What on earth should I promise to get through this mess unscathed? To be honest, I have no clue. I briefly thought about using the cheat code of original knowledge, and while it tempted me, I started to rethink if that would even be a good option.
From my perspective, I can’t do anything that worsens relations between the academies beyond what is already happening, so provoking Rion’s suspicions would be a big mistake. The very possibility of unexpected situations cropping up due to that is a significant variable in itself.
Just looking at this incident, the butterfly effect started from my newfound friendship with Haruna and escalated into a conflict between three academies. If I were to directly provoke Rion here, I can’t even begin to imagine what might happen afterward.
As the president of a large academy, if I want to have some influence over Rion, who holds rational thinking in high regard, I need to consider all possibilities beforehand. This situation is different compared to Makoto, who’s the type that could get into any kind of trouble without a second thought.
Things have gotten pretty messy from the get-go, so as an ordinary person, I’m just at a loss. It’s an overwhelmingly difficult task for someone like me, who is learning politics from the sidelines and picking it up through trial and error.
“The infringement of autonomy was entirely our fault. We will certainly address that issue. I promise that we will not attempt to gloss over this matter with any tricks, and we will provide appropriate compensation in line with the situation.”
[…T-party host, as long as you’re around, I believe we can continue to maintain a good relationship with Trinity. However, I think it would be wise to first clarify mutual faults; what do you think?]
“It would be appropriate to clearly ascertain all circumstances. Very well, I will begin by stating my position.”
I am, ultimately, at the center of this incident. However, I only have a vague understanding of the surrounding circumstances—I don’t know everything for sure. But based on what I can see, Millennium’s side essentially has no fault, aside from the minor mistake that Neru made.
Nagi and Hina probably have a better grasp of the current situation than I do, but both are in weak positions to speak up at this moment. Nagi is already in trouble and, as long as I’m here, her authority is effectively meaningless. Hina, on the other hand, not only caused the incident but also has her own authority limited due to the circumstances.
As the student council president, Hina is, let’s say… a figure of near-absolute power in Gehenna. She could topple the regime if she decided to, even if the Manma Battle were stirred up, but she remains in a position of silent mercy.
However, once she steps into another autonomous district, all she has is force and a name. While that might not seem too shabby on its own, it becomes meaningless in this situation.
“I was kidnapped approximately… 21 hours ago by the gourmet research club, which has recently gained notoriety within Gehenna. Because of the personal acquaintances I had, my vigilance was markedly insufficient, resulting in my being… Ah, let me correct that. As a result, I ended up accepting a sedative into my system.”
I almost let it slip and called it poison. If that happened, I wouldn’t be able to protect Haruna. The seven prisoners of the original would turn into eight…!
[This terrorist group from Gehenna… I heard they blew up a number of restaurants within the Gehenna autonomous district. It’s hard to believe that someone of your stature would have any connections with such a terrorist group. It’s simply irrational behavior.]
“Well, I’m not trying to justify their actions. The reason we became acquainted in the first place was to prevent the restaurant where I first met her from being bombed. It’s just that she turned out to be someone with whom I could actually have a decent conversation, that’s all…”
Ah, I suddenly thought of a rather timely explanation that could help Rion understand my actions more easily.
“Imagine, Rion, how you would feel if you found someone comfortable to discuss the design of your… oh, unique robotic army with?”
[…My AMAS design? That’s, so… ]
Wow, it’s really hard to compliment someone genuinely. It feels like my aesthetic values are being put to the test. Still, I’m relieved that it somewhat got through.
[Okay, I admit it. It may still be irrational, but I can at least somewhat understand your behavior. Speaking of which, T-party host, you have quite the discerning eye! To immediately associate the ambiance with the AMAS I’ve personally designed, that’s truly a refined aesthetic sense!]
…Sorry, Rion. That was genuinely a lie. I apologize. I was just throwing around some empty words, but I had no idea you were that starved for compliments…
Ah, anyway. The important thing isn’t that.
