Chapter 43

"Hey! Are you kidding me! You were the ones looking for trouble in the first place! Even in the previous exam! What's wrong with me fighting back?" Sudo's rude behavior caused Student Council President Horikita Manabu to frown. "Horikita, is there really no other way?" Ayanokoji surreptitiously tugged at Horikita's sleeve, a movement I caught in my peripheral vision. It's too late. Gloomy pervert Ayanokoji, your Horikita isn't omnipotent. "I understand..." Horikita fell silent for a moment, then slowly raised her head. "President! I believe Sudo-kun, who caused this incident, has significant issues. If you ask why, it's because he never reflects on his own behavior or the trouble he causes those around him. He has a history of fighting all the time, and he has a personality where he immediately shouts and resorts to violence whenever he is dissatisfied. It is obvious that if such a person causes a commotion, it will end up like this." "Y-you...!" Sudo was stunned by Horikita's conclusion. "Please understand that this attitude of yours is the root cause of all this." Horikita met Sudo's gaze without fear. "Therefore, I was reluctant to help Sudo-kun from the very beginning. I am well aware that even if I force myself to lend a hand, he will continue to repeat these things without a care in the future." "I appreciate your honesty. Then, it seems the matter is settled." Sakagami-sensei nodded, looking satisfied. "Thank you! Please take your seat." Secretary Tachibana urged Horikita, while Sudo let out a groan of obvious frustration; even a fool like him could foresee his fate. However, Horikita did not sit down: "He should reflect, but not just on this incident. He needs to reflect in the sense of examining and reviewing his past self. Regarding the incident we just discussed—I believe Sudo-kun is not at fault at all. If you ask why, it is because I am certain this was not an unfortunate accident, but something deliberately orchestrated by Class C. I have no intention of just swallowing this." "???" Both I and Sakagami-sensei were filled with confusion. "In other words... what is this about?" This was the first time Student Council President Horikita Manabu looked his sister directly in the eyes, and Horikita did not avoid his gaze. "If this is not clear enough for you, then I will answer again. We are asserting Sudo-kun's complete innocence. Therefore, we cannot accept even a one-day suspension." "Horikita, are you joking?" I frowned. Horikita shouldn't be the type to refuse to admit defeat, right? "As per the testimony provided by the witness, Sudo-kun is the victim. I ask that you make the correct judgment." "Don't joke around, it's obvious we are the victims! Student Council President!" Ishizaki couldn't sit still either. "That is enough. Continuing this is just a waste of time." Student Council President Horikita Manabu glanced at the finger-pointing. "What I have learned from today's conversation is that your accounts are completely contradictory. This only means that one side is telling a very malicious lie." Things were reaching a point of no return. This is perfect. "Class C, I ask you. Can you swear that what you said today is not false?" "Of course." I answered righteously. "And what about Class D?" "I didn't lie either. It's all true." Horikita's beautiful eyes stared straight at me. "Then, we will hold a retrial meeting tomorrow at four o'clock. Before then, if no one can provide clear evidence that the other party is lying, or admit their own mistakes, we will make a judgment based on the existing evidence. Of course, depending on the situation, we must also consider expulsion. That is all." Student Council President Horikita Manabu delivered the ultimatum. Even so, it is impossible for the Student Council to make a ruling that favors Class D. Horikita, your struggle is too ridiculous! No, please, continue to struggle! By all means, let Ryuen and me enjoy your despair. "May I ask if the period until the deliberation can be extended a little longer?" Horikita couldn't help but protest. "If your proposal was to request an extension before the retrial, the Student Council President should have provided ample time from the start. In other words, we have already given plenty of time; extending the deliberation would be an exception." Chabashira-sensei crossed her arms and explained, as if sensing the Student Council President's intent. I stopped looking at Horikita and followed Sakagami-sensei out of the meeting room without a word. I imagine this will be a long and agonizing day for Class D, won't it?

Author's note: Minya's character art will be provided later! Volume 1: First Glimpse of Talent: 26 The most successful liars are those who make the least amount of lies serve the greatest purpose. --Samuel Butler

"I told you, Kitazawa-kun, you don't have to treat me to a meal..." Opposite me, Shiina was pouting, looking at the menu with reluctance. Of course, I wouldn't give up this opportunity to get to know her better just because she wanted me to, especially when this woman lacked the courage to refuse me. That's right, after a court appearance, one must reward oneself! How could I let a ready-made dining companion... companion go to waste? "Wrong! I'm not treating you; it's in the name of the class to reward everyone who contributed." I pointed to Ishizaki and the others, who were eating happily not far away. Of course, Sakagami-sensei wouldn't come to eat and drink with us; after the meeting, he only exchanged a few words with Chabashira-sensei. "But I didn't say a single word at the meeting just now..." Shiina sharply pointed out the discrepancy. It doesn't matter. Ayanokoji didn't do anything useful either, other than harassing Horikita. Come to think of it, Ayanokoji, you really know how to play, flirting with the sister in front of the brother. "But Shiina, you attended the meeting too! And with you sitting by my side, I felt at ease and wasn't nervous when I spoke." I shamelessly found a perfect excuse. Shiina covered her mouth and laughed, scolding: "You have the nerve to say that? Framing, selling, and bullying girls, you have to drag me into it? You don't even draft your lies, aren't you ashamed?" "This isn't a lie; I'm just arguing for a friend, and besides, our class was the one being wronged." "Do you have a grudge against that girl named Horikita?" "No? I actually have a bit of a crush on her!" "And yet you're giving her such a hard time... You boys are really strange." "Fighting is affection, scolding is love. Don't worry about the details..." "Is Kitazawa-kun planning to use violent means to make Horikita submit?" Shiina asked curiously. It seems every girl has a talent for gossip. "I didn't say that. Someone as gentle and polite as me would never do such a thing. When dealing with girls, I usually do this..." As I spoke, I suddenly grabbed Shiina's delicate little hand. "...!" Shiina almost screamed, looking around nervously, using her panicked eyes to signal that there were many people here and not to mess around. I, however, couldn't care less, and stared at her: "Hiyori, go out with me!"