The middle of December has passed.
The seasons change quickly and it's getting colder. It's natural to wear a muffler when you go outside, and sometimes it snows.
I don't really like the cold, I like to relax under the kotatsu in my room.
However, there is no kotatsu in the dormitory room, so from my point of view, it is extremely disappointing.
However, that's only if I were last year, and this year's me isn't all that disappointing.
Because...
"Yes, the mandarin orange has been peeled…Ah, na, ta♡"
"Tea is ready. Let's warm up, Hachiman-kun."
"If you feel cold...I'll hug you and give you some heat."
My three fiances are giving me love in my room, and I'm so happy that I don't even care about the cold.
"Thank you guys. I love you."
When I bow, the three of them smile happily, but I feel like I'm going to die from being so happy.
It's been almost two weeks since Kushida stabbed me and proposed to three people, but I'm happy every day.
I'm happy because the three of them shower me with love, and when I express my love to them, they respond happily.
It's only natural that I'm happy because this continues every day.
However, when I told Ryuen, Matsushita, and Hashimoto about this, I couldn't understand why they told me to die, or made me sigh, or looked at me in shock.
"Anyway, it's almost winter break...I'm glad it looks like you'll be cured before that."
I look at the bandage wrapped around my left hand. As for the bite from Kushida, it is healing faster than expected, and the doctor said it will be healed before winter break.
"That's right. I was reminded of this after your injury, but it seems like Kushida-san's interrogation isn't going well."
"It seems so."
Hiyori says that, so I nod. Ever since Kushida dropped out of school, I've only gotten outside information about Kushida with my homeroom teacher, Chabashira-sensei, in between.
According to the report, Kushida's parents told her to quit the school before the school handed her over to the police, and it seems that her mind was completely broken as a result.
She's so crazy that she's constantly screaming, pulling her own hair, and even attacking the police, so she can't even be interrogated, and she's currently being kept in an isolation facility at a special medical institution.
As a result, it is certain that the trial will begin much later than expected, and there is even a possibility that it will not even begin.
Well, it's not like I can interfere, so I won't say anything about it, but I'm sure Ryuen will be laughing at her.
"Well, there's no point in saying anything now that I can't go out. Besides, Hiyori, the students in your class have been wandering around me lately, do you know anything about them?"
For the past few days, whenever I go anywhere other than the dormitory,
I'm always being followed by students from Hiyori's class. And what's more, it's a nuisance while keeping a distance.
At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but it couldn't be a coincidence if I was being followed for several days, and Matsushita told me that I was being followed, so I'm pretty sure they were monitoring the D-class students under the instructions of Ryuen.
However, since it is not causing a problem, it is difficult to deal with it.
The punch line is that even if you complain, it will be dismissed as a coincidence.
I understand that they are trying to find Ayanokoji, who is the mastermind behind Class D, but there is no way Ayanokoji's existence will be exposed just by monitoring, and I can't imagine that Ryuen won't notice, so I think he has some other intention.
I feel like it is.
And I checked with Ryuen several times, but he was cut off, so I asked Hiyori...
"I'm sorry, but I don't understand. However, Ryuen-kun is giving various instructions to many students, so I think there are quite a few D-class students being followed."
That's the kind of reply I receive.
But why does Ryuen have his subordinates follow me? You should know that I'm not the kind of person who runs classes behind the scenes.
Well, there's no real harm, and if they're just tailing me, I can't make it a problem, so I'll give up.
"It might be difficult for Hachiman, but I'll help you if you have any trouble. Isn't it also difficult for your class?"
Masumi says that and shows concern for me. I think Masumi is talking about Kushida dropping out of school...
"No, It's calm in the class. Kushida's rampage at the end seemed to have had an impact."
When the school announced that Kushida had been expelled, there was a bit of an uproar, but there was an atmosphere of relief among my classmates, and almost no one felt sorry for Kushida.
