Card Table

Konoe opened his eyes, and some answers began to form in his mind.

After Chabashira spoke with Sudo privately, she likely concluded that even for Sudo, the claim of him single-handedly beating up three people was a bit exaggerated.

But even if Sudo was being framed, everyone who heard about the appeal would assume he was guilty. This was because Sudo's usual arrogant and unreasonable behavior gave people the impression that he was capable of such an act.

Furthermore, most students in Class D already had a negative opinion of Sudo. Once they heard the news, they would undoubtedly be convinced that Sudo was capable of doing such a thing.

"Chabashira chose to tell me the information and let me think it over. Perhaps she also couldn't see a solution for the time being," Konoe muttered to himself.

With Class D now split into various small factions, Sudo facing a lawsuit involving the Class C homeroom teacher alone, and without any evidence to prove self-defense, would have no chance of winning. In the worst-case scenario, Sudo would be expelled.

If this incident was truly Class C using it as an excuse, or even fabricating an attack out of thin air, then even if someone could protect Sudo now, that person would inevitably become Class C's next target.

'Horikita Manabu already received the appeal dossier and must understand the situation. The reason he didn't let me see the appeal materials was because he thought there was a high chance of me failing? It seems the accounting data I've memorized is very important to him.' Konoe finally understood Horikita Manabu's refusal.

'As for Horikita Suzune not helping, it's because she said last time that she was only helping Sudo for her own sake, meaning to ascend to Class A. If Class C's appeal is successful, Class D will lose a significant number of points. Conversely, Class D won't gain any.'

Horikita had said before that she didn't want to help them with every assessment, as it would only make them dependent and lead them to repeat their mistakes in every future crisis.

Sudo, who usually spoke harshly and acted arrogantly, made everyone, including his classmates in Class D, dislike him. This would always be Class D's weakness.

If Sudo had always been a kind and friendly student, even if he were wrongly accused by Class C, no one would believe such a fabricated story.

'In other words, to get Horikita's help, not only must it be proven that Class C is attacking Class D, but Sudo must also restrain his temper from now on and stop causing trouble.' Konoe frowned. If Horikita intended to use this incident to teach Sudo a lesson, her intervention would be delayed, increasing the possibility of failure.

Facing the current problem, Konoe recalled his actions and their results from the previous two times.

The first time, Konoe knew the school rules and tried to help Hirata's group retain their points by sharing information, without directly intervening. The result regarding points was dismal.

The second time, Chabashira instructed Konoe to directly intervene in Class D's midterm exam. Although Konoe acted directly and worked very hard, tutoring the trio for Horikita's side and explaining problems for Hirata's study group.

However, if Konoe hadn't had the past exam papers as his trump card, the midterm exam, after being sabotaged by Chabashira, would have had a terrifying outcome. Had his previous efforts truly been useful?

Konoe suddenly had a hallucination, as if he were a player sitting at a card table. Countless people around him were constantly playing cards, and every card on the table was influencing every player, intentionally or unintentionally. Someone wanting to change the situation would play a card they felt would be useful.

Konoe didn't notice his heartbeat quickening.

"I have too few cards in my hand," Konoe excitedly muttered to himself again. He had already decided what he was going to do next.

Just then, his mobile phone rang.

"Ayanokoji? What's up?"

"Konoe, Sudo just came to see me."

"...I probably know what you're going to say."

"Really? It's helpful that you understand so quickly. Is it news from the student council?"

"For this matter, the student council's identity might not be useful. I can't think of any good solutions right now either."

"Is that so? However, I have more important news to share," Ayanokoji said mysteriously.

"More important than this?" Konoe's breathing hitched, and he listened carefully to the next words.

"Actually, the dormitory manager allows students to easily duplicate keys for their classmates' dormitories, as long as they state the purpose and pretend the owner has agreed, especially for the male dorms."

"What!" Although Konoe was surprised, this matter was of no help to Sudo's situation, and he felt a slight disappointment.

Ayanokoji said suspiciously, "I've already had Ike and the others copy 4 keys. They said it was for a meeting point or something... You don't have one, do you?"

"It seems my relationship with Ike and the others isn't that close," Konoe explained that he didn't have their keys.

"If I were to pursue responsibility later, Ike might be expelled... You should also go and confirm with the dormitory manager."

"I will, but could you first tell me how Sudo described this incident?" Konoe asked curiously.

Ayanokoji slowly explained, "Sudo said that he would be included as a regular player in the basketball club during the summer tournament. Komiya Kazuya, a member of the same club from Class C, found out and called him to the special teaching building. When he arrived, he found Ishizaki from Class C also present. They threatened Sudo to quit the club, and when Sudo refused, the three from Class C attacked him directly."

"I understand now, but what do you plan to do about Sudo's situation?"

"Although they came to my dorm to 'gather' and think of a solution earlier, honestly, Sudo came to me first to ask for help. I don't know whether to be happy or unhappy."

"...Let's put that aside for now. How are Sudo's injuries?"

"There are no signs of injury at all, as if he wasn't attacked."

"...This is bad. Ayanokoji, are you really not going to help?" Konoe was now convinced that this was an attack from Class C on Class D.

How could three people attacking one person leave Sudo completely unharmed, especially when the attackers included two basketball club members?

Ayanokoji sighed and said, "Sigh, what do you want to do?"

"If you don't want to help, I won't force you, but at least get Horikita to help. I asked her before and was directly refused."

"Is that so? I thought Horikita wouldn't remain silent about things detrimental to Class D. However, even if you want me to ask Horikita for help, I can't think of any solution right now."

"Any solution will do. Since Sudo can be included as a regular player in the basketball club as a first-year, perhaps later... no, he will definitely be useful later. Use this reason to persuade Horikita."

"I understand. Can I ask a strange question?" Ayanokoji suddenly asked.

"Of course, don't hesitate."

"I feel like Konoe isn't the type of person who would usually get involved in these matters. Why are you helping Sudo this time?"

"...Speaking of which, why am I?" Konoe himself didn't know why he was so proactive this time.

"This might be a good opportunity, Konoe."

"What good opportunity?"

"I heard that Class C and Class B have both selected a representative. Are you going to represent Class D?"

"...Isn't Hirata there?"

"You know I'm not asking about that."

Konoe was silent for a few seconds before replying, "I'll pass. I just feel uncomfortable about it somehow. It doesn't seem to suit my personality."

"Is that so? If you decide to take direct action later, could you let me know?"

"I'm going to check out Class C right now."

Ayanokoji's dumbfounded voice came from the mobile phone, "Eh?"