“Let’s move on from that… Returning to the main topic, I’ve been asleep for more than 18 hours since the time of my kidnapping. By the time I grasped the situation, we had already arrived in the Millennium’s central area. I belatedly left a message for Trinity, but…”
At this point, Nagi trembled slightly and lowered her head even more. Yeah, acknowledging one’s own sin and reflecting on it is important. When I make a mistake, I usually just bury my head in it, right?
[By that point, Trinity and Gehenna’s forces would have already invaded Millennium, so it seems you had no means to clean up the mess from your perspective, T-party host.]
“That’s right. For now, I’ll briefly mention the philosophy behind the actions of that terrorist group. The Gourmet Research Club in Gehenna is a club that thoroughly researches gourmet food; it carries out attacks against restaurants that can’t grasp the fundamental taste and quality of food or provide services worthy of their prices.”
…By the way, where did Haruna and the two food devils wander off to? Surely they aren’t buried under a堆 of debris?
“Essentially, as long as I’m here, nothing like blowing up a restaurant can happen. That’s something I’m not willing to tolerate. In fact, it wouldn’t have been a target for their terror in the first place since the Burger Emperor meets all the Gourmet Research Club’s stringent conditions.”
[…So, you’re saying that from the beginning, this incident wouldn’t actually cause any harm to Millennium?]
“Logically speaking, yes. It’s just that I ended up accompanying them due to being kidnapped, which set off alarms for both Trinity and Gehenna…”
[I see. Got it. Then can we slowly move onto the main matter now, T-party host? You’ve been circling around the point for a while now.]
“…Aha, you caught me☆”
In reality, I was stalling while trying to find a suitable solution. I wanted a resolution that would minimize actual expenses coming from both academies while also allowing Millennium to receive astronomical compensation fitting for this incident.
[…?!]
“Well, I wanted to speak seriously as a representative of one academy to Rion… but you know, maintaining that tone for too long is a bit exhausting. So I’m going to drop that.”
[…Can I take that to mean that your current tone is your original speaking style?]
“Yep, that’s right. Still, I made an effort to remain as polite as possible, so can we at least be a little lenient based on that goodwill?”
[The way you speak isn’t that important. I was just surprised that neither your previous tone nor this one feels out of place, that’s all… Speaking of which, this is something I should have brought up sooner. Where are those terrorists? As the primary instigators of this incident, they too must bear some responsibility.]
“Aha, I was a bit puzzled about that part, too. But, at a certain point, their forces blew up the restaurant those kids were in. In the worst-case scenario, they might still be buried underneath…?”
[…]
Hearing my words, Rion was rendered speechless. I couldn’t help but think she might be trying to escape this reality where the embarrassing true nature of C&C gets exposed.
Anyway, it’s time to start making some decisions. I ultimately failed to come up with a brilliant plan. I thought I could leverage the title of being the first host to break the T-party’s tradition and appear in an official setting to suggest something, but…
Would I have to poke at Rion’s vulnerabilities, even if it means risking a deterioration of our relationship?
However, if Rion hasn’t begun embezzling seminar funds at this point, that wouldn’t count as a meaningful weakness. The only keyword I could safely present could only be destruction…
While lost in that thought, I heard several footsteps approaching from nearby. I turned my head slightly and saw…
“It seems you all have been searching for me. Hehe.”
The trio from the Gourmet Research Club… and Akane, being dragged along the floor by Akari.
“Yikes?! B-Budget president? Shouldn’t you have just fled as per usual? The eyes on us are so intense…!”
“It won’t do, Izumi. Since we’ve caused a ruckus today, it seems we need to bear the responsibility of what we’ve done. So, for today, let’s take responsibility together with our council vice president, shall we?”
Haruna looked a bit disheveled, her clothing and hair in a complete mess from the ordeal. I couldn’t even see where she left her uniform aside from her sniper rifle being the only presentable possession.
Seeing Haruna’s beauty shine even through that scruffy appearance sparked an idea in my head. It felt like I had gone temporarily insane with this idea, but I quickly began to form a plan at lightning speed.