After all, Kushida was seriously disliked after the end of the term because she betrayed her classmates, tried to save herself by pressing false accusations, and the reason why Kushida was assigned to D class was terrible.
In the end, she stabbed Ryuen and me in a crowded place, and even yelled "kill" over and over again, to the point that my classmates were deeply relieved that such a dangerous person had been expelled from school.
If there are exceptions, it would be Hirata and Horikita.
After Kushida dropped out of school, Hirata's smile began to darken. I don't understand that part. Maybe it's his bottom line?
Horikita was trying to get Kushida on her side, so she didn't seem to like what I was doing and would glare at me from time to time.
Doesn't her eyes hurt? Maybe she had a crush on Kushida, and is secretly a bisexual? Who knows?
"Well, in any case, there won't be any more problems this year. I don't think the class points will change until next year."
At the beginning of December, just before the paper shuffle, the 1st year class points were...
A class led by Arisu 809
B class led by Ryuen 700
C class led by Ichinose 650
D class I am in 452
That's what it felt like.
As a result of the paper shuffle, class D defeated class B, and class A defeated class C.
As a result, Class D stole 100 points from Class B, and Class A stole 100 points from Class C...
A class led by Arisu 909
B class led by Ryuen 600
C class led by Ichinose 550
D class I am in 552
As a result, the class led by Ichinose had lower class points than our class, so our class was promoted to C class.
However, there was an additional problem here. Due to Kushida's expulsion, Class D was penalized by losing 100 class points, so our class points returned to 452 points before the paper shuffle, and we were immediately demoted to Class D.
The current class points are...
A class led by Arisu 909
B class led by Ryuen 600
C class led by Ichinose 550
D class I am in 452
Now that the paper shuffle and Kushida's expulsion scandal is over, Arisu's class has increased by 100 from the beginning of December, Ryuen's class and Ichinose's class have decreased by 100, and our...
The points for the class remain the same.
As expected, the A class has different strength.
"I hope so."
"Ah. I mean, I want to heal my arm quickly."
It's much better than when I first got injured, but just to be safe, the doctor told me not to use my arm until it's completely healed.
Of course, I have no intention of going against the doctor's orders. If you move it poorly, there is a possibility that there will be aftereffects.
However, it is inconvenient when one hand is injured. Even though it wasn't my dominant arm that was injured, I still use my left hand quite often.
Above all, if I can't use my left hand, I can't hug the three of them, I can't sleep surrounded by them, I can't even deepen my love by being close to them, so every day is tough for me.
The day I'm fully recovered, I'm definitely going to be more pampering to the three of them than usual.
What? Are you still sweet to each other? I don't deny that, but I want to be even more pampered.
This is partly due to the fact that the three of them are attractive, but it may also be a reaction to the fact that I have hardly ever been pampered.
"That's right. If Hachiman-kun is injured, I won't be able to hug him, I won't be able to sleep with him, and I won't be able to get close to him."
Arisu says that and Hiyori and Masumi nod. I feel like I'm going to die because I'm so happy that we think the same way.
(Before enrolling, I thought I would keep my interactions with other people to a minimum, but I never expected to be living like this.)
Well... if I hadn't entered this school, it's not hard to imagine that my middle school life and high school life would have been hell.
The people at Sobu have a very low level of civility.
On the other hand, there are some people at this school with low civil standards, but because of the surveillance cameras and the huge penalties, it's basically impossible for them to go wild, so they can live relatively peaceful days.
In addition, if you have the ability, you can have luxury, and for me, who enrolled in this school and improved my ability every day, it was heaven itself.
For me, as long as I can spend this heavenly time until graduation, I don't care what the class hierarchy is.
I don't know what career path I will take, but by the time I graduate, I need to acquire various knowledge so that I can work in a country where polygamy is allowed.
Well, I don't have to think too much about it now. now...
"Well, it's going to take a while, so please wait. Once I'm fully healed, I'll be more pampered than ever."
I have to make a promise to make Arisu and others wishes come true.
