Given: Class B has Ryūji Kanzaki hiding behind the scenes, Class C has Hiyori Shiina standing behind the scenes, and Class D has Kiyotaka Ayanokōji concealed behind the scenes.
Now, here's the question:
While the masterminds of each class are hiding behind the scenes, there's one silly little white-haired girl actively battling wits with her destined future second-in-command. Who could she be?
Symon answered immediately: "It's Arisu Sakayanagi!"
As the scene fell into silence, just as Hiyori Shiina was wondering if she should change the subject, a light suddenly rekindled in the eyes of the girl before her. Arisu spoke in a calm tone:
"You're wrong, Hiyori. Class A has no shortage of 'smart people,' nor does it lack opportunists who bide their time, waiting for the right price. If I put it like that, you should understand, right...?"
Hiyori Shiina pondered for a moment. "Everyone has their own ideas, and everyone thinks they're right. In that situation, staying behind the scenes would probably just make one fade into the crowd. It really wouldn't work."
"That's exactly right. Do you feel the pressure, Hiyori?" Arisu Sakayanagi said casually, a pleasant curve forming on her lips—she had successfully diverted the conversation.
"Rest assured, if Class A really is that strong..."
Recalling Symon's style, Hiyori Shiina thought for a moment before saying in a gentle tone, "'I' would probably have Ryūen sneak into the faculty office and cross out all of your exam answers."
Arisu Sakayanagi smiled sweetly. "You're so cute, Hiyori."
Masumi Kamuro was shocked. "Not cute at all, okay!"
Airi Sakura asked uncertainly, "Can you really do that?"
"It is indeed possible."
Arisu Sakayanagi responded to the girl's doubt with a smile, her voice faint as she explained, "And if only thirty-nine papers were changed, Class A's points would probably be completely drained by the retake fees."
Masumi Kamuro: "...Are you two devils?"
With Kamuro joining in as the straight man and Sakura as the curious one, the conversation opened up. The atmosphere relaxed, and the small talk was no longer limited to just Sakayanagi and Hiyori.
After about ten minutes, the girls' conversation gradually died down. When Sakura was the first to leave, Sakayanagi didn't stay much longer either. After exchanging contact information with Hiyori, she left with Kamuro.
Near the library entrance, Masayoshi Hashimoto watched Sakura's retreating figure. Noticing Sakayanagi and Kamuro approaching, he casually placed the copy of Don Quixote he was holding back on the shelf and went to greet them with a smile:
"Princess, are we heading to Pallet next? I heard they have new items this week."
Seeing his eagerness, Kamuro nonchalantly averted her gaze, her steps faltering slightly as she subconsciously fell back just a tiny bit.
Noticing her small movement, Arisu Sakayanagi's lips curved into a smile. She said, seemingly without intention, "Ara, I don't really feel like going today. Do you have any plans, Masumi-chan?"
"None." Masumi Kamuro turned her head away. Just go drown in that coffee shop.
"..." Arisu Sakayanagi's eyes narrowed slightly. It seems this child needs to be disciplined.
...
——————————
The next day, in the afternoon.
"Sorry to keep you waiting." Hiyori Shiina opened her dorm room door, apologizing to Ibuki who was waiting outside.
"It's fine."
As she said this, Ibuki looked at Shiina's black and white short-sleeved skirt outfit and tilted her head in confusion. We're just going to a movie, why are you dressed so nicely?
Hiyori Shiina looked away, a bit embarrassed. "Well... I have my reasons."
She had originally wanted to change into something more casual, but when she opened her closet, it was full of little dresses picked out by a certain ghost. This skirt outfit was already one of the simpler ones.
Since she put it that way, Ibuki didn't press the matter. She took the elevator downstairs with the other girl, and before long, they arrived at the cinema.
The Advanced Nurturing High School's cinema was different from theaters outside the school. Since the entire school population couldn't even make up 1,000 people, it did away with scheduled showtimes and used an online reservation system instead.
As for the movie Ibuki had reserved, Symon took note; The Legend of 1900, a classic film. This was probably Ibuki's personal recommendation. In Symon's view, the girl had excellent taste in movies; it was a genre he enjoyed.
While they were waiting for the movie to start, two other girls unexpectedly entered the theater together. When Hiyori made eye contact with them, they also seemed surprised and came over to say hello.
"Hiyori-chan, long time no see!" Chihiro Shiranami waved, a brilliant smile on her face.
Beside her, Honami Ichinose wore a somewhat strained smile as she waved and said, "Long time no see, Shiina-san, and you too, Ibuki-san."
Hiyori responded with a gentle wave and turned to make an introduction. "It has been a while. This is Ibuki from our class."
As she finished speaking, Ibuki gave a nod, feigning calmness, which could barely be considered a response.
Chihiro Shiranami's eyes lit up as she leaned in to look at Ibuki. "It really is Ibuki-san! You're quite famous, you know~!"
Ibuki pointed to herself and asked uncertainly, "I'm... famous?"
Hiyori Shiina was just as confused and looked at Chihiro, who nodded repeatedly and said with a sly smile, "That's right! A lot of people on the school forums know you. You're Hiyori's Knight."
Ibuki was stunned. "!!!"
Symon mused aloud, "In that case, I'd at least have to be called the Hell Knight."
A hint of a smile appeared in Hiyori's eyes as she replied softly in her mind, "If that's what Mr. Ghost wants, I suppose it's fine. From now on, I'll call you Mr. Knight~"
Listening to the girl's soft whisper, Symon savored it for a moment before giving a positive review, "You know, that actually sounds pretty good."
Hiyori Shiina: "Then it's settled."
"Uh... you don't have to, really."
"~"
______
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