Chapter 16: Chapter 016 ↦ It's All About Points—Everything Has a Price Tag!
The extent of the Student Council's authority — what they can do and how much they can do — is enticing.
"As per our agreement, I've already given you 500,000 points, and I'll continue to pay you 50,000 points every month from now on. However, I'm not taking advantage of you. For this difference... I can offer you a position as secretary in the Student Council. Also, during my tenure as Student Council President, I won't accept any first-year students' applications to join."
That's what the Student Council President said, demonstrating the importance of Manabu's position.
Yet, since it's being offset with money, it's almost as if he's authorizing the sale of this position.
Most Class A students would want to join the Student Council, right? But Houtarou doesn't.
The Student Council at this school wields extensive authority, which also means a heavy workload. He prefers to avoid unnecessary tasks and keeps essential ones simple. His current focus is accumulating Points.
So this position will likely be sold. Still, he acknowledges Manabu's strength, knowing this is a school where ability reigns supreme.
But this is teaching him another way to monetize: The Student Council position can be sold to those who need it.
Manabu has painted a grand picture. If one Student Council position can be sold, then as Student Council President, couldn't all other positions — except the President's — be sold for a hefty sum?
So, he is tempting Houtarou to aim for the Student Council President position. This also hints that Manabu, in his third year, has spotted an issue with his chosen candidate for the next President.
"Your brother is really troublesome." Houtarou couldn't help but say.
"Hm?" Suzune was confused.
"..."
Houtarou glanced at her. This classmate was probably the most attractive girl in his eyes.
Her waist-length black hair cascaded down her back and shoulders, with a small white ribbon tied into a bow on the right side and a long, thin braid. Her waterfall-like black hair carried a lily-like fragrance, likely from her shampoo. Long eyelashes framed orange, fox-like eyes full of allure, complementing her delicate face. When composed, she exuded an elegant, almost aloof aura.
Her vulnerable demeanor, a result of her brother's departure, lent her an unexpected charm.
However, physical attractiveness holds little value here. At this school, one's looks aren't a viable means of success.
"Have you acquired all your living essentials?" Houtarou inquired.
He pondered the school's oversight in not providing aid to students without Points. It seemed they hadn't considered that new enrollees might start with zero Points, yet still be required to board at the school.
Wasn't this akin to torture?
Based on his dormitory experience, even bedding had to be purchased individually. Suzune likely lacked these necessities.
『100,000 Points have been credited to your account!』
Suddenly, her phone vibrated. It was a transfer notification — she hadn't disabled the voice alert, or perhaps hadn't anticipated receiving funds.
The sender was her brother. He'd thought of everything.
"I only obtained some of the free essentials." Suzune stated.
Though perplexed, her brother's transfer indicated his approval for her continued enrollment. Moreover, determined to prove her worth, she felt compelled to remain at the school.
"And remember what my brother said about including me in your activities." She added.
Suzune and Houtarou went their separate ways.
She appeared to be heading towards the shopping district, likely to purchase necessary items that required payment.
But...
"..." Houtarou pondered.
He had already recognized her flaw — this person might struggle to connect with others. Her brother likely understood this too, hoping Houtarou would include his sister in activities to broaden her horizons.
Oh well. He didn't need Suzune tonight anyway. They could part ways for now.
After she left, Houtarou glanced around, ensuring he was alone.
〖 Do you want to use Teleportation to go home? 〗
Yes!
It's already 8 PM! Time to head home for dinner!
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The next day.
"So that's how it is—"
After Teacher Mashima's homeroom class ended, Houtarou raised his hand.
"Houtarou—" Kōhei glanced over.
Upon entering the classroom that morning, Houtarou had noticed Kōhei seemingly wanting to approach him. Instead of acknowledging him, he focused his attention on Teacher Mashima.
"Teacher Mashima, I'd like to create a group chat."
Given the surveillance cameras, Houtarou needed to be discreet about auctioning off the Student Council position. A group chat seemed the ideal solution.
While Student Council positions appealed to upper-class students as well, Manabu had already declared that during his tenure, first-year students wouldn't be allowed to join.
Consequently, first-years wouldn't have another opportunity to join the Student Council. As a Class A student himself, Houtarou naturally prioritized his own class.
"About that group chat." Kōhei interjected quickly, "I've actually already created one. Since I couldn't reach you, I asked Kamuro for help."
"I see." Houtarou nodded slightly, then glanced at Masumi.
Why hadn't she informed him about this?
However, noticing her concerned expression as she pored over the vocabulary book Masayoshi (Hashimoto) had prepared for her, Houtarou decided to let it slide for now.
Without further ado, Houtarou joined the group chat Kōhei had created.
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