On a bright afternoon, which should have been the perfect time for a nap,
But because of Ryuuen's troublemaking, everyone was forced to reconvene in the Student Council meeting room.
First Year Class B's representatives were still Shiraha Chihiro, Kanzaki Ryuji, and Shibata Sō, only this time, Hoshinomiya-sensei was absent, seemingly because Hoshinomiya-sensei wanted to take a nap and refused to attend the meeting.
First Year Class C's representatives were Sakaue-sensei, Ishizaki, Kondo, and Komiya.
First Year Class D's representatives were Chabashira-sensei, Miyako Amane, Sakura Airi, and Horikita Suzune.
The arbitration panel was chaired by President Horikita Manabu, with other members including Secretary Tachibana Akane, Vice President Nagumo Miyabi, and Service Committee member Ichinose Honami.
If one simply looked at the lineup, it seemed everyone was roughly equal, referring to the number of people, of course.
In terms of quality, Amane's side undoubtedly held the advantage.
Ryuuen, despite both he and Ichinose being unable to defend their own class, dared to proactively present himself.
Did he really think Ishizaki would be his opponent?
Amane's face broke into a smile.
"Amane-san, the meeting is about to begin. Is there anything you wish to say?"
Seeing Amane smile, Horikita Manabu mistakenly thought that Amane had already concluded negotiations with the other classes, which was why she appeared so relaxed.
If they could resolve it privately, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for Horikita Manabu. He was already somewhat weary of adjudicating such incidents filled with betrayal and lies.
"I do indeed have something to say to President Horikita."
"Something to say to me? Private communication is not allowed during the meeting. If there's anything, please say it publicly to everyone."
President Horikita always felt that Amane had ill intentions towards him, but he thought about it and realized that he was not the breakthrough point in this incident at all. Even if he were dealt with, it wouldn't have any impact on the entire incident.
Moreover, Amane should know his position. Even with Suzune sitting beside him, he wouldn't show any special favoritism towards First Year Class D.
"I want to report someone."
"Who?"
"I want to report the Student Council President, Horikita Manabu. As the elder brother of Horikita Suzune, one of First Year Class D's attendees, he is brazenly presiding over the arbitration meeting. There is a possibility of an unfair judgment. Based on the principle of fairness and justice to all, I request a change of arbitrator."
Amane's words stunned everyone present.
"Amane, what on earth are you doing?"
Seeing Amane say such things, Horikita Suzune quickly tugged at Amane beside her.
She knew that her brother, Horikita Manabu, would not favor her at all.
But a strictly neutral stance, even if it couldn't be used as a weapon, could serve as a shield to protect herself. With President Horikita, she wouldn't have to worry about his stance leaning towards others.
After all, no matter how much her brother disliked her, it was impossible for him to side with others, help others bully his sister, or be detrimental to his sister's class.
"Trust me."
Amane winked at Horikita Suzune.
Seeing Amane's confidence, Horikita Suzune didn't say much more. After all, her relationship with Horikita Manabu was what it was, and it was absolutely impossible for both of them to remain.
"What do you all think?"
After the initial surprise, Horikita Manabu's expression returned to calm, and he looked at the other two classes.
"I think Miyako-san has a point. It's indeed a bit unreasonable for siblings to participate in such an important arbitration meeting simultaneously."
Sakaue-sensei was the first to represent First Year Class C and express his opinion.
"I also support the First Year Class D representative's statement. Although I highly respect President Horikita's character, familial ties will certainly influence President Horikita's judgment."
Although Kanzaki didn't understand why Amane would sever her own arm right at the start, since it was something beneficial to him, there was no need to refuse. Kanzaki was rather pleased to see such a situation.
"But President Horikita is the most qualified person to make a judgment. Can't First Year Class D just replace Horikita-san?"
Secretary Tachibana anxiously asked.
She didn't want the president she respected to be replaced in such an important setting.
"Secretary Tachibana, you are too naive. Even if Horikita Suzune is replaced, how can you guarantee that President Horikita won't show favoritism towards First Year Class D out of love for his family?"
At this moment, Nagumo, who had been silent, suddenly spoke.
"Manabu is not that kind of person."
"I also know that President Horikita is not that kind of person, but our words are ultimately just superficial, aren't they? How do we make the other classes believe us? In an important arbitration meeting where someone might be expelled, it's truly unbelievable that a person related to the highest arbitrator appears... If I'm not mistaken, the list verification was handled by you, Secretary Tachibana, correct?"
Nagumo's words instantly pushed Secretary Tachibana into the spotlight.
In such an important meeting concerning someone's expulsion, such a huge oversight occurred in the verification of attendees, even leading to the Student Council President being forced to recuse himself. Secretary Tachibana's dereliction of duty was definitely unavoidable.
"It's just recusal, nothing major. The arbitration meeting will be presided over by Nagumo Miyabi, and Secretary Tachibana will leave with me."
Horikita Manabu's gaze swept over Secretary Tachibana and Nagumo Miyabi.
In the end, he chose Nagumo Miyabi.
Although Secretary Tachibana was capable, she lacked sufficient experience to handle such a large-scale meeting.
While Nagumo Miyabi's experience in this area was also not ample, his ability to command the entire second year suggested he wouldn't be intimidated in such a meeting.
Additionally, to prevent Secretary Tachibana from becoming the target of everyone's attacks, he needed to take her away.
"Please rest assured and leave it to me."
Nagumo Miyabi's unperturbed demeanor made Horikita Manabu's eye twitch.
He finally realized the problem.
It was the unspoken understanding. Amane proposed changing the arbitrator, and then Nagumo Miyabi immediately pointed out Secretary Tachibana's oversight. There were four Student Council members present: excluding him and Secretary Tachibana, only Nagumo and Ichinose remained. Ichinose was related to First Year Class B. If even President Horikita needed to recuse himself, then Ichinose Honami certainly couldn't preside over the meeting either.
The answer changed from multiple-choice to single-choice.
"Hmm, then I'll trouble you."
Horikita Manabu left the meeting room with a worried expression. If Amane and Nagumo teamed up, he didn't even dare to imagine what tragedy might occur.
"I'm sorry, it's all because of me..."
Secretary Tachibana was about to apologize to Horikita Manabu when a sudden weight fell on her shoulder.
"It's a small matter. It's also break time now. Secretary Tachibana, you should go back and rest well. Our afternoon class is physical education, and it will be very troublesome if you don't get enough rest."
Horikita Manabu's gentleness made Secretary Tachibana almost want to cry.
"I understand, but what about you, Manabu?"
Horikita Manabu hadn't said what he was going to do in his previous arrangements.
"As the Student Council President, I must get the results here as soon as possible."
Hopefully... things weren't as he imagined.
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