Cruise Ship

After changing back into her own clothes, Horikita returned to her room. She had agreed to Ryuuen's absurd terms partly because she truly needed points, and partly because she wanted to use this method to obtain information about Ryuuen's movements from him.

Horikita realized that, in this incident, she had no way of acquiring useful information about the other classes. Staying by Ryuuen's side was also a form of security; perhaps when he made his next move, she would be able to prepare in advance.

For Horikita, it was the first time she had worn such embarrassing clothes. They were not particularly revealing, but she understood that clothes like those would only appear at conventions or in hotels.

Thanks to Ayanokoji's fundraising within the class and the points Horikita had traded from Ryuuen, the three students who had failed were finally saved.

Yet the atmosphere in Class D became even heavier. Almost everyone was living in poverty, and resentment continued to thicken in the air.

The following month, Class D received 0 points, making their already difficult lives even worse. But it did not crush Class D. Driven by Hirata and Karuizawa, nearly everyone threw themselves into studying, hoping to earn some points the next month. After learning that Horikita had saved him, Sudo also became more well-behaved.

It was as if Class D had grown overnight. Ryuuen, however, did not care. Class D's unhealthy atmosphere was not worth his vigilance.

Over the next month, whenever Ryuuen had time, he took Hiyori to a café to sit and chat about the books they had been reading lately. At first, Ryuuen did most of the talking, but gradually Hiyori began leading the conversation. Most of the time, Ryuuen simply sat there, drinking coffee and listening to Hiyori speak, occasionally offering a few comments.

Why did he not bring Hiyori back to his dorm to talk? Naturally, because Horikita had taken over the place.

Although Horikita only came to Ryuuen's room to cook, Ryuuen's special requirements meant that she changed into many different outfits over that month. Horikita did not want to bring those clothes back to her own room, so she left them in Ryuuen's dorm.

Ryuuen had a dedicated wardrobe for Horikita's clothes. At first, he had people send them to the laundry, but later Horikita asked him to give her the points instead so she could wash them herself. Gradually, Horikita became less resistant to wearing the clothes Ryuuen gave her.

The designs of those clothes were all beautiful, and the materials were comfortable as well. Their only flaw was their suggestive nature, which meant Horikita could not wear them outside. Ryuuen's admiring gaze each time also boosted the girl's confidence. Though she still protested verbally, after changing clothes, Horikita would always put on makeup to match what she was wearing.

Soon, the midterm exams arrived, and each class's Class Points changed slightly.

A: 1100

B: 850

C: 740

D: 130

This time, no one in the entire grade failed. Under Hiyori's tutoring, Yabu Nanami's grades had finally improved as well, though she had only barely passed and her performance was nothing exceptional.

After the results were announced, Sakagami Kazuma-sensei delivered another piece of news. "Next, the first year will take part in a two-week luxury Cruise Ship trip."

Sakagami Kazuma did not reveal any further details, but Ryuuen knew that the main storyline had begun.

Under Ryuuen's two-month rule, the students of Class C were no longer so clueless. Upon hearing the news, they did not immediately cheer in excitement. Those with brains considered what variables might be involved, while those without instinctively looked to Ryuuen, hoping he could see something—or rather, waiting for him to state his position.

"For these two weeks, just enjoy yourselves. There's no need to feel any pressure."

Once Ryuuen finished speaking, the class became noisy as they began chatting and discussing it. Having long been under Ryuuen's oppression, Class C's atmosphere was not much better than Class D's. It was time to let them relax.

Class D had long since begun celebrating. After learning that all facilities on the Cruise Ship, including food, were free, they were ecstatic. Aside from Horikita, nearly everyone in Class D had eaten the free poor-man's meal provided by the school cafeteria for half the days of the month. They were practically sick of it, and now they could finally improve their meals.

As he stood in the sea breeze aboard the Cruise Ship, Ryuuen felt as though everything were a dream. He was standing at the peak of that dream, and a moment of carelessness could send him falling. That hazy feeling was intoxicating. Perhaps that was why so many people enjoyed the sea breeze.

"You look quite relaxed, Ryuuen." Horikita had somehow appeared beside him.

"Is it really okay for you to approach me so openly?" Ryuuen turned around. The girl was still wearing her School Uniform, the sea breeze stirring the loose strands by her temples and the hem of her skirt.

"There's nothing to hide. I told the students in my class about our deal, since I had to explain where the points came from. Besides, you never said the deal had to be kept secret." Horikita smoothed the hair at her temple. "Now everyone in the class says you're pursuing me this way, so us being close will not arouse suspicion."

"You came to ask me for information, didn't you? Normally, you would not take the initiative to find me."

Ryuuen saw through Horikita's thoughts. Horikita did not panic and stepped to his right. "I don't think this trip will be that simple. Have you figured anything out?"

"It doesn't matter if I tell you. We'll later arrive at an Uninhabited Island, where we'll take part in a Special Exam."

Ryuuen pressed a finger against Horikita's lips. "If you want to know more, you'll have to pay a price. But I would advise you not to ask."

With that, Ryuuen left. Too much sea breeze gave him a headache. He knew there was a study—or rather, a small library—on the lower deck of the Cruise Ship. Hiyori would most likely be there.

When Ryuuen found the library, he discovered that it was empty. The vast space was so quiet that he could hear his own footsteps. Ryuuen did not dislike such an atmosphere. Just as he was about to sit down and find a book to read, someone arrived.

It was Class B's teacher, Hoshinomiya Chie. She had a head of lustrous golden curls. Her soft, silky hair shone with a natural luster, cascading down to her shoulders like a golden waterfall. Hoshinomiya's eyes were bright and lively, like a pair of clear lakes.

Her attire was both professional and elegant. A fitted suit jacket accentuated her slender figure, paired with an elegant brown skirt that displayed her professional charm. She wore a pair of silver earrings.

"Oh, someone beat me here." Hoshinomiya's voice was gentle and magnetic.

"Hoshinomiya-sensei likes reading too?" Ryuuen replied as he put down the book he had just taken from the shelf.

"You know me?" Hoshinomiya looked surprised, but there was no surprise in her eyes. She seemed to be someone skilled at disguising herself, just like Kikyo.

"You know me too, don't you, Hoshinomiya-sensei? Acting cute doesn't suit you." Ryuuen directly exposed her pretense.

"Ryuuen-sensei, you're not cute at all."

Hoshinomiya searched the shelves for the book she wanted, while Ryuuen resumed reading his own book and treated her like air.