Chapter 098: Kaguya’s Little Schemes

"By the way, the school's summer retreat is coming up soon. I'm so excited!" Chika Fujiwara said, swinging her legs playfully as she perched on the armrest of the sofa, trying to spark a conversation.

The so-called "summer retreat" was an outdoor educational activity aimed at fostering respect for nature and teamwork. Students learned practical skills, such as cooking their own meals, while building responsibility and improving interpersonal relationships.

While many schools scheduled it during summer break, Shuchiin Academy held it in the first semester of each academic year to help students acclimate to their class and strengthen their bonds.

"It'll probably be just like last year," Kaguya Shinomiya said as she brewed tea. "We'll study in a different setting, maybe have a campfire at the end. That's about it."

Though the retreat sounded fun, the fact that activities were conducted in class groups dampened her enthusiasm. After all, she wasn't in the same class as the president.

"Aw, Kaguya-chan, don't you like these kinds of events? I think they're great! But it's such a shame we can't do them together. Wouldn't it be better if we didn't have to stick to our classes?" Chika sighed wistfully.

What Chika said in passing, Kaguya took to heart. She completely agreed—if only the retreat didn't group students by class! Then she could team up with Kanade, cook together, explore together, and…

Finish the evening at the romantic campfire, where the president would invite her to dance and confess his feelings.

This is it! I can't let such a perfect opportunity go to waste!

"Actually, some students have already voiced their concerns," Kaguya said with a smile, turning to Kanade. "Grouping by class makes it harder to interact with friends from other classes. Perhaps the school could reconsider?"

"What do you think, President? Would it make sense to organize activities by grade instead of class?"

Suggesting "free grouping" outright would be too transparent, and Kanade might see through her intentions. Framing it as "by grade" sounded more reasonable and was easier to implement.

After all, the third years didn't attend the retreat, and the first and second years went to different locations. Managing just over a hundred students per grade was feasible. Most importantly, as vice president, she could justifiably stay close to the president under the guise of assisting him.

As his vice president, isn't it my duty to be by his side? No one can stop me!

"Organizing by grade would allow for more diverse activities, like the haunted trail students have been requesting…" Kaguya added, planting another seed.

"A haunted trail, huh?" Kanade considered it. The idea had merit, and as the new student council president, he wanted to make a strong impression.

"Managing by grade might be tricky. That's a lot of people…" he said.

"How about this? Each class can still have its committee members handle individual management and report to us daily. Then the student council can oversee things collectively," Kaguya suggested.

"We could maintain the usual class-based structure for the first few days, then host special events like the haunted trail and campfire in the final days. We'd also set up a reward and punishment system—recognizing the most orderly class and penalizing the least."

"Appropriate rewards are fine, but punishments should be strict. If they don't meet the standard, there must be consequences," she added, her tone firm.

At Shuchiin Academy, the student council wielded significant influence. While the retreat followed long-standing traditions, the council could propose changes as long as they were reasonable.

After hashing out the details, the plan was finalized.

Chika, elated, threw her arms around Kaguya, pressing their cheeks together as she nuzzled affectionately. "Yay! Now we can spend the whole retreat together, Kaguya-chan!"

"Ugh…" Kaguya grimaced. Her true goal was to be close to the president, not this "big-breasted milk cow"!

If not for maintaining appearances, I'd smack her chest flat right now!

Kaguya silently declared war on "team big breasts."

"Don't get too excited," Kanade interjected, attempting to temper their enthusiasm. "This change means more work for the student council. We might not have as much time to enjoy the retreat ourselves."

"But as long as we complete our duties, you can do whatever you like afterward," he added.

"Whatever I like… President, you're not thinking of something perverted, are you?" Chika said, her expression suddenly one of disgust, as if he'd already committed the offense.

A vein popped on Kanade's forehead. Why do I even try to be nice to her? He opened his mouth to retort, but before he could, the door to the student council room opened.

Miko Iino stepped in once again.

"…The president wants to do something perverted?"

The first-year's piercing gaze of judgment froze Kanade in place.

"It's not what you think! I absolutely do not want to do anything perverted!" he blurted out, half in panic, half exasperation.

Feeling cornered by the situation, Kanade adopted a more commanding tone to reclaim control. Turning to Miko, he said, "As a first-year, I'd like you to oversee the organization of your grade during the retreat. Think of it as preparation for when you become student council president one day. With your abilities, I'm sure you'll handle it perfectly."

Miko's expression softened slightly. "Are you sure? I'm still new, and I'm not sure I'm better suited than… well, never mind." Her hesitation vanished as she remembered Ishigami, bolstering her confidence.

Clearing her throat, she nodded. "Alright, I'll take responsibility for the first years. Ishigami can assist if needed."

"Good. Delegate tasks to him as necessary," Kanade said, relieved that Miko accepted. At the same time, he couldn't resist a bit of payback for Ishigami forming a secret "buddy group" with Shirogane and leaving him out.

Consider this your punishment for excluding me, Kanade thought.

Though truthfully, between the two first-years, Miko was the more dependable choice. After all, they couldn't hand such an important task to an outsider—or a slacker like Ishigami.