Beating him is already the established policy."

Like Ryuen, Sakayanagi does not even imagine that she will be defeated.

"It is true that he makes interesting moves. He is almost like what they call a "giant killer", with the power to hunt down the big names in particular. But, that won't happen in a confrontation with me. Ayanokoji-kun, you can be sure that I'll be the one competing with your class next year."

Unwavering confidence.

There are cases of eventual draws, but that may be considered an exception.

I don't think that the school will create rules that make it easy for students to draw at the end of the school year.

That is what I saw from last year's fight with A class.

"Or do you think I'll lose?"

"Who knows?"

I can't say anything at the stage where I can't see the contents of the test. But if I tell her that, Sakayanagi will feel even more reluctant. Depending on the content, the implication would be that Sakayanagi may lose.

No matter who wins or loses...

"Ayanokoji-kun, for you, is there no hindrance whether I win or he wins?"

Because our thoughts are linked, Sakayanagi also understands my thoughts well.

"But, Ayanokoji-kun. The future may not always be the way you want it to be."

"What do you mean?"

Just as I asked back, Sakayanagi put her index finger over her mouth.

Apparently, the expected visitor had arrived.

"Sorry I'm late."

Perhaps not having being told that I would be here, Kanzaki stood besides me with some surprise.

But, I didn't expect him.

I've never had the impression of him having a special connection to the past in all the years we've been in contact.

"With this, all the necessary people are here, so let's start. Sorry, but could you come over here, Kanzaki-kun?"

"What the hell is this, Sakayanagi?"

Sakayanagi, with a smile, let Kanzaki, who doesn't understand, stand beside herself.

Crossing his arms with suspicion, Kanzaki still doesn't seem to have grasped the situation. It was the same for me, so I wondered if this arrangement had some meaning.

"First of all, Ayanokoji-kun. What do you think of the combination of me and Kanzaki-kun?"



"What do I think?"

"Tell me your honest thoughts."

"I just feel uncomfortable. I've never seen you and Kanzaki together before." When they are actually lined up like this, that is very clear.

"I'll bet. For the students of this school, Kanzaki-kun and I have no point of contact. We are not even on the same level as fellow leaders, and I doubt that any of you have seen us socialize in private. In fact, I have hardly spoken to Kanzaki-kun since I enrolled in this school."

In other words, she wants to say that they talked before enrolling in the school.

"How many years have I been talking to you like this?"

"I don't know. It must have been at least three or four years since I contacted you directly." It seems that they don't even clearly remember the time.

"Can I ask you what kind of acquaintance you are?"

"It's a connection between parents. However, there is still no direct connection between the Sakayanagi and Kanzaki families. When you have parents who are well-known in their own right, you get invited to a lot of parties and things like that."

There is no doubt that Sakayanagi's father is the president of this school, and that they are a well-known family by virtue of knowing the White Room.

"Kanzaki-kun's father is the representative of a company called Kanzaki Engineering."

So the thing these two have in common,  it's being in the same framework of business leaders.

That would explain why I have no suspicions about Kanzaki.

"What the hell are you talking about? What's the point of letting Ayanokoji hear about this?

No, let me ask you why you called me before that."

"This actually has something to do with why I called you here."

"I don't know what that means."

"I was hoping you could tell me more about Ishigami-kun who is enrolled at our school."

With that, Kanzaki's expression became even more intense.

"About Ishigami, you say..?"

Ishigami? There are no names that come to mind among the second years, and the only student whose last name corresponds is a first year.

"...I see. You were interested in Ishigami too?"

"You can take it that way."

"But, why Ayanokoji? They have no point of contact, do they? I don't think that man would meaninglessly concern himself with other grades. If he did, it would only be when there is some kind of trouble. It's hard to imagine Ryuen, or even Ayanokoji wasting his time in such a way."

He's analyzing and describing the situation in his own way.

"Not now, but in the past."

"What..?"

"Still don't understand? You should also have deep feelings for the name Ayanokoji."

"Do you mean... no..."

As he noticed something, Kanzaki repeatedly looked at Sakayanagi and me.

"You're so late to notice. Of course, that is to be expected, too but..." "...I see what it is."

It seems that Kanzaki understood Sakayanagi's words.

Then he looked up at the ceiling holding his head, and looked at me again.

"Ayanokoji, huh..? I can't believe you're that person's child." There's only one thing I can gather from these words.

That Kanzaki must also have some idea of or acquaintance with the person named Ayanokoji.

And it is no longer necessary to guess that it is my father.

That man has a strong connection with the wealthy. It was inevitable.

"Do you still feel uncomfortable that I am with Ayanokoji-kun here?"

"Yeah.  I thought you were simply interested in Ayanokoji's ability, but I guess that wasn't it. Since when did you know he was Ayanokoji-sensei child?"

"Of course, from the moment I saw him at this school. Unlike you, Kanzaki-kun, I've seen

Ayanokoji-kun when he was little. Right?"

