(Dazai Crowley's POV)
Cerulean Academy, Present Day
"If there are no objections, I will be more than happy to volunteer for the role of Class President myself."
This was the selfless proposal that Ryoku offered.
To some, it was certainly a kind gesture.
But in reality, it was simply a trick to rise to power.
A trick that would have worked—
—Had it not been for one person in particular.
"You will do no such thing."
One person immediately interjected.
This swift and sudden remark came from none other than Esmes Montoya herself.
"Excuse me?"
It appears Ryoku wasn't expecting a rebuttal.
"You heard me. I said you will do no such thing. I'm afraid that role should, and will, fall onto someone like me and only me alone."
"Oh? And why's that?"
"Didn't you say it yourself? It would be problematic if someone incapable was placed as our leader. Therefore, it's only logical we give that role to someone who already has leadership experience. Naturally, that person should be me and me alone."
"I agree. However, would it truly be wise for us to place you of all people as our leader?"
"I don't see why not. After all, I fail to see anybody else in this entire school, let alone in this class of ours, who would be a better leader than I am."
"How optimistic. However, isn't that a conceited way of seeing yourself? Now I could be wrong but that doesn't sound very "leader-like" if you ask me."
True.
Humility is one trait that makes a leader after all.
However, to the girl named Esmes Montoya, "humility" was simply an irrelevant matter altogether.
"Conceited or not, it is the truth."
"The truth?"
"Don't tell me you forgot who I already am?"
"What are you going on about?"
Esmes chuckles and snaps her fan shut.
"Heh, in that case, allow me to remind you."
She proudly strikes a pose.
"I am Esmes Montoya, the lone daughter of the Montoya Family, and the next heir in line to inherit the title of CEO to a family owned multi-billionaire corporation. So naturally, I have been taught on how to be a…—no, "the" perfect leader in all situations."
And just like that, she shamelessly flaunts her status.
"...Is that so?"
"Yes. Now that you understand that much, it would also be in your best interest to back down. —Now."
"—Is that supposed to be some sort of threat?"
Ryoku glares at her.
Esmes tilts her head nonchalantly.
"And if it is?"
She responds with no hesitation.
Bold words were spoken with almost hostile intent. And yet in the face of it, Ryoku simply returned her gaze, showing neither a hint of hesitation nor fear.
Sparks flew from their eyes.
A conflict between the two girls was brewing.
"—Alright, that's enough out of you two…."
"Hmm?"
Huh?
Suddenly, one boy rose from his seat with a somewhat displeased expression on his face. His words interrupted the previous standoff, causing him to garnish some attention from the two girls.
"And who are you?", asked Esmes.
"The name's Victor."
"Well, "Victor". You stay out of this. This is between me and Santa's little helper over here, thank you."
"I beg your pardon!?"
Not even Ryoku was able to hide her offense.
Victor sighed and adjusted his glasses.
"Trust me. I would be more than happy to stay out of your business. However, as a student, I cannot condone acts of conflict here in our classroom."
"So what? Are you trying to say you got a problem with me or something?"
"Something like that, yes."
He didn't even flinch.
"Oh yeah?—"
Suddenly, Esmes lit her hand ablaze with magic fire before looking towards the boy above her.
"—Then why don't you come down here and do something about it then?"
Victor stared at her for a moment.
"As much as I appreciate the offer, I have absolutely zero intention of fighting you."
He replied calmly and softened his gaze.
His aura was that of a true pacifist.
"Tch, then why are you even talking to me? You should just shut up and mind your own business."
Understanding his intent, Esmes disengaged her flames and then flipped her hair in displeasure.
Victor sighed again.
"I will. But only after I present to you all a solution. That is, if you're willing to hear me out, of course."
"And pray tell, what is this solution of yours, Victor?"
Thankfully, being the more reasonable one, Ryoku also sighed and decided to hear him out.
—No, it's more like she was looking for a way out.
"If we're going to decide who to elect as our class leader, then why don't we rely on basic politics?"
"Politics?"
"This is what I propose."
To explain his answer, Victor approached the chalkboard. From there, he borrowed a piece of chalk from Gwein and began writing the following:
—(Class D's Election Event)—
1. Each person will be given the right to vote. Votes will be accumulated and stored in a tally box.
2. Once a person votes, their choices are permanent and cannot be redacted. All votes are anonymous.
3. You cannot vote for yourself.
4. People are allowed to abstain from voting altogether, however their decision is permanent.
5. Right before the end of the month, all votes will be counted by Mrs. Gwein. Whoever's name has the most votes will be declared the leader of Class D.
"A voting system, huh."
"Hey, isn't this a little similar to my first idea?"
A certain girl asked.
"Yes, that's because I borrowed a little from it. Your idea was actually pretty good as a general baseline. The concept just needed a couple of changes."
Thanks to those words of his, apparently the girl who first suggested the tally system earlier was happy to see her idea get put to some use.
However, upon closer inspection, it was obvious Victor put way more thought into it than just that.
Rule 5 in particular was proof of this. Not only did he take into account the concerns of those who wanted to be patient, but also give time for others to speak up and announce their candidacy as well.
"—What a well thought idea…"
Even Ester was impressed.
Ryoku read over the rules one more time.
"I see. So the way to victory would be through accumulating the most votes, huh?"
"Correct."
"It's simple, yet still effective. Hmm in that case, then I say we should go for it. What do you say, Esmes? I think it'll make for a lovely competition~"
Although Ryoku was smiling, I could tell her eyes were not. No doubt about it, she was not pleased about not being able to claim a decisive victory here.
Regardless, a change of plans was still necessary.
Meanwhile, Esmes thought for a moment.
But after reaching a certain conclusion, she spoke.
"Sure, I don't mind. No matter how we choose to settle this, it will end with my victory all the same. In that case, I suppose I can let you entertain me."
Seeing as how she truly believes this battle was all but hers, it seems as though Esmes saw this situation as nothing more but a way to kill time.
That's perfectly fine though.
Mrs. Gwein then glanced at the rest of the class.
"And what say everybody else?", she asked.
"I'm fine with it."
"We just got to vote right? Sounds easy enough."
One by one, everyone voiced their agreement.
"In that case, it's official then. We'll follow through with Victor's proposition. Though it may be simple, please make sure to remember the rules carefully."
Satisfied, Victor returned to his seat, his deskmate even fistbumped him, as if saying he was proud.
No other complaints were voiced since then. Which means our future course of action has been decided.
—Right then, it's almost time I make my move too.