After dealing with the fat pig, I planned on making a quick exit without running into Meiko. However, the man who was following closely behind seemed eager to have a conversation with me. I didn't honestly care, but since he seemed to have mustered up some courage, I decided to be nice and listen.
"What do you want to talk about?"
He looked absolutely stunned as if my decision to stop caught him completely off guard. His gaze appeared distant as he struggled to gather his thoughts, occasionally startled by the raucous calls of the crows.
"I actually wanted to discuss your decision to cancel the holiday that the male students have been eagerly anticipating," he said quickly before shifting his gaze back to me, clearly concerned.
I couldn't help but frown when I heard someone trying to protest my decision, especially if it was a guy like him. In order to make him back down, I attempted to intimidate him.
"I've made up my mind that you guys don't deserve that day off. What else could you possibly want?"
"I-I don't mean to offend you… If you could explain the reason, maybe I can help others understand," Noticing the man's fear, I couldn't help but also admire his ability to stand his ground.
A heavy sigh escaped my lips.
I couldn't explain to him that my choice stemmed from the intense surge of frustration I experienced after my encounter with the chairman. My dad, who's getting up there in age, has been driving me crazy with his inappropriate behavior. It's hard to believe that he still hasn't changed after all this time.
'Don't he know that I hate him because of that... but there's a possibility that he already knows and chooses not to care,' when I thought about that, my heart was immediately filled with sadness and a sense of betrayal.
My once indifferent eyes now glimmered with an icy coldness. The man standing before me couldn't help but flinch nervously, sensing the shift in my demeanor.
"There's really no reason… Is that enough of an answer?" I could feel my impatience growing as I spent more time with this man, and it was starting to get on my nerves.
With no further words exchanged, I swiftly turned around, fully prepared to take my leave. However, to my surprise, he called out to me once more, "President Mari! Are you willing to risk damaging the reputation of this school with a rushed decision?
"What nonsense are you talking about? This is just another meaningless holiday for you all-," I was interrupted by him, causing my forehead to twitch in irritation as I impatiently awaited his response.
"Perhaps for you, that day may not hold much significance, but for us, particularly those four male students, tomorrow's holiday means the world to them."
"So, what's on your mind?"
"I just wanted to let you know that when someone is feeling desperate, they can often find the strength to do anything. So, for the sake of both of us and our school, I kindly request that you reconsider your decision."
Unlike a few minutes ago, this man's demeanor suddenly grew more confident, and I could sense his seriousness. It momentarily left me at a loss for words. I tried to wrap my head around the information he had just given me, and I could only come to one conclusion.
"So, let me get this straight. You're actually suggesting that you all want to break out of prison?" Anger surged through me as I imagined them daring to violate the rules of my Underground Student Council.
If they somehow manage to escape, it would not only damage the trust that students have in the Underground Student Council but also tarnish Hachimitsu Academy's reputation for allowing this dangerous individual to roam freely in society.
"It's probably too late to do whatever you want to do now, like increasing your guard against them."
I was quite taken aback by his ability to read my thoughts. However, regardless of the reliability of his information, I was determined to eliminate this threat, no matter how slim the chances.
"Them? So, do you think you can convince me of your innocence by saying this?
He let out a sigh and shrugged as if he had resigned himself to the truth, "I won't waste any more time… President Mari, let's collaborate."
At that very moment, the sun had fully disappeared from the sky, casting a blanket of darkness over the school. However, I remained unfazed, my eyes fixated on his every move.
"With you? It's quite absurd that a shameless, perverted man would even consider working with me. Even if the world was on the brink of destruction, the thought of collaborating with you, men, would never cross my mind."
I understand that my words may come across as arrogant, especially considering that I owe my existence to the collaboration between my father and mother. However, I want to express my true feelings without any shame.
After our conversation, my emotions were running high, but ultimately, I don't think we came to a satisfying resolution for both of us. I simply informed him that I would take his suggestion into consideration, and I could sense his disappointment. However, he didn't pursue the matter any further.
Right then, the prison lights flickered to life, catching me off guard. I recognized it as a security measure, but at that moment, I heard Meiko's voice, instantly familiar and comforting.
Her expression revealed that she was still affected by the events of this morning when we had a heated disagreement during a time when I was feeling emotionally unstable. Actually, I came here to say sorry to her, but I couldn't do it in front of this guy.
"President Mari, I apologize for not being at my post when you arrived. I understand if you were disappointed or frustrated and want to punish me."
As always, she was dedicated to completing the tasks I assigned her. It's no surprise she ended up getting sick with a fever. I understand and appreciate the effort Meiko put into this, but as her leader, I can only offer firmness.
"Well, it turned out that I ended up getting something completely unexpected during our chat..." For some reason, Meiko is usually quite protective of me, even when it comes to other women. However, right now, she simply gazes curiously at the man standing behind me without taking any action.
"Alright, I'll head back now. You can take this guy back to his cell and make sure the prison is secure," I said, walking past Meiko and disappearing into the darkness that enveloped the school building. As I strolled through the corridor that linked the school building to the dorm, I noticed a girl casually leaning against the wall.
"What's Chiyo doing here? Is she waiting for me?