Click.
“Stop. I won’t allow you to get any closer to Mika.”
As Haruna calmly walked toward me, Saori aimed her gun at her. Then, as if waiting for the signal, both Atsuko and the student council members pointed their guns at Haruna as well.
“Hey, Saori-chan? That girl is still my friend, so could you put the gun down? Atsuko-chan, you too.”
At my words, the two hesitated for a moment before lowering their guns. Saori’s gaze remained coldly fixed on Haruna, however.
“Student council members, lower your weapons. They’ve stated they’d take responsibility, so it’s worth at least hearing them out.”
Only after Hina intervened did Haruna manage to approach us. Hina’s look towards Haruna was far from kind, while Nagi, quite uncharacteristically, looked at Haruna as though seeing an enemy.
“I’m sorry, Mika. I didn’t intend for things to escalate this much; I understand that merely making excuses won’t resolve the situation. I’m willing to do anything needed to rectify this.”
…Alright, I’ve secured a slave.
“…I see. Yes, I appreciate it. Hearing Haruna-chan say that truly bolsters my strength.”
Not just empty words—thanks to you, Haruna, I’ve actually found a way to resolve this situation. Gehenna and Trinity could pay the bare minimum cost, while Millennium would receive astronomical compensation.
“Rion, I’d like to propose a business venture as an extension of the compensation for this incident.”
[…A business? How does that translate into compensation?]
“Heh heh. Hehehe…”
Though I’ll have to toil away, and so will Haruna, and someone from Millennium will also need to grind through it, we have someone optimally suited for this task. We’ll make it work.
“It’s an idol project, Rion. By legally rolling out a heavy hitter that can attract public interest and media attention under the title of T-party host, we could rake in some cash… The more interest we bring in, including personnel from Gehenna and Millennium, the better. Just as a side note, one person from Gehenna volunteered just now.”
“…Huh?”
Haruna looked at me, completely lost.
It’s okay, I feel just as crazy speaking all this out loud. But there’s no way this won’t fly.
“The activity period is set for one year, and all profits will go to Millennium. You’re free to use my name as needed. Given Rion’s skills, the revenue generated will skyrocket.”
With this format, Haruna can adequately take on significant responsibilities. Individually, she might not be able to shoulder Millennium’s reparations, but there’s nothing stopping her from grinding as a team member of this group.
After all, Haruna is part of Gehenna. By binding their mistakes together, Haruna will take responsibility. That’s the only way for you to survive, Haruna.
The chance of this collapsing? That won’t happen. I know better than anyone how lacking kivotose idol groups are. The unimpressive idols flooding Kivotos are done. The era is calling for multinational (?) idol groups.
“Wooow~♪ What’s this? Idol project? Just hearing that sounds fun, can I join too? Oh, Rion! Let’s do this!”
Yes, right over there is our third member. To bolster Millennium’s representation, we need one more from Millennium for a four-member group.
“Heh, it appears there are plenty of entertaining variables just by hearing this. If Rion accepts the proposal, how about I step up as well?”
“Wait a second. Noa?!”
…Oh, wow. The very person who pushed Yuuka into the idol life is now stepping in. With this level of quality, unifying Kivotos isn’t just a dream.
[…You’ve completely lost it.]
I’ll agree with you on that, Rion.
But this is Kivotos, where madness is always present. Remember, only the insane can survive.
“…Mika, where on earth would you find the time for something like that?”
“Huh? You see, I’m planning to step down from being a host next year. During the preparation period, our dear Nagi-chan will need to suffer a bit! Right?”
“…Ah, well.”
“Right?”
“Y-Yeah…”
I must protect the peace of Kivotos, no matter what means I must employ. Even if it costs me my laughter and my body, it’s a must.
…Hmm, since it’s come to this, maybe I should try to tempt Hina as well? You’re also going to take responsibility for that mistake with your body, Sorasaki Hina!