"...Yes (yeah)"
The three of them nod with small smiles at my words. Feeling happy about this, I relaxed in my room.
_____________
It's mid-December and in three weeks it will be next year. Last year, I was studying to get into this school no matter what, but it looks like I'll be able to do it without any problems this year.
While thinking about this, I listen to HR on the way home and think about my plans after school.
Then, as soon as Chabashira-sensei finishes HR on the way home, I stand up.
Hiyori and Masumi have club activities today, so should I spend it with Arisu?
At this point, my cell phone started ringing, so I looked at it and saw that I had received an email from Matsushita.
Apparently she has something to talk about.
When I glanced at Matsushita, she nodded with her eyes. I usually try not to talk to Matsushita in class.
Some people know that Matsushita and I are connected, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't have any more contact than necessary.
Even with that in mind, I compose an email saying, "Please come to the karaoke box 15 minutes later,'' and send it as is.
The reason for the shift is that if we go together, strange rumors might spread, and we will be giving information to the B-class led by Ryuen who has been following us recently.
Karaoke boxes are one of the few places without surveillance cameras, so if you go at different times, it's perfect for secret meetings.
There is no surveillance camera in my room either, but since my room is on the first floor, it's easy for third parties to see it, so I'm rejecting it.
When I left the classroom, I received another email, so I looked at it, and this time it was from Arisu, saying she was going to play with 'friends' in the class, so I replied that I understood and walked down the hallway.
It has been a long time since Kushida was expelled from the school, but the students do not feel upset at all because a dangerous person has been expelled.
On the contrary, there is an atmosphere of peace of mind.
Well, the C class led by Ichinose is upset in a different way. The reason is because they lost to A class in the paper shuffle and were robbed of 100 points.
At that time, our D class won against B class and got 100 points, and when the paper shuffle was over, our class had more class points than Ichinose's class, and Ichinose's class was demoted to D class.
Well, due to the penalty that occurred due to Kushida's expulsion, our class immediately reverted to D class, but it was quite mentally difficult to drop to D class even though we were originally B class.
Or rather, my class and Ichinose's class have formed an alliance, but the difference in class points has become so close that the alliance is broken...or rather, that will be decided by Horikita and others who formed the alliance.
While thinking about this, I changed into my shoes and headed from school to the shopping mall.
Then, I enter the karaoke box, enter the room I was directed to, give Matsushita the room number via email, and then drink some oolong tea.
After a while, Matsushita comes in with an orange juice in hand.
"What's up?"
"I'm sorry. I had to call you."
"It's fine. So? Why did you call me?"
"There are various things, but I would like to talk about the current situation and the future."
Well, it's pretty much as expected. Since the beginning of December, various things have happened, such as Ichinose's class being temporarily demoted to D class and Kushida being expelled.
"I'd like to ask you something, but does Hikigaya-kun have something to do with the B class wandering around?"
"I don't hate that sloppy way of saying it, but it has nothing to do with me. Apparently Ryuen is looking for the mastermind in Class D."
"The mastermind? You mean the person who is using Horikita-san as a cover?"
"Ah. But did you know that there is a mastermind behind Horikita?"
When asked this, Matsushita visibly frowned.
"...Are you making fun of me? Most of my classmates think that Horikita-san is the reason for Class D's progress, but judging from the incident at the sports festival, I know that there's someone behind the scenes."
It seems like I made her feel bad. Well, Horikita's actions at the sports festival were incompetent.
"I apologize if I offended you. But back to the topic, there are people using Horikita as a cover."
If I'm aware of the existence of a mastermind, I'm not going to lie.
"I don't want to ask anyone, but B-class is going to mess with D-class until they find the mastermind, right?"
"Maybe. Well, neither you nor I are the masterminds, so there's no problem, and it'll be over soon."
I heard from Ryuen that there was a spy prepared by Ayanokoji in B class.
