Surveillance Data

Although Konoe felt something was off about Kashiwagi, he still accepted the USB drive containing surveillance footage of Class C's gathering.

Kashiwagi's eyes had been filled with doubt and worry when he left, but he became enthusiastic upon entering. He must have confirmed some information from somewhere.

Regardless, Konoe, having obtained the USB drive, returned directly to his dormitory to check the surveillance footage on his computer.

Because the room Class C used was quite large, almost like a semi-public space, there were even multiple camera angles. However, the footage had no audio.

Neon lights flashed vibrantly across the room, and various fruit juices displayed a spectrum of colors. A man with short, red hair sat in the center of the room, with a female student even pouring him a drink beside him.

'This must be Ryuen Kaito, Class C's current representative, whom Shiina mentioned...' Konoe mused. The man appeared mature, with sharp eyes, the kind who could make decisions and act immediately.

Konoe then fast-forwarded through the footage from various angles and finally discovered a useful piece of information.

The surveillance showed that during Class C's gathering the previous day, a student, who seemed to be injured, entered the room clutching his arm and was nervously reporting something to Ryuen.

'This person should be Class C's claimant, Ishizaki Daichi.' However, Konoe was puzzled. The injury didn't seem too severe. If this was the case, even if Class C's appeal was approved, the outcome might still be treated as a student brawl, and Sudo would at most be suspended.

But the following scene surprised Konoe: a burly man, noticeably larger than an average student, emerged from beside Ryuen and struck Ishizaki to the ground with a few punches, causing his nose to bleed immediately. Shortly after, Ishizaki was left bruised and swollen.

'I see, they intend to use this method to intensify Sudo's punishment after the appeal? Class C's methods have exceeded my previous assumptions...' Konoe frowned, contemplating.

While this information was useful, it wasn't enough to tip the scales of the appeal. At best, it would ensure Sudo wouldn't face expulsion.

'This is sufficient. Next, I need to complete the task Horikita Manabu assigned me and obtain the Student Council's appeal documents.' Konoe thought to himself.

Once he obtained the Student Council's files, they would contain a basic description of the injuries of the three individuals from Class C who filed the appeal. If their injuries were inflicted by Ryuen's group before the appeal, then this surveillance footage could be used to pressure Class C. If not, the Student Council's ruling would take their injuries into account, and Sudo's punishment wouldn't be expulsion, but at most suspension and a deduction of class points.

It was likely that Class C wasn't acting without reason. Perhaps they intended to test the School Administration's limits through this method. Therefore, Ryuen would definitely exaggerate the severity of the three individuals' injuries before appealing to the School Administration.

Konoe turned off the recording, backed it up on his computer, and prepared to memorize the Student Council's accountant data. Just then, his mobile phone chimed with a text message notification.

Ayanokoji: "I've already persuaded Horikita."

After reading the message, Konoe intended to text Ayanokoji to ask how he persuaded Horikita. Suddenly, his phone rang. The caller was Horikita Suzune.

"What is it?" Konoe's attitude towards her had been impolite since she took his points last time, but Horikita didn't seem to mind at all.

Horikita's voice came through the receiver: "I just heard some news. Is it true that you've joined the Student Council?"

Upon hearing this, Konoe immediately understood how Ayanokoji had persuaded Horikita Suzune. After learning about Horikita Suzune's relationship with Horikita Manabu that night, he likely used Konoe's position in the Student Council to persuade her.

While resenting Ayanokoji, Konoe could only play along: "That's right. Horikita Manabu is your Older Brother, isn't he? He often assigns me work."

"..." Horikita remained silent.

"So?" Konoe pressed impatiently.

"What do you plan to do about Sudo's situation?"

"I've already investigated. This is indeed an attack by Class C targeting Class D."

"If that's the case, do you know the identities of the witnesses?"

Konoe asked in surprise, "Huh? Witnesses?"

"...I can't stand you. You haven't even figured this out? Sudo mentioned that someone else seemed to be watching at the time."

"Is that all? What if he was mistaken?"

"In any case, I will proceed in this direction. You should also show me what abilities a member of the Student Council truly possesses." Horikita said, full of fighting spirit, seemingly wanting to compete with Konoe over this matter.

"I don't know where your competitive spirit comes from, but I'm not planning to take any further action. I can guarantee Sudo won't be expelled. Class D's points might decrease again."

Horikita exclaimed in disbelief, "What! You had Ayanokoji persuade me to act, and now you're not going to help? Konoe, don't you think your actions are a bit excessive?"

"Not at all. Because I understand why you didn't want to help initially. Right now, the work your Older Brother assigned me is more important. That's all." Konoe said, then hung up before Horikita could reply.

He sighed, then put aside his thoughts on the matter. After composing himself, he prepared to memorize the Student Council's shop data.

Several hours passed, and combined with the efforts of the previous few days, Konoe had finally memorized the vast data of the shop information.

It was already past midnight. Konoe stretched and climbed directly into bed.