She won't mention White Room, but she replied as if we were childhood friends.

"So he's not just anybody. If he is that person's son... He must be superior." Kanzaki turned his eyes to me, as if he was now understood.

"My father adored Ayanokoji-sensei, and I have met him in person several times at parties.

I've only spoken to him once, though."

With even an indirect relation to Chairman Sakayanagi, it's no wonder that this kind of thing can happen.

Even so, he seems to have a lot of respect for that man.

Since I do not know his private life at all, I cannot imagine what kind of response he gave in front of Kanzaki, but I cannot deny that there is a gap in perception.

"My assessment of you has been changing again and again, but it's finally settled. If there is a child of Ayanokoji-sensei in Horikita's class, then I'm sure they will be formidable." He seems to have a high opinion of my father, and has happily convinced himself.

"Now then. We were able to correct the misunderstanding, so let's move on. Ayanokoji-kun, you don't know about Ishigami-kun, right?"

"It's the first time I've heard of him."

It seems that the student named Ishigami is the one who contacted us.

"He is one of the young men who adore your father. You know Kanzaki-kun well, don't you?"

"...Yeah. He seems to be infatuated with Ayanokoji-sensei. I didn't have the courage to so easily talk with him, but Ishigami was different. I don't know for how long, but he's really been actively talking with him."

"Ishigami-kun is one year younger than us, and now he is living his student life as a first-year student."

A man who adores that man has entered this school, and for some reason, he has contacted me several times and even indirectly helped eliminate Yagami at the school festival.

The purpose of the man named Ishigami is still not clear.

"I'm sure you've had a chance to interact with first-year students, but when did you notice Ishigami first?"

"I noticed him right away when I saw the OAA. However, he is not the type to come out into the public, so I didn't have a chance to speak. He communicated with Class A through Takahashi-kun, and he seemed to be intentionally avoiding contact with me." Sakayanagi herself didn't seem to want to force contact.

"Is he excellent?"

"Excellent" since I thought that would sound most natural.]

"I'm sure Kanzaki-kun, who is close to him, knows more about that than I do."

Kanzaki was entrusted with explaining the situation, but he did not look happy at all. Quite the opposite.

"We're not close. I just went to the same cram school as Ishigami. But to answer Ayanokoji's question honestly, he is undeniably a genius. He's got a lot of ideas that I couldn't think of, and I've seen them up close."

He didn't seem to like Ishigami, but he replied to admit the fact.

"That's right. Kanzaki-kun's point of view, although it is only an idea, I thought it might be helpful."

"But so what? Now all we have to do is just leave Ishigami alone."

"Can you imagine? He respects your father, Ayanokoji-kun. If so, it would not be surprising if he enrolled in this school to check his son's ability."

Keeping information about the White Room hidden, Sakayanagi successfully guides the conversation.

"Ishigami came here to confirm Ayanokoji's ability..? I can't say that it's impossible."

Comparing to the Ishigami that he knew, it seems like he is convinced to some extent.

"We're competing in year two. Even if your class is one step behind, Kanzaki-kun, it is still unclear what the outcome will be. In such a situation, don't you think it's unfair that Ishigami-kun would use unnecessary tricks to find out about Ayanokoji-kun ability from now on?"

"I can't say I don't understand what you mean. But, why are you supporting Ayanokoji? It doesn't matter what happens to the students in your rival class."

If left alone, Ishigami will hinder one of the students in her rival class. It is clear to everyone that this is inherently a plus for Sakayanagi.

"I just want to have fun. It is my role to bury Horikita-san's class, including him. Isn't it frustrating for someone to suddenly appear from the side and deprive you of purpose?"

After laughing, Sakayanagi expressed her gratitude to Kanzaki

"Thank you, Kanzaki-kun. From here on, Ayanokoji-kun and I will work out a plan to deal with Ishigami-kun."

It was gratitude, but... the implication that those who stand in the way should leave was also strongly included.

"I'm not going to get involved with Ishigami, so I'm grateful for that." Kanzaki answered without hesitation and started walking.

"Let's talk again soon, Ayanokoji. I want you to tell me a lot about him." He is eager to talk about my father, but unfortunately I know nothing about him.

For the time being, it would be safe to nod lightly here.

"Well, Ayanokoji-kun. Let's see if Ishigami-kun is really the right answer."

"How?"

"Of course, I'll ask him directly. That's the fastest, isn't it?"

Sakayanagi pulled out her cell phone and smoothly typed in the 11 digit number.

It seems that she had done her homework, and had already obtained Ishigami's phone number.

Sakayanagi made a call on the speaker, and soon after, the call began.

"I thought it was about time I got the call. Sakayanagi."

As soon as he answered the phone, Ishigami spoke in a tone as if he had foreseen it. This voice is unmistakably the person who called me last year and the person who contacted me at the sports festival.

