Add Money Proves Your Integrity

When Konoe arrived at the teacher's office, Horikita and the others were just leaving.

"Sorry I'm late. What's the situation?" Konoe asked.

Horikita frowned and said, "...The scope for the midterm exam changed last Friday, but Chabashira-sensei forgot to notify us."

"Forgot? Did only that one subject's scope change?"

"All five subjects," Ayanokoji replied.

"Damn it... We're already pressed for time, what should we do now?" Sudo angrily punched the wall.

"I'll go in and ask her."

"It's no use. We already spoke to Kosae just now, but she looked indifferent. The other teachers in the office were also unmoved," Ike said dejectedly.

"It's fine, I have something else to ask. You guys go back to the classroom first." Konoe greeted everyone and then knocked on the door to enter the teacher's office.

"Chabashira-sensei, excuse me."

Chabashira-sensei wore a troubled expression. "Another one? You're here to ask about the exam scope too, aren't you, Konoe?"

"Can we talk in the guidance room?"

Hoshinomiya-sensei, sitting not far away, said with a smile, "Little Konoe, is there something you can't discuss here? If you're having trouble, I can help you brainstorm too."

Konoe politely replied, "Thank you, Hoshinomiya-sensei, but I need to ask about something personal."

"Alright, but the lunch break is almost over. Follow me."

Chabashira stood up, but instead of heading towards the student guidance room, she led Konoe outside the office.

A few minutes later, Konoe and Chabashira arrived at an empty classroom.

"This used to be a classroom for a certain club. I usually look after it," Chabashira said, gesturing for Konoe to speak.

Konoe spoke frankly, "Chabashira-sensei, this is a bit insincere. You asked for my help using points, and now you're setting traps?"

"Setting traps? What are you talking about? I admit it was my mistake to forget to notify you about the exam scope, but I just forgot." Chabashira walked to the window, opened it, took out cigarettes and a lighter from her bag, and leaned against the windowsill, observing the students outside.

Konoe had to lean closer to hear her clearly, but he couldn't avoid smelling the smoke. "You forgot? Or did you give up?"

"Hoo... Konoe, you found out at the same time as them. What have you been doing since you joined the Student Council?" Chabashira exhaled a puff of smoke, her tone stern.

"...That's a separate issue, isn't it? I naturally have my own methods."

"I need to remind you of one thing: our previous transaction had no contract to prove it, so your strong attitude is useless."

Signing a contract was a method encouraged by the school. Once students signed a contract and it was recorded in the school system under the witness of a teacher, anyone who violated the contract's terms would face expulsion.

"I didn't sign a contract with you because I thought this transaction was just a prelude to building trust. Was I wrong? Or has the transaction been terminated?"

Chabashira took a drag and said, "Hoo... Although your decision not to sign a contract with me was foolish, I can still assure you: as long as everyone in Class D passes, I will still give you 100,000 points."

"No, no, no, it's not about whether I want 100,000 points anymore. It's about whether you want everyone in Class D to pass,"

"What do you mean?" Chabashira turned to look at Konoe beside her.

"I've been thinking about why Chabashira-sensei would want my help, even at the cost of 100,000 points. But let's put that aside for now. Since Chabashira-sensei doesn't want Class D to pass, I can also help expand the results. Coincidentally, there are a few students I can't stand."

The gray ash from the burning cigarette grew longer, but Chabashira had forgotten about it. "...Don't want Class D to pass? I never said that. Also, Konoe, do you understand what you're saying?"

"Chabashira-sensei, since anything can be bought in this school, why shouldn't I make my own life more comfortable?"

"Are you uncomfortable now? Let's cut the nonsense. What do you want?" Chabashira put the unfinished cigarette into a metal case and extinguished it.

"Chabashira-sensei, you need to add money to prove your sincerity."

"...What are you talking about? 100,000 points should be more than enough. If you want to add a contract, we can do that."

"You need a special contract for something like this?" Konoe paused and continued, "To ensure Class D passes, I not only have to tutor Hirata but also tutor the students who just came to ask you questions. I even obtained past exam papers. And you, Chabashira-sensei, are making trouble behind my back. It's truly heartbreaking."

Hearing that Konoe had obtained the exam papers, Chabashira's expression softened slightly. "You got the papers, and you still came to ask me?"

Chabashira then sighed and took out a pre-prepared piece of paper from her body. "120,000 points, and I'll add a contract for you. Satisfied?"

"Let's do it, but no contract is needed." Konoe said and walked towards the classroom door.

Chabashira asked curiously, "I already prepared the contract for you. I'm curious why you don't want to sign it? Do you trust me that much? It makes me want to teach you a lesson."

Konoe stopped and imagined Chabashira breaking her promise in his mind.

Suddenly, he felt a strange sensation, like an impulse, or perhaps anticipation. His breathing grew heavier. He was very familiar with this feeling.

He seemed to have experienced it before, even repeatedly, but he couldn't recall anything.

Konoe shook his head to clear his thoughts and insisted, "No need, Chabashira-sensei."

He hurried towards Class D's classroom, leaving Chabashira still pondering on the spot.