It seems that they assaulted Karuizawa, and Ayanokoji saw it and was threatened, but Ryuen threatened them with various things and stopped being a spy.
And Ryuen already knows that the mastermind has a connection with Karuizawa, so it's obvious that he will use Karuizawa to summon the mastermind.
The reason why he doesn't use Karuizawa early and has his subordinates wander around the D class students is because he doesn't want to use the Karuizawa card too soon.
Karuizawa has no use for me anyway, so I don't care.
Her weapon is the power to dominate the field, and it can be used to unite classes.
However, for someone like me who works on my own, I would rather have someone like Matsushita who has insight and potential as her weapon.
"Hmm...well, it would be nice if there were no more students tailing me soon."
"If the situation arises, I'll appeal to the school. So? We've talked about the current situation, but are you talking about my future goals?"
"Yeah. I know you're going to save 20 million, but that's all I know."
Well, I'm talking to gain trust.
"It was unexpected that I got injured, but once the injury is completely healed, I will be able to regain my blank by the start of the third semester. Also, depending on the content of the special exam that will be held in the third semester...I will earn private points by the time I move up to the second year. 10 million or more."
I had already decided on this. There's no set method, but the best way is to make money by gambling or trying to trick someone.
Well, aside from the former, the latter would be harsh. It's well known that I used Totsuka to steal a large amount of money during the summer vacation, so there's a good chance I'll be warned.
"10 million...by the way, how much do you have now?"
"A little over 6 million."
Before December, I had a little over 4.7 million yen, but in addition to the monthly stipend, I had got points from various factors such as the contract with the Katsuragi faction and Horikita, the year-end bonus, and the settlement money I received from Ryuen for the Kushida incident.
Thanks to that, my points are pretty good.
I think it will be difficult to make 10 million by the time you reach your second year, but it's not impossible.
"Really? And Hikigaya-kun bought a room that cost 3 million yen, so he actually earned 9 million yen, right?"
"Back then, Hiyori and the others also gave it to me, so it was a little less."
Still, I can't deny that I earned nearly 8 million yen myself.
"Still, it's amazing. Also, there's something I've been thinking about for a while, is that okay?"
"What?"
"Just hypothetically. If Hikigaya-kun has no relationship with Sakayanagi-san and the others, how would he act if he was given command of the D-class?"
In other words, what kind of strategy would you use if you were to become the leader of a D-class in an adversarial relationship with Arisu and the others?
That's right...
"First of all, as of May, I will have my classmates save money and have someone I trust act as the bank.''
"Saving money for emergencies?"
"Yeah. But it's not like I'm saving money to save my class from a crisis."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll explain later. And as for class points, I'll be saving them fairly steadily without gambling too much."
If I'm the only one, I can use gambling tactics, but if I'm the leader of the class, I can't do that.
Well, when I attack, I attack.
"Then, when the class points are close to Class B and Class C, I will propose an alliance to the two classes. If I were the class leader, I would think that now would be the perfect opportunity to act."
The current class points are 909 for A class, 600 for B class, 550 for C class, and 452 for D class, so A class is one step ahead, and the other three classes are not that different, so an alliance is possible. .
"An alliance? But apart from Ichinose-san's class, wouldn't it be difficult to form an alliance with Ryuen-kun's class?"
Matsushita is right. There are probably very few people who want to team up with Ryuen.
I am also teaming up with Ryuen, but I maintain a reasonable distance and don't go any further than necessary.
"Normally it's impossible. But there is a way to unite the three classes. Do you know what that is?"
I would like to ask Matsushita this question. This is very similar to the question I was asked when I was in my second year of junior high school.
"It's a clear enemy. Class A, led by Sakayanagi-san, is a nuisance to the other three classes."
"That's correct."
Matsushita nods in response. If you don't move up to class A, you won't be able to receive support from the school when going on to higher education or finding a job, so from class B and below, class A is a highly coveted position.
"I understand that, but isn't it impossible for this school to unite just because we have a clear enemy?"
