Chapter 288: Shuchiin Student Council Reunion

"By the way, what's the deal with that school? I couldn't find much about it online," asked Shirogane, concerned.

Hyakkaou Private Academy was somewhat known in Japan, mainly as a historic school that allowed gambling. But beyond that, information was scarce.

Thanks to Kirari's reign as president, the entire school had become a fortress, sealed off from the world.

"Yeah, the problems inside are pretty serious."

Rinji paused, then continued.

"An ideology that exalts gambling. Severe bullying. A staff that turns a blind eye. Students forced to pay heavy dues to the council. That's just the start."

"…That's awful. Is that even a school anymore?" Shirogane muttered, unable to comprehend it.

"When I arrived, the place was a dictatorship run by the council. It felt like something out of the Middle Ages."

"Rinji-kun!" Fujiwara suddenly burst out, "You didn't get bullied there, did you!?"

"Do you think that's possible?"

"It could be! I even asked my dad about that school recently." Fujiwara looked worried. "He was really uneasy when he heard you'd been transferred there. But he said he couldn't do anything to get you out…"

"Of course he couldn't."

Fujiwara came from a prominent political family—her father a Diet member, her mother a former diplomat, her uncle a cabinet minister, and her great-grandfather a former prime minister.

But even they had no say in Hyakkaou's affairs, and that was all because of Momobami Kirari.

The Momobami clan's influence reached across Japan's financial and political systems. Kirari herself held significant sway in the financial world.

And since she took over two years ago, she consolidated alumni into a powerful network. Most graduates now held positions in Japan's key institutions or succeeded family businesses. This gave her unparalleled access to information—surpassing even the Shinomiya family.

"No need to worry. I'm doing fine there."

Rinji appreciated Chika's concern, but he didn't need anyone's help.

Pulling a cigarette from his pocket and putting it to his lips, he smiled.

"Only three weeks left. Once everything wraps up, I'll return to Shuchiin."

Honestly, ever since transferring, Rinji realized he didn't need to do all that much.

He could've just kept the system running, played nice with the student council, and when he returned to Shuchiin, sent any troublesome students to Hyakkaou instead.

Way cheaper than sending them to Africa.

"Sorry I'm late!"

The restaurant door opened, and a petite girl walked in.

It was Iino Miko in her casual wear.

She ran over when she saw the others.

"Sorry, I got held up—wait! Are you smoking again!?"

Before even finishing her greeting, lino spotted the cigarette in Rinji's mouth, stormed up, yanked it out, and tossed it in the trash.

"…We're not even at school," Rinji muttered.

"Shuchiin students must uphold the school's image at all times." Her forehead twitched with veins. "I thought you kicked that habit. Did you forget the pride of being a disciplinary officer?"

"I'm not one anymore."

"He's not even a Shuchiin student right now," Ishigami added.

"Shut up, Ishigami."

"…Okay."

With a sigh, lino sat down and looked at Rinji.

"You weren't bullied at that school, right?"

"Why does everyone think I'm helpless? I'm doing just fine. I even opened an Anti-Gambling Club over there to help students escape gambling."

"That's amazing!"

Iino jumped to her feet in excitement.

"That's a righteous act! I'm so happy, Rinji-kun. You finally did something respectable!"

"…Am I really that unreliable in your eyes?"

"No… I mean, you did well, Rinji-kun."

Blushing slightly, Iino sat back down.

"Hahaha, Iino's just not very good with words sometimes," Fujiwara said with a giggle.

"I see. Then, Iino-san, since you're a new member of the student council, are you getting used to the work?"

"The work itself isn't too difficult, just a bit different from what I imagined."

As she said that, Iino shot a glare at Shirogane and Kaguya.

"I thought it would be a serious, rigorous organization that valued strength and discipline… but the first time I opened the door, the president and vice president were all lovey-dovey."

Shirogane and Kaguya's faces flushed simultaneously.

"You—you're making things up! What do you mean lovey-dovey!?" Shirogane stammered.

"Yeah! There's absolutely nothing between me and the president," Kaguya said calmly, though the tea spilling from her cup suggested otherwise.

"I saw it! Shinomiya-senpai, you were lying on the president!"

"Oh!?"

Everyone turned to look at Kaguya.

"Very forward of you, Lady Shinomiya," Rinji teased.

"D-Don't joke like that!" Kaguya flushed red. "I was just trying to give the president a massage because he looked tired, nothing more! If anything, Iino-san! Why are you thinking such indecent things!? That's not healthy!"

"What… I'm the one with unhealthy thoughts?" Iino was stunned.

"Exactly, mind your mental hygiene," Rinji added.

"Why are you saying that too!?"

"And you didn't even knock before entering," he continued.

"Ugh…"

"Hahahahaha!"

With Shirogane and Kaguya blushing, Iino puffing her cheeks, and Fujiwara and Ishigami laughing, Rinji's face relaxed into a gentle smile.

Now this was what a student council should look like—far more fun than the one at Hyakkaou.