"Everyone, we'll head out first. Class is about to start."
"By the way, as for the new contract Katsuragi mentioned just now, I'm afraid Class B won't be signing it. With your current personal points, you can't afford the right to sell Class B's rules to the other classes."
With that, the Class B students, led by Yuki Gyakukai, filed out of Class A's classroom.
"Gyakukai, you're incredible. I can't believe you got nearly two million points from Class A in less than ten minutes."
Shibata Hayate glanced excitedly at his phone. The Class B group chat was buzzing.
After they concluded their deal with Class A, Yuki Gyakukai had already given them permission to share the details of their operation in the group chat.
After all, they were all members of Class B. There was no need to keep some things under wraps.
Sharing the news was also a way of showing the others in Class B that he trusted them, helping them feel more connected to their class.
Besides, they were all just high school students. They hadn't entered the adult world yet, so it was fine to be a little more sincere. There was no need to scheme against one another all the time.
"It went well. Everything was within expectations. But I've finished what I needed to do, so now I want to hear what you all found out."
The five of them stood in the quiet hallway, sunlight falling directly on them and casting their shadows at an angle against the wall.
The group fell silent. Their indoor shoes tapped against the floor, making crisp but unobtrusive sounds as their thoughts began to turn.
"Gyakukai, Class A's strength shouldn't be underestimated. The amounts its students estimated they'd pay for the hidden rules were mostly within the same range.
"And that's despite them having no leader at this point. They were deciding on their own whether to contribute to their class..."
With a serious expression, Ryuji Kanzaki recalled what had happened in Class A and briefly explained what he had noticed.
Now that the excitement of gaining two million points had subsided, Ichinose nodded in agreement.
"That's true. Class A has a much better atmosphere and more discipline. But from my conversations with Classmate Katsuragi and Classmate Sakayanagi, they seem very aggressive, which isn't good news for the other classes.
"Based on the hidden rules we bought and the way those two acted in class, it's reasonable to assume that one of them will become Class A's leader in the future."
Shibata Hayate furrowed his brow and thoughtfully studied the others before speaking up.
"What you've said all makes sense. But when we first arrived in Class A, I noticed something. Aside from the small cliques, there were also a lot of loners.
"Of course, that could be because the school year has only just begun or because they don't have a leader yet.
"But for now, it's clear that Class A is still a disorganized group. If they can't unite, that'll give us a great opening."
The three of them shared their analyses. Once they were done, the hallway fell silent again.
"Um..." Chihiro Shiramami, who had been following behind them, was now bright red. She didn't know what to say. She hadn't noticed anything at all, and had assumed everyone else was just like her—but she'd clearly been wrong.
Not only that, but she seemed to have messed something up and ruined Yuki Gyakukai's plan.
She lowered her head without thinking, as if she'd committed some grave offense.
"Mm?"
Chihiro Shiramami let out a startled cry. At some point, Yuki Gyakukai had stopped and come over to her. He patted her gently on the head.
"Shiramami played a very important role in this plan. People like you, who stay by the leader's side, can be considered part of the class's inner circle.
"If we ever have a class competition, you'll be able to draw the other classes' attention. So keep up the good work, Shiramami!"
"W-wait! But..."
Chihiro Shiramami tried to explain in a panic. She knew perfectly well that she hadn't contributed anything at all.
"I see. Shiramami's presence draws attention away from Class B, like a hidden pawn. If we use her well, she could change the situation at any time. So don't sell yourself short, Shiramami."
Hearing Ryuji Kanzaki's earnest analysis made Chihiro Shiramami's face grow hot. She quickly covered it with both hands so no one could see.
"Chihiro, you did a great job just now. Let's keep doing our best together!"
"Huh? Does that mean Shiramami is going to be the class's number two from now on?!"
Please stop, everyone! Don't say any more!
This is so embarrassing! Waaah~
What's wrong with my face?
Why does it feel so hot?
What's going on? I didn't even do anything, but they're praising me so much...
That's right. Everyone in Class B is so nice.
Shiramami, do your best! You can't let everyone down!
"Come on, let's get going. We can't keep standing here; class is about to start. We don't want to lose points for the class."
"Oh no, we really are running out of time! I'll go on ahead." Shibata Hayate hurriedly put away his phone and ran ahead.
Ryuji Kanzaki watched him rush off and smiled helplessly before breaking into a run himself.
"Chihiro, let's go!" Without giving Chihiro Shiramami time to think, Ichinose, who had also noticed how little time they had left, took her by the hand and led her into a run.
Chihiro Shiramami shook her dazed head.
Without thinking, she ran alongside Ichinose.
The morning sun was still bright, but not too glaring. Its light streamed through the hallway windows like golden threads, making everyone running down the corridor shine.
Everyone really does shine so brightly!
Without thinking, Chihiro Shiramami shifted her gaze forward, fixing her eyes on that figure.
Soon, the second class ended as well.
As expected, when you focused on one thing, time flew by.
As soon as class let out, small groups quickly gathered to ask about what had happened in Class A.
They'd already been informed in the group chat, but they couldn't help being curious.
"Still, hearing it from someone who was actually there makes it so much more interesting."
"Exactly..."
"..."
Clap, clap, clap!
Just as everyone was still discussing the matter, an ill-timed sound interrupted them.
But when they turned around and saw the figure standing at the lectern, they looked at him with reverence.
What did they mean, ill-timed?
That was Class B's leader—the fiancé of Queen Tomie—about to announce something important again.
Before you continue