Wanting the Horse to Run

"Class ranking also has value?"

Kamuro was startled; she felt the amount of information she had received today was a bit overwhelming.

The girl looked at Dongfang Yi beside her, only to find that he also wore a look of astonishment, as if he were just as clueless.

It was just that this expression looked as if it had been custom-made; there was always an inexplicable sense of familiarity and affectation about it.

On the other side, the Little Princess, who hadn't spent much time with Dongfang Yi, was quite satisfied with their expressions.

Although there had been some unpleasant experiences earlier, this feeling of intellectual superiority (information superiority) allowed her to find herself again.

"Yes. All the graduation benefits promised by this school will only be honored for the class that graduates at the top of the rankings, which is to say, Class A." Watching the 'so that's how it is' expressions on the two people in front of her, the petite girl happily continued to lay out the setting: "And the only factor that determines class ranking is—"

She paused, deliberately keeping them in suspense.

Dongfang Yi understood that it was time for him to make his entrance: "Could it be that Your Highness is referring to... a metric used by the class to determine the amount of personal points distributed?"

He clapped his hands in admiration, as if he had suddenly realized the truth: "So that's it, I understand now. No wonder it's mostly the upperclassmen from Class A who buy drinks at the cafe, while there aren't many from Class B or Class C. It's because the lower-ranked classes lost the monthly point distribution in the competition! That's why they have no money to spend!"

"Well said. Dongfang-kun is truly sharp." Sakayanagi Arisu praised.

"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Compared to Your Highness, I still have much to learn." Dongfang Yi continued to lie through his teeth: "My talent compared to Your Highness is like a firefly to the bright moon; they simply cannot be mentioned in the same breath."

I think if you were in ancient times, you would be a sycophant.

Kamuro Masumi frowned as she looked at this guy full of flowery words, feeling she couldn't bear to look at him anymore.

I should have just taken him to the rooftop and left. Maybe that way I could have kept a... good impression? Hiss, it seems I don't have a good impression of this guy anyway, so why do I feel he's not bad?

On the other side, Sakayanagi Arisu actually appreciated this guy who could keep up with her train of thought and was shameless (to the point of being a total bootlicker).

Although she was a lonely genius, without the comparison and witness of mortals, even the most powerful genius would be incomplete.

Dongfang Yi was, unexpectedly, a very suitable mortal.

Perhaps I can let him witness my showdown with that person. The girl thought to herself.

The corners of her mouth curled up as she cast the bait: "In this school, only by graduating from Class A can one enjoy the guaranteed employment benefits promised by the school, and only through class competition can the final winner be decided."

"So, Dongfang-kun, Kamuro-kun, do you want to graduate from Class A?"

"Well, although it doesn't matter to me, if it could be achieved, I suppose..."

Before Kamuro Masumi could finish her sentence, she was interrupted by the 'excited' Dongfang Yi beside her.

"I want to! I want to so much! From the moment I left home, I have thought of nothing but self-reliance! That is why I came to Advanced Nurturing. I want to be like a free bird, soaring high in the sky, like a..."

Even if you're expressing your determination, you don't need such a long-winded speech.

Kamuro felt as if she had been ruthlessly outclassed in a bootlicking competition, and she felt a bit of unwillingness in her heart.

Wait, why am I feeling unwilling?

While Kamuro was doubting her life, Dongfang Yi's speech reached its conclusion: "I believe that under the leadership of Your Highness, all of us in Class A will surely be able to achieve our wishes and gain a wonderful life! Let's hear some applause!"

Having said that, he took the lead and started clapping for himself.

Can't find it by searching the book title? You could try searching for the author; maybe it just changed its name!

"Dongfang-kun is right." The White-Haired Loli pressed her left hand down, and Dongfang Yi's applause faded away just at the right moment.

She nodded slightly and promised: "As long as I am the leader of Class A for a day, Class A will not fall from its position."

Although he knew in his heart that this statement was similar to that brain-dead Kennedy's remark, "As long as I am alive, China will not be able to build an atomic bomb," Dongfang Yi still put on an expression of deep conviction.

Her Highness is actually so kind, making such a heavy promise. I am truly, so moved (reading from a script).

Salted Fish Trivia: The year before China built its atomic bomb, the great president of America, Mr. Kennedy, fulfilled his promise—by being sent away with a bullet.

Sakayanagi Arisu was very satisfied with his expression; she felt the timing was about right: "However,"

"However?" Dongfang Yi continued to play the straight man.

"The Art of War says: Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated in a hundred battles." Sakayanagi Arisu said modestly: "Even I cannot protect the current Class A on my own. So, Dongfang-kun, I need your help."

"Your Highness, what do you mean..." Dongfang Yi asked with a frown, his face showing confusion.

I bet your next sentence is: For the sake of the class, you need to collect information on our competitors.

"For the sake of Class A, I need you to collect information on students from other classes." Sakayanagi Arisu finally revealed her true intentions.

Look, look, this is what you call the speech of a smart person.

Not saying 'monitor Ayanokoji', but 'collect information'.

"But isn't all student information in the school's files?" Dongfang Yi naturally didn't want to do such troublesome work and continued to play dumb.

"Files cannot fully measure a person's ability; they are just incomplete records of past behavior. I prefer to analyze logic from their daily behavior and judge their personality and ability."

So you've already read all the student files, haven't you? Dongfang Yi's mouth twitched.

He put on a sincere look: "But if I have to record all the students' information, your subordinate is worried that my ability will fall short and I will ruin Your Highness's grand plan!"

Being a subordinate is fine.

Actually doing the work? That's a no.

"Indeed, as a mortal, your ability is naturally limited." Sakayanagi Arisu chuckled: "But you don't need to record everything. Just record what you see and hear, and I will naturally distinguish the information and filter out the people worth noting."

So, you little girl, you just want to listen to gossip all day, is that it? Do you want me to recite a story in the middle of the night to lull you to sleep?

Dongfang Yi grumbled inwardly, but on the surface, he bowed respectfully: "No problem, Princess, I will certainly do my best."

"Mm, remember my line number, you may go about your business now." Sakayanagi Arisu felt she had said enough, so she waved her hand, intending to dismiss Dongfang Yi.

On the other side, Kamuro Masumi felt that this task had been assigned far too easily, especially considering how much trouble she had gone through when she sought him out...

Could there really be such a huge gap between her and Sakayanagi? Or was this guy just a lolicon?

She felt the latter was much more likely.

"Princess, there is one more thing." However, Dongfang Yi did not leave; instead, he straightened his posture.

Ah, here it comes! Kamuro's eyes lit up, and she began to anticipate what was next.

I knew a guy who never takes a loss wouldn't just torment me alone!