"You're very quick to see things, aren't you?"

"If someone asked for my number except a year one student, I told them in advance to report it."

"Just what I would expect from you. I've heard rumors about you from inside and out."

He had eyes everywhere, and, like a spider, he had laid down his web; a web of information.

"Wouldn't it have been better if you had called out to me sooner?"

"I deliberately avoided contact. You don't have to get involved with me either, do you?"

"It doesn't work that way. I thought it was important to confirm whether or not you would stand in Ayanokoji-kun's way in the future."

"Then I'll ask you, but what are you going to do if I will?"

"I don't expect Ayanokoji-kun to be defeated by someone who is not me, but I don't like to be sidetracked. If you're going to intervene, I might have to stop you."

"You will stop me? You should ignore me instead of wasting your time like that. I chose this school on the recommendation of Ayanokoji-sensei. To be a normal student." He came to this school with a similar idea.

"It is safe to assume that for now, there is no possibility of eliminating Ayanokoji from this school at this time."

"For now? It's a word that bothers me."

"In the unlikely event that Ayanokoji-sensei instructs me to remove him, I will do so. That's

it."

His tone of voice, always calm, does not seem to be laden with lies.

"You've become quite loyal in a short time, huh?"

"Don't go any further, Sakayanagi.  Even more so if you want to be by Ayanokoji's side." The only sure thing is that he is warning her it will not end lightly.

"I'm not going to tell you to hide me. Sooner or later Ayanokoji will find out about my existence. So you advise him. What is the best option to protect this school life? No, if he's listening to the call right now, you don't have to."

There is no proof. But he is considering the possibility that I am eavesdropping.

"I'll let him know when I feel like it.  I'd be happy to say hello to you at school sometime."

At this point, Sakayanagi decided enough was enough and ended the call from her side..

"It was him, after all. Well, he didn't seem like he wanted to hide it, anyway."

"That's what it looks like. If he came to this school to enjoy student life to the fullest, I have no intention of being involved with him in the future."

At least in my interactions with Ishigami that I have felt so far, I have never sensed any danger, and the same is true of my current phone call.

Now that there is a possibility that my father was not trying to expel me from the beginning, there is no need to panic.

"I see. If you choose to do so, then I will respect it, Ayanokoji-kun."

"I'm grateful. Thanks to you, I was able to confirm the existence of Ishigami."

"Now that we have some sense of direction, I wouldn't want to keep you here for too long.

But do you mind if I continue with what I was talking about just now?"

"The future won't always be the way I want it to be, right?"

I was certainly curious about Sakayanagi's way of saying that.

"Ah, Ayanokoji-kun!"

Unfortunately, just as she was about to continue the same conversation, we were approached.

"Umm, did you see Honami-chan?"

Amikura, who was walking quickly down the corridor looking a little flustered, called out to me.

"No, I didn't see her. Did something happen to Ichinose?"

"Look, the school trip is already over, isn't it? So we decided to get together and chat until the lights went out, but we couldn't find Honami-chan."

A considerable number of people were searching, and while talking like this, a girl from D class hurriedly walked away next to Amikura.

"It looks like they've checked the bath and the room."

"I heard she looked a little depressed this evening... and I was a little worried." After Amikura's worried voice, a girl from the same class came to talk to her.

"Mako-chan. I just had it checked, and it looks like Honami-chan's yukata is here, so she might be outside."

"Uh, outside? But it's almost 9 o'clock, right? Besides, the people in the group are at the ryokan, right?"

We are allowed to go out until 9 pm, but if we are going out alone, it will be a problem.

"I'll check out the public bath one more time!"

Not wanting to waste any more time standing and talking, Amikura asked first and started walking.

It's true that Ichinose's absence at this hour is a bit worrying.

"Let's talk about this again next time. Please search for Ichinose-san. For you,

Ayanokoji-kun, Ichinose-san's presence is probably still indispensable."

"Sorry."

I said goodbye to Sakayanagi, and I left the lobby behind.

We are not allowed to act alone outside of a group, and Ichinose is not a student who breaks the school's designated rules for no good reason.

Even if there were troubles, her basic stance would not change.

I looked out the hallway of the ryokan and saw that the snow was pouring down.

If she is really out of the inn, there are only so many places she can go.

After returning to my room and putting on my personal clothes, I slipped out of the backyard of the ryokan and headed outside.

Beyond this point, there is a high plateau from which to view the illuminated landscape.

This is exactly where it gets locked down at 9pm, which is the curfew. With the backyard which is in the ryokan borders, it is not necessary to meet the requirements for group conduct.

Even if the ground is bright with lighting, it is dangerous because of the snow.

Many of the students climbed to the higher ground on their first or second day at the ryokan.

Therefore, few students are likely to go back to see it again under the cold, snowy weather. Not to mention it is the last day.

They'd want to spend a relaxing time at the inn.