When Sakayanagi Arisu shamelessly prevented Katsuragi Kōhei from taking the contract, the atmosphere in the classroom immediately became tense.
Hashima and Ichinose Honami, standing near the podium, saw the bald boy awkwardly withdraw his hand after being verbally rebuffed.
"Sakayanagi makes a valid point. Let's continue with your campaign speech."
Though visibly displeased, Katsuragi didn't make a scene. Instead, he positioned himself next to Ichinose, waiting for Sakayanagi to finish her address.
"Thank you for your cooperation, Katsuragi-kun."
With a gentle smile, Sakayanagi leaned on her cane and began her speech. The content was standard—helping the class, uniting the students, etc.
But with her delicate appearance and silver hair straight out of a fairy tale, she naturally captivated everyone's attention. After all, who doesn't love a pretty girl? Especially those questionable lolicon enthusiasts.
A few minutes later, amid enthusiastic applause, she concluded her speech.
Next came the vote count. The election organizer collected the ballots and recorded the results under each name on the board.
Hashima, enjoying the show, whispered to Ichinose:
"Who do you think will win?"
"It's hard to say. Both Katsuragi and Sakayanagi seem popular."
Ichinose couldn't predict the outcome, but personally, she admired Sakayanagi. Despite her physical disability, the girl displayed remarkable strength.
"What about you, Hashima-kun?"
"I think... How should I know..."
Hashima shrugged, watching the numbers balance perfectly under both names.
Five minutes later, the result was announced:
"Katsuragi Kōhei: 20 votes. Sakayanagi Arisu: 20 votes. It's a perfect tie!"
Exclamations of surprise erupted in the classroom. Even Katsuragi, standing beside Hashima, fell silent at this unexpected outcome.
"Should we vote again?" someone suggested.
"What if it's another tie? Wasting more time would be pointless!"
The tension quickly escalated until Katsuragi intervened:
"Totsuka, calm down. Now isn't the time."
The boy named Totsuka—a short-haired student clearly loyal to Katsuragi—immediately complied.
Turning to Sakayanagi, Katsuragi asked:
"What do you propose we do about this tie?"
"I have no suggestions. If this is the class's will, I'll abide by it."
Implied: she wouldn't back down.
As the standoff threatened to drag on, Hashima stepped in:
"How about we pause the election? After we settle our matter, you can resume voting."
"What we have to propose might even influence your decision."
After exchanging glances, the two rivals agreed.
Hashima signaled Ichinose to distribute the contracts.
The reactions were polar opposites: Katsuragi paled, while Sakayanagi smiled.
"You're proposing to sell us the school's hidden rules... with a no-resale clause?"
"Exactly." Hashima addressed the entire class. "The first day has already revealed many anomalies. Haven't you noticed them?"
"What do you mean?" Katsuragi, though normally composed, seemed unsettled.
Sakayanagi stepped toward Hashima, her cane tapping against the floor.
"He means they've solved the school's riddle before us... and now want to sell us the answer. Am I right, Hashima-kun?"
Standing close enough for him to catch her faint scent, she locked her violet eyes onto his.
"Precisely. And this contract proves we possess this information."
Ichinose added: "The official seal confirms its authenticity."
Katsuragi examined the document. Indeed, the stamp matched those on school paperwork.
"One million private points. Non-negotiable." Hashima raised a finger.
This figure, decided earlier with Ichinose, was strategic—asking for double would have been too risky.
"Too expensive!" Totsuka protested. "This is a scam!"
Hashima glared at him.
"We paid three million for these rules through the teachers. This contract prevents resale to other classes."
He turned to the two potential leaders:
"Thus, Class A only pays a third of the original cost. What do you say?"
Katsuragi immediately understood:
"You want to split the cost across three classes to break even... while your class pays nothing."
"If we solved it first, why shouldn't we profit?"
Hashima held his gaze, bluffing boldly.
He was playing a risky card—convincing them his lie was truth.