Matsushita's opinion is correct. Even if she considers Class A to be a common enemy, there may become suspicious of other classes, wondering if they will betray them, so it is impossible for them to unite unless there is a very good reason.
but...
"Not really. If the purpose of forming an alliance is to 'buy the right to expel Arisu Sakayanagi by giving up private points among the three classes,' then I think there's room for negotiation, right?"
When Chiaki Matsushita heard those words from Hachiman, who was sitting across from her, she felt chilled and felt a cold sweat drip down her face.
I knew that points were everything at this school, but I completely didn't expect that they would try to buy the right to expel students with points.
At the same time, I felt a sense of fear at Hachiman's thoughts that produced such ideas.
However, Hachiman's story continues with Chiaki's feelings elsewhere.
"As you can see from the current class points, A class is one head ahead of the three classes below B class, so I don't think it's a bad tactic. Given Ryuen's personality, there's a chance he'll get on board if he finds it interesting."
Chiaki thinks. Certainly, given Ryuen's style, there is a possibility that he will get on board, and it is not a bad strategy to catch the opponent by surprise.
"Well, maybe so. But it costs a lot of points, right?"
"I guess. I heard from Chabashira-sensei about expulsion when Kushida was expelled, but the penalty for canceling expulsion is 20 million private points and 300 class points."
"It takes that long."
"Ah. Then, 100 private points will be paid for each class point. And since there are basically 40 people in a class, if you move 1 class point, 40 x 100... 4000 private points will move. In other words, 300 class points is 1.2 million yen. It's worth the privacy."
"If I ask you again, the existence of class points is a big deal. But if that happens, you have the right to expel students..."
"I haven't heard anything about that, so I can't say for sure, but it'll probably cost at least double that. I think it's around 50 million, right?"
Chiaki agrees with Hachiman's words.
Having a student expel a student is exactly what a dictator would do, and as Hachiman says, it's not wrong to say that it costs more than twice the points needed to cancel an expulsion.
However, assuming that it is 50 million, it is definitely not impossible to save up if the three classes are combined.
But there is another problem.
"But Hikigaya-kun, Ryuen-kun may be willing to form an alliance with you, but I think Ichinose-san will refuse."
"If you negotiate normally. So when you negotiate with Ichinose, all you have to do is threaten, "If you refuse, I'll bring the idea of an alliance to class A instead of you and destroy someone in your class.'' Arisu is also sadistic like Ryuen, so Ichinose has no choice but to refuse."
(Ah...!)
Chiaki was once again horrified by those words. She is surprised by Hachiman's tactics, but Hachiman's attitude of threatening her without any hesitation is cold.
He showed no mercy towards his enemies, and the way he threatened to crush them even if he teamed up with them if they didn't meet his demands was unusual for Chiaki.
"…Well, in that case, Ichinose-san has no choice but to form an alliance, right?"
"That's the place. Then, if we can form an alliance, the three classes will jointly save money and work together in the special exam, and once we have accumulated points, we will expel Arisu and deal a big blow to Class A. So once Arisu is expelled, we'll break the alliance and investigate who might be a spy in Class A.''
After listening to the story to that point, Chiaki was able to read the rest.
"Then, if you find it, you'll hire a spy and say, "I'll prepare 20 million yen depending on your work, so you can sell the class,'' and use the A class as a source of class points, right?"
"You're quick to understand. It's the same with Kushida's case, but it's difficult for this school to survive if there's a traitor in the class. That's why we selected a spy from A-class and exploited A-class as a source of funds for our class. Meanwhile, I destroys Ichinose's class and fights Ryuen's class in single combat... Well, it's just a calculation after all, so please think of it as nonsense.''
Hachiman said that with a wry smile, but Chiaki didn't think it was a joke.
It was true that there were some calculations, but it wasn't absolutely impossible, and above all, it was impossible to abandon such a bold and reckless strategy that normal people would never think of.
