William 26

Title: Let Me Take a Good Look at You

Kousen waved his hand, stopping the Disciplinary Committee members who were about to handcuff them.

“I don’t think Senpai will run. Of course, if they do, the chance for negotiations will be lost.”

“We won’t run.”

The one who spoke was another male student, likely a leader of this student group alongside Sayaka.

“Then where will we talk?”

Sayaka’s tone was sharp, clearly displeased with Kousen’s harsh words earlier.

“Next, both of you will follow me to the Student Council room to discuss the specifics.”

“As for the rest, disperse for today.”

Mayumi clapped her hands, preparing to take Sayaka and the male student away.

Mari was tasked with recording statements from the other students, as they would still face punishment later.

“Juumonji-kun, and Kousen-kun, come with me too.”

Kousen lowered his head in resignation. He should’ve been able to slip away; he hated dealing with convoluted matters like this.

“Oh, by the way, Tatsuya-kun, I think you need to explain properly why Mibu-senpai’s contact is in your mobile terminal.”

“Oh, Onii-sama, could you explain it to me properly?”

“Wait, Miyuki, calm down.”

Tatsuya’s panicked explanation from behind slightly lifted Kousen’s gloomy mood.

Sayaka, quietly following the group, glanced at Kousen in surprise. In the projection room, she had thought this vice president was cold and heartless.

But reality seemed a bit different.

“Surprised?”

Mayumi was adept at reading facial expressions, or rather, her environment had honed this skill.

This ability allowed her to naturally discern what Sayaka was thinking through her expression.

“Yes.”

Sayaka hadn’t expected Mayumi to strike up a conversation, so her response was a bit slow.

“He does have a mischievous side. Don’t judge him by how he was earlier; he’s actually a good person.”

Mayumi looked at her with a smile.

Sayaka wasn’t used to Mayumi’s friendliness. She didn’t understand why the Student Council president was so kind to them after what had happened.

“I understand.”

She could only manage that single sentence before falling silent again.

“Alright, we’re here. Please come in.”

Mayumi opened the door to the Student Council room, and everyone found a seat.

“Regarding the issue of Second Course student treatment you want to negotiate, I’ve just received approval from the school, so I’ll fully represent the school in negotiating with you.”

Mayumi didn’t bother with pleasantries, getting straight to the point after sitting down.

“So, which regulations do you want to improve?”

Sayaka and the male student slightly lowered their guard. Coming here, they had prepared for the possibility that the Student Council might turn on them and arrest them.

“Regarding this, we want to do it in the school auditorium. Negotiate openly in front of all the students.”

The two, who had momentarily relaxed, also presented the demand they had discussed in the projection room.

Before coming, they had agreed to avoid negotiations with just a few people as much as possible, as in such situations, the Student Council could alter the negotiated rules. But if negotiations were held publicly, the results couldn’t be changed.

“Mm, a reasonable condition.”

Katsuto approved with his eyes closed.

“Fine, then let’s set it for tomorrow afternoon. We also want this matter resolved quickly.” Mayumi said without objection.

“Then let’s decide the number of negotiators from both sides.”

“If there are too many people, the negotiations will drag on.” Kousen said to Mayumi.

“I’ll think about it.”

Mayumi tilted her head, showing a cute expression.

“How about five representatives from Mibu-kun’s side? As for the Student Council, I alone should be enough.”

“Hey! Do you think you’re Zhuge Liang from ancient China, debating against a group of scholars?” Kousen quickly shot Mayumi a look.

Mayumi promptly ignored his implied message, waiting for Sayaka’s side to respond.

Seeing that Katsuto had no intention of stopping her, Kousen could only give up.

“Alright, then.”

Sayaka quickly agreed. With the opponent offering such a big advantage, they had no reason to refuse.

“If there’s nothing else, let’s end here for today. We still have a lot to prepare.”

The other male student suggested.

“Mm, go ahead.”

Mayumi extended her hand, gesturing for them to leave.

After the two left, Katsuto also took his leave. As the head of the Club Federation, he was extremely busy, especially with today’s commotion, and needed to return to headquarters to handle the next steps.

“Ah~ So tiring.”

After everyone left, Mayumi dropped her graceful demeanor, collapsing onto the table. Her delicate, smiling face flattened against it.

“But you could say this is also a chance to resolve the issue.”

“Originally, your proposals, Mayumi, needed some ‘off-field maneuvers’ to be fully realized. But after today’s events, your proposals might pass without needing many tricks.”

Kousen smiled at her.

“But why did you suggest one against five? Wouldn’t that put you at a disadvantage in the negotiations?” Kousen asked, puzzled.

“Well, I’ve been good at negotiating since I was little. Too many people would actually hinder my thinking.”

“You’ll see tomorrow.”

“Don’t worry, Juumonji-kun didn’t object either.”

“Alright, then let me take a good look at how Mayumi negotiates tomorrow.”

Kousen’s unintentional words made Mayumi’s face flush again, even her small, delicate ears turning slightly pink.

“Jeez, you always say things that embarrass me.”

“But this matter probably won’t end so easily. Tomorrow might be when [Blanche] makes their move.”

Kousen, not noticing Mayumi’s embarrassment, spoke with a rather excited tone.

“Haiz… So troublesome.”