Maid Café? It's a Good Idea, but I Refuse! (Continued)

"Yes, I'm sorry. I just really like eating takoyaki."

After these two examples, the other students also felt a little guilty.

"Even if you make up for the losses out of your own pocket, this Cultural Festival is for all the staff of the school and some people outside the school. If outsiders find out that our Class 2-A is behaving like this, it will undoubtedly lower our class's reputation."

This is what Horikita is considering. At this moment, she is not considering things from the perspective of a Class 2-A, but from the perspective of the Vice President of the Student Council.

Yes, Shuichi Kanda felt gratified.

"So, I have no objection to whatever proposal you put forward, but please consider its feasibility."

After hearing Horikita's words, many students in the class nodded in agreement with her statement.

"But... ah, I'm not saying your proposal is bad, but if it requires people to pay out of their own pockets, wouldn't some people become more passive and just not do anything?"

Of course, some people worry that some students might just sit back and reap the benefits without taking the Cultural Festival seriously.

"It's okay if it turns out that way, as long as everyone's happy. Anyway, we weren't aiming for the reward in the first place, were we?"

As soon as Shuichi Kanda said that, several students in the class suddenly felt that their previous suggestion was no longer appealing. "Yeah, we weren't planning on getting the prizes, so why bother preparing for the Cultural Festival?"

Besides, the money you earn isn't even yours, so why bother?

"However, there is one thing I hope you can understand: during this Cultural Festival, you will be able to do things that you wouldn't normally dare to do."

For example, Professor, you've suggested holding a King of Fighters tournament, haven't you?

"Yes, all you need is a game console. I've seen it online; you can buy one for just tens of thousands of yen."

Hideo Sotomura, whose name was called, immediately nodded.

"Since that's the case, then go ahead and do it. Tens of thousands of points shouldn't be much for you anyway, and it would be cheaper to rent them if you could."

You could organize a King of Fighters challenge tournament and set an entry fee. Of course, if you're very confident in your skills, you could also organize a challenge tournament."

Shuichi Kanda's casual remark made Sotomura blush with excitement.

"Yes, that's right! I've wanted to do this for a long time!"

"But don't forget, apply for the activity in the name of the class. Otherwise, if you lose money, the Class Points will be deducted."

Shuichi Kanda also reminded him of this point.

"Okay, I understand! Thank you, Kanda!"

After being reminded by Shuichi Kanda, the students in the class seemed to have their potential unlocked, and even Hondo, who had been singled out by Horikita earlier, was starting to get restless.

After all, making takoyaki doesn't require a large investment; all you need is a stall. Besides, there are still more than two months until the Cultural Festival, so you can learn how to make it.

"In short, that's how it is. While I don't object to you trying all sorts of things, there's one thing you have to abide by: you must participate in the Cultural Festival in the name of your class."

Shuichi Kanda wouldn't allow them to make money off their hobby, as that could jeopardize the class.

The classmates also agreed with this, since everyone was doing what they wanted to do, and it would be a terrible sin to implicate the class.

After school, Shuichi Kanda and Kushida walked together toward the Student Council.

"Shuichi, you said so much in class, so you actually want to participate in the Cultural Festival as a group, right?"

Who!?

Who is it!?

Did they actually see through my intentions?

Oh, it's Kushida. Okay, never mind.

"Ahem, I do have that idea."

What's the point of earning 100 Class Points? Even if you did earn them, it would only be equivalent to 400,000 more Private Points per month than Class A. With 20 months until graduation, that's only 8 million points – a drop in the ocean.

If that's the case, why not focus on the wallets of outsiders?

According to Shuichi Kanda, this Cultural Festival was a trial run, so all the participants were people connected to the school, and most of them were wealthy and influential.

With the opportunity presented to him, does Shuichi Kanda need someone to teach him what to do?

"I think so too. After all, Shuichi's cooking is really delicious. If he opened a shop, he would definitely make a lot of money."

"Who knows? Besides, I haven't decided what to do yet. Anyway, there are still more than two months, so there's no rush."

In the days that followed, Shuichi Kanda lived a wonderful life of slacking off.

The Student Council has two vice presidents, Horikita and Ichinose, as well as capable people like Katsuragi. The first-year students have also been added to the student council with several useful members.

Furthermore, since Shuichi Kanda had no intention of implementing reforms, he, as the Student Council President, found himself with Shuichi Kanda rare period of leisure.

One day after school, Shuichi Kanda was packing up to go to the Student Council office, a student walked over to him.

Maya Sato is a gyaru-type girl like Karuizawa. She's fairly cute, but her taste is a bit questionable; she actually fell for Ayanokoji.

"Horikita- san, and Kanda- san, could I possibly take up your time?"

Upon hearing Sato's words, Shuichi Kanda stopped, then plugged in the tablet and placed it in the side drawer.

"Yes, no problem, I don't have anything else to do after that."

"I have to go to the Student Council in an hour, if you can finish speaking as soon as possible."

Shuichi Kanda immediately agreed, while Horikita said she wanted to go to the Student Council.

Sato found this a bit strange; it seemed like Horikita, the vice president, was even busier than Shuichi Kanda, the president.

However, this was clearly not something she should be concerned about.

"Actually, we came up with a theme for the Cultural Festival, so we wanted to apply for a budget."

That's right, budget.

Although Shuichi Kanda and his classmates don't care about students who are just dabbling in things, the class budget still needs to be used for serious purposes.

