Chapter 291: The Election Begins

The student council of Hyakkaou Private Academy was disbanded.

In its place came a new round of elections for student council president.

After experiencing the student council election at Shuchiin Academy, Rinji found himself once again drawn into an election—this time at Hyakkaou.

This election was open not only to current students, but also to the representatives of the Hundred Devouring Families.

For ordinary students, this was their closest brush with power. For the Hundred Devouring Families, it was their one shot at securing the title of clan head.

The election reignited a gambling frenzy among students who had grown apathetic.

Before, they could only gamble for money. Now, they could gamble for power.

And since the ballots were chips, even Rinji's Anti-Gambling Club couldn't interfere. Chips weren't cash, and retaliation by buying them back wasn't feasible.

The temporary election committee, set up before the council's disbandment, announced that ballots could only be transferred through gambling. Any ballots obtained via fraud, barter, or coercion would be invalidated.

Students assumed Rinji couldn't interfere.

They underestimated him.

If Rinji wanted to intervene, he would—no matter if there was a student council or not. He'd use force to manipulate the election if necessary.

The students were enthusiastic.

But they had no idea there was another force now at play in the school.

"So, what we need to do is gather the ballots. That way, we'll become the new clan head."

Each family representative had their own schemes.

With the student council disbanded, the playing field was level. The Hundred Devouring Families saw a rare opportunity to seize power.

"First, let's review the rules."

Totobami Terano, seated in her wheelchair, was pushed along while contemplating the details of the election.

"Each person holds one vote. Votes can only be transferred through gambling, and every match must be overseen by an election committee member."

"Indeed. So we need to defeat every person in the school."

"These students aren't even worth our attention. The real competition is within our clan."

The family representatives had never taken Hyakkaou's students seriously. To them, these students were just cattle being bled dry by Kirari without even realizing it. Not worth considering as opponents.

Their only real opponents were each other.

Still, Terano cautioned, "Be careful. Don't forget—he's here."

"You mean… Rinji?"

At the mention of his name, silence fell.

They all knew of him. He wasn't someone you could assess with common sense. The elders wanted them to win the presidency—but also warned them to avoid getting involved with Takamine Rinji at all costs.

Otherwise, it would spell disaster for the entire clan.

"No matter how much power or resources the Hundred Devouring Families hold, to Rinji, we're not even worth noticing," Terano said calmly. "Just win votes, and stay far away from him."

Inbami Miyo, who had remained silent, now asked, "But… what if he also wants to be president?"

"Then let him."

"You're just giving up?"

"It's a temporary compromise. If Rinji truly wants the position, we can't stop him. It'd only bring ruin to the clan," Terano said seriously. "This isn't a game—nothing he does would surprise me. His power is beyond what our clan can handle. Right now, we must tread carefully and avoid him."

Miyo fell silent again.

"And honestly, he probably doesn't care. What we're fighting for—'power'—is nothing to him. His goals are on another level. He doesn't need the presidency. But if he does want it, helping him would be a small price to pay for the favor of someone like him."

---

Elsewhere...

"The student council is gone, as you've heard. The new president will be whoever has the most ballots. Each of you has one."

The activity room was packed. Every student held a token—representing their vote.

"President Rinji, are you planning to run for student council president?"

Manyuda asked.

"Honestly, I'm not interested in that position. I'm only participating in this boring event for the sake of playing a game with Kirari," Rinji replied, lightly flipping his ballot chip.

Rinji had three possible outcomes in mind:

A member of the Anti-Gambling Club becomes president, changes the school's rules, and enforces anti-gambling reforms.

He interferes with or disrupts the election so the student council can't be rebuilt.

He physically blows up the school—forcing everyone to quit gambling in the most literal way.

Of course, Rinji didn't create the Anti-Gambling Club out of charity. He didn't care about "saving" these pathetic gamblers.

Letting them rot was the best ending for them.

He was only doing all this because it was fun matching wits with Kirari.

He never saw her as an enemy.

If she had been, he'd have eliminated her the moment she became a threat. He wouldn't have stayed at Hyakkaou to play games.

He was here because he found it entertaining.

"Then, President, what should we do now?"

"Gather up all the ballots and let's have some fun with Kirari."

"You're going to run for president?"

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm still the treasurer of Shuchiin Academy's student council. How could I participate in another school's election?" Rinji laughed.

"Then why gather the ballots—"

Smack.

Before Manyuda could finish, Rinji placed a light hand on his shoulder.

"Do you know why I never made you sign the Anti-Gambling contract when you joined the club? Whether you become a king or not… depends on whether you can seize this opportunity."