Chapter 073: Overboard, Way Overboard!

The election had ended.

Miko Iino, emboldened by her courage, had indeed demonstrated a striking charm and a natural leadership presence that resonated with many. However, her overly strict policies proved too difficult for most to accept.

As for Isshiki Iroha, her mundane proposals were a poor fit for the vibrant and ambitious culture of Shuchiin Academy. Following a 30-minute heated debate with Kanade and Kaguya, her approval ratings plummeted, leaving her with no chance of victory.

Unsurprisingly, Kanade Natsukawa secured the win.

"That was closer than I expected," Kanade muttered.

The voting results posted on the wall painted a striking picture. Initially trailing, Miko Iino had surged to second place after her powerful speech, coming within a few dozen votes of Kanade's total.

While some votes likely came from the faction loyal to Shuchiin's traditions, the majority must have supported her for her evident hard work. Without the accomplishments he and the student council had achieved over the past term, Kanade might well have lost to the first-year underdog.

That realization was… a little painful.

In some respects, Miko Iino and her tiny team had outperformed his larger, more experienced team in terms of winning hearts and minds.

"Fine, that settles it," Kanade thought. "I'll bring her into the student council.

Whether it was to harness her capabilities or prevent her from ousting him in the next election, inviting her onboard was a strategic necessity.

If she was reluctant, he could offer a deal: "I'll fully support you in becoming the next student council president during the next election."

Helping her succeed after he stepped down would ensure a familiar ally took the helm while earning her gratitude.

Recruiting Iino

"Hey, Ishigami," Kanade called, turning to his friend. "What do you think about inviting Miko Iino to join the student council?"

"Eh? You're serious, President?"

"Of course. Based purely on ability, she's more than qualified, isn't she?"

"That's not the issue…" Ishigami hesitated, looking uneasy. "Just… don't say I didn't warn you."

"Warn me? About what?"

Kanade was puzzled but didn't press further. To him, Miko Iino seemed like a straightforward, by-the-book junior. A bit rigid, perhaps, but surely manageable with the right guidance.

What could possibly go wrong?

"Well, I'll go find her now. Oh, and Ishigami—don't be late for the student council meeting tomorrow morning."

"Yes, sir."

Kanade found Miko Iino chatting animatedly with Kobachi Osaragi, surrounded by a group of students offering congratulations. He waited patiently nearby until the crowd dispersed, then approached.

"President! Hello. Is there something you need?" Miko greeted him with a polite but wary tone. Her lingering frustration from narrowly losing the election was evident, though she tried to mask it.

"I wouldn't call it 'needing' something," Kanade replied, offering his hand. "I'll get straight to the point: would you like to join the student council?"

"…"

"If you still aspire to be student council president, gaining hands-on experience would be invaluable. Don't you agree?"

Miko's eyes sparkled with interest, though she hesitated. Kobachi, however, shook her head.

"I'll pass. To be honest, I'm not that interested in the student council. I was just here to cheer for Miko. What about you, Miko?"

"I… I've never been invited to join the student council before…" Miko stammered. "Please, allow me some time to think it over."

"Of course. If you're interested, come by the student council room tomorrow morning. You'll be very welcome," Kanade said with a friendly smile. "And Kobachi, you're welcome too."

"Thank you, President…"

"I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. See you tomorrow?"

With a polite wave, Kanade departed.

Visiting Kaguya

Having extended the invitation, Kanade turned his attention to a more pressing matter: checking on Kaguya Shinomiya.

According to a message from Ai Hayasaka, Kaguya had fallen ill—likely due to stress—and was resting in the infirmary. Though Hayasaka assured him she was asleep, Kanade felt it necessary to visit.

Quietly pushing open the door to the infirmary, Kanade entered, intending to wait until Kaguya woke up.

What he heard, however, froze him in place:

"Why hasn't the President come to check on me?"

"I collapsed! Shouldn't he be moving heaven and earth to visit me?"

"Could it be… the President doesn't want me in the student council anymore?"

Hayasaka's calm voice interjected, "But didn't Kanade specifically invite you to stay on as vice president?"

"That's only because he doesn't know the real me yet! My personality… my underhanded tactics against the other candidates… he probably knows everything!"

"The secret deals I made to consolidate votes from various clubs… that, too, might be exposed…"

"And what if he's discovered that the election committee was secretly influenced by me?!"

Hayasaka: "You've certainly been busy, haven't you?"

"Of course! If I didn't do all that, there was no guarantee how things would turn out!"

"But let's face it—I'm just a scheming, manipulative woman. Even if he wanted to kick me out of the student council, I couldn't blame him!"

"It's not even a matter of blame at this point! It's just outright unfair! All my hard-earned support was handed over on a silver platter to others!"

"It's like a hardworking wife slaving away day and night to save money, only for her deadbeat husband to squander it on frivolities!"

"Wait… who's the wife here?!"

Hayasaka: "If you have so much to say, why not tell Kanade directly?"

"Wha—?!"

Kaguya froze, following Hayasaka's pointed finger to the doorway, where Kanade stood with an awkward expression.

"Uh… sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop…"