For example, in a King of Fighters tournament in Sotomura, he would have to pay for it himself.

However, if the plan for selling takoyaki, like the one by Hondo, is approved, then a portion of the class's budget can be allocated to him.

The class budget is provided by the school, so students are naturally unwilling to spend their own money. Who wouldn't like getting something for free?

However, the class budget is limited, so we can't just allocate funds haphazardly.

After all, the problem isn't scarcity, but inequality.

"Okay, did you bring the proposal?"

Creating a program isn't something you can just talk about; a project proposal is also crucial.

"Ah, um. Of course I have a proposal prepared... but it's not convenient to take it out here. If possible, could I borrow some of your time later?"

Is it inconvenient to take it out?

Shuichi Kanda tilted his head. What the heck is this?

However, he nodded nonetheless.

"Sure, no problem. When would be a convenient time?"

"I'll be in an empty classroom in the special building in thirty minutes. I've gotten permission from the teacher, so I'll be looking forward to seeing you there."

"Empty classrooms?"

Now, not only Shuichi Kanda, but even Horikita was a little confused. What was this thing? It was so mysterious.

However, they nodded and agreed.

After seeing Shuichi Kanda and Horikita nod, Sato immediately ran over to Ayanokoji, said something to him, and Ayanokoji nodded as well.

"What's wrong with her? She seems pretty confident."

"Maybe it will surprise us." Shuichi Kanda shrugged.

In the past few days, they have seen all sorts of projects: takoyaki vendors, fried chicken vendors, opera troupes, music concerts, and even plans to host haunted houses.

After exchanging a few words Ayanokoji Sato, Sato left the classroom immediately, seemingly in a hurry.

Then, Ayanokoji walked over and asked the question directly.

"Um, did Sato also invite you to the Special Building?"

"Yes, they invited us to see if the plan was feasible. What's the purpose of inviting you?" Shuichi Kanda was a little confused.

"I don't know either, but she said I absolutely have to go."

"So you agreed?"

"I guess so, anyway, I don't have any plans after that."

"All right."

Shuichi Kanda felt something was off, and it wasn't just about Sato inviting Ayanokoji.

Normally, Kamuro would come to find him after school, Kushida would occasionally come too, but at this moment, neither of them seemed to be anywhere.

After killing some time, Shuichi Kanda and his two companions headed towards the Special Building together.

Then, the three of them saw their classmate, Maezono, outside the classroom that Sato had mentioned.

"Now that you're here, I'm in charge of keeping watch. After all, nobody wants anyone to know about the preparations we've made."

Maezono's words made the three of them even more curious; what could it be?

However, it's understandable. While Class 2-A might not mind, other classes might. It's only natural that they want to keep the programs of each class in each grade a secret until the day of the Cultural Festival.

Given this, it's understandable that they would want to keep it a secret, but the extent to which they kept it a secret was truly beyond their expectations.

Not only did they choose Special Building without surveillance cameras as the meeting place, but they also sent people to guard it.

Moreover, from the outside, one of the rooms had all the curtains drawn, giving it a very mysterious look.

"I'm getting more and more curious. In that case, let's go take a look together."

"Ah, just a moment. What follows will be presented in a practical format, so please all three of you experience it as guests."

"I see, that's how it is." Shuichi Kanda nodded. "Great, this is much simpler and easier to understand than reading a plan that lacks focus."

Now, not only Shuichi Kanda, but also Horikita and Ayanokoji felt a sense of anticipation.

After taking a slight breath, Shuichi Kanda opened the classroom door.

The first thing that catches the eye is the unexpected vibrancy of colors. The room is brightly decorated with many ornaments, making it hard to imagine that this is a cold and ordinary classroom.

"Welcome! This is the Maimai Maid Cafe!"

These words were spoken by several girls in the class.

First, there was Maya Sato, who had just invited them over. In addition, there were classmates Matsushita Chiaki, Wang Meiyu, Nishimura Ryuko, Nene Mori, and Kei Karuizawa. Kushida and Kamuro, who had been missing since after school, were also there.

What's most surprising is that Hase Haruka and Sakura Airi are also here.

That's already ten people, and there are only twenty-one girls in Class A in total, so this is almost half of the girls in the class.

What's most striking is that everyone is wearing matching maid outfits, which looks absolutely stunning.

No wonder all the girls in my class disappeared after school as if by prior arrangement; they were here all along.

Seeing this shocking scene, Shuichi Kanda other two were somewhat surprised... no, shocked.

Seeing the expressions on Shuichi Kanda others' faces, they felt a little smug.

Then, led by the maid Matsushita Chiaki, the three of them took their seats in three separate places.

"What would you like to order, Master?"

It was Kushida Kikyo Shuichi Kanda, and upon hearing her words, Shuichi Kanda almost lost control.

This guy did it on purpose!

Damn, I've been playing too conservatively all the time.

Shuichi Kanda took the menu from Kushida and glanced at it. It consisted of ordinary dishes, along with things like black tea and coffee.

"Then, a cup of black tea."

"Yes, Master, please wait a moment, Kikyo- chan will bring the black tea shortly."

Seeing Kushida's beaming face, Shuichi Kanda coughed twice.

However, while Shuichi Kanda immersed himself among the customers, Horikita across from him didn't see it that way.

"Wait a minute, may I ask a question before we order?"