Houtarou Oreki Classroom of the Elite

"It's going to cost quite a bit." Miyabi said, "After all, I paid a hefty sum for the exclusive rights. It's like a business, so there needs to be a profit margin. If I were to sell you the shop rights at the original price, I wouldn't be able to justify it to the class. But it's great that you have this idea. So, Kushida-kōhai, in light of your charm, I'll reduce the points by 1 million for you. I'll explain the reduction to my classmates myself."

Was it really because of her charm? His words still sounded quite pleasant.

She pressed on, "Couldn't you make it a bit cheaper?"

"I can't." Miyabi shook his head, "After all, the class spent so much money. So, think it over carefully. However, I've seen your abilities, and I'll invite the three of you to join the student council."

He handed out an invitation card.

"I believe in meritocracy. And I highly value your abilities."

"..."

"Nagumo-senpai." Houtarou asked, "How many second-year students are there now?"

Miyabi, caught off guard by the sudden question, still answered, "134 people."

134 people. One grade has 4 classes, 4x40=160 people.

The school conducts special exams, and since there's a rule about using 20 million Points to avoid expulsion, some students must fail the exams and get expelled.

But in his second year, after only one year, 26 people had been expelled. No matter how you look at it, it's not normal. The number of expelled students is too high.

"Have many students in your class been expelled, Senpai?" Houtarou continued.

Miyabi paused for a few seconds before responding, "About 10 from my class have been expelled for various reasons."

Houtarou had already figured it out. The reason why Manabu would reject this Vice President.

Miyabi, like Suzune's brother, likes to talk about meritocracy. But clearly, their ideals about it differ.

Miyabi's meritocracy means that he himself is excellent enough, and others cannot oppose him. Expelling so many students is his means of controlling the second year. Those who don't obey get expelled. Because it's his own class, there must be many rebels, so 10 were directly expelled from his class.

This guy is indeed a very troublesome person.

Thinking this, Houtarou realized his goal had been achieved. There was no need to continue discussing the shop issue with him.

As he was pondering this.

〖 Beep! 〗

A system prompt sound echoed in his mind.

〖 Congratulations, host has triggered a Side Task! 〗

〖 Side Task: Not Here, Pal! 〗

〖 Task Requirement: Disrupt Miyabi's dual pursuit of Kikyō and Suzune! 〗

〖 Task Duration: 10 days 〗

〖 Task Reward: Precognitive Dream (3 precognitive dreams at specified times each week) 〗

〖 Task Punishment: None! 〗

Houtarou fell silent, pondering the unexpected revelation.

So, this seemingly capable and amiable Senpai was actually that kind of person — pursuing two girls simultaneously?

The quest reward, however, piqued his interest. Precognitive Dream — the ability to glimpse future events? He couldn't deny his curiosity.

Houtarou had assumed he could only focus on the Main Task of 20 million Points, but now other Tasks had emerged. And so...

'I accept the quest.' He thought, eyeing the would-be playboy.

"What? Do you agree?" Miyabi asked, still fixated on his previous invitation.

"If it's an invitation, I must decline." Houtarou replied, "President Manabu stated he wouldn't recruit any first-year students during his term. So, Vice President Nagumo, your offer doesn't stand."

"…" Miyabi's forehead vein nearly burst, but he maintained his composure, "Oh."

His interest seemed to wane abruptly. This response indicated that this Kōhai was aligned with Manabu's camp.

It also meant the President was guarding against him and wouldn't use conventional methods to appoint him as the next president. He'd have to seize the position himself.

This was bad news for Miyabi, but it wasn't over yet.

"Also, Nagumo-senpai, please don't be so inappropriate." Houtarou added, "You already have someone you like, right? Don't set your sights on junior girls. It's quite embarrassing."

With that, he tugged on Suzune's sleeve and left with her.

"??" Kikyō looked confused, but seeing Houtarou depart with Suzune, she offered an apologetic smile and followed suit.

After all, she was cooperating with his actions this time. Still, she felt a twinge of regret, believing that joining the Student Council could have been beneficial.

Moreover, she had no inkling that he had already been in contact with the Student Council President.

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Once outside, Houtarou glanced at the Side Task that had appeared again. He decided to add some information.

"That Nagumo guy we just met isn't exactly a stand-up person." He said, "His shop collected points from second-year students, and he expelled classmates who opposed him. He also seems to have a keen interest in attractive girls. That's why I didn't mention Horikita's full name — I was concerned he might bother her."

Kikyō was well-versed in reading people. Her social skills were exceptional, allowing her to discern others' thoughts. In her eyes, Miyabi fell squarely into the playboy category.

However...

"Oreki-kun." She said, stopping in her tracks. She looked at him with doleful eyes, "You clearly knew what kind of person Nagumo-senpai was. Why didn't you warn me?"

She had already given Miyabi her full name. Did that mean she was going to be pestered?

No way. This couldn't be happening!

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