(In addition, Hikigaya-kun earns 6 million...if you include the cost of the room, he earns more than that, so he might be able to carry out the mission...)
Private points are an important element in strategy, but Chiaki believes that Hachiman's ability to earn this much by acting on his own is overwhelming.
Chiaki herself is proud that her potential is among the highest in her class, but the man in front of her has even more potential and devilish thinking, so she doesn't feel like she can win.
As far as Chiaki could see, half of Class D were in the bottom 10 to 20% of their grades, and the leaders Horikita and Hirata were inferior to Arisu, Ichinose, and Ryuen, who were the leaders of each class. Hachiman and Koenji, who have powers comparable to class leaders, have no desire to cooperate with the class.
And while Koenji is always a free man, Hachiman is the type who will use anything for his own benefit.
In addition, Hachiman is in love with Arisu, the leader of class A, and has a cooperative relationship with Ryuen, the leader of class B, making him the strongest class card in his grade, let alone D class.
If he decides to use himself, this is also a chance to sell him as having value.
In the end, the path he takes is not a solid road, but a thrilling path. For Chiaki, who hates boredom, it is also possible to relieve her boredom.
Therefore...
(After all, let's follow Hikigaya-kun. That's the best way.)
Chiaki concludes. Since it is almost impossible to move up to A class on a class basis, there is a possibility of moving up to A class by lending your strength to Hachiman or making Arisu, who has a deep connection with Hachiman, think that she is worth using.
For that, first...
"No. It may be for calculation purposes, but I don't think it's impossible. Also, Hikigaya-kun, you seem to be using me. What do you want me to do?"
It's about making an effort to meet Hachiman's requests.
At those words, Hachiman opened his mouth without changing his expression.
"For the time being, there won't be much movement this year, but there will be a special exam at the beginning of the third semester, so please raise your status by then. And if you are recognized by Arisu in the exam, you will also have a connection with A class. It will be easier for me to recommend you."
"Hmm...I see."
Chiaki nods at Hachiman's words. By saying it that way, he is implying that he won't give you a reward unless you raise your status.
In any case, in order to become a strong person at this school, it is essential to be strong and continue to become strong, so I have no complaints.
She's already been studying and exercising a fair amount, but she might want to work even harder and use this opportunity to learn martial arts or how to control people's hearts.
(Also, even if I graduate with an A class, I still have to prepare for after graduation.)
Before entering this school, Chiaki had hoped to become a domestic flight attendant or work for a major company, but right after entering this school, she thought it was possible for her to work for an embassy or the United Nations.
I ended up in class D because I had been cutting corners for the longest time, but if the man in front of me recognizes my worth, it's not impossible for me to go to class A, regardless of whether it's on a class or individual basis. thought Chiaki.
At this point, Chiaki asks Hachiman what she is curious about.
"Speaking of which, what is your future, Hikigaya-kun? I know that the reason you entered this school was to avoid contact with the outside world, but are you thinking about what you will do after graduation?"
"It hasn't been decided specifically, but it has been decided that I will live in a country where polygamy is allowed."
"...Ah, that's right."
At the same time, Chiaki felt the strength in her shoulders disappear.
Because she remembered that Hachiman had a deep relationship with the three girls, and that he would put them first.
At the same time, I decided that I wouldn't be able to stand it if I started talking about love, so I opened my mouth in a panic.
"Thank you for answering me. I've finished all my business, but is there anything you'd like to ask me?"
"Nothing in particular, we're disbanding today. Well, for now, if we're going to have a meeting next time, it'll be after the special exams for the third semester are announced."
While saying this, Hachiman begins preparing to go home. I guess I'll leave the room like this.
Chiaki, on the other hand, plans to stay in the room for another 5 to 10 minutes in case someone sees her.
"Yeah, see you later."
When Chiaki says that, Hachiman nods and leaves the room, and Chiaki lets out a breath.
"Huh...I was just talking, but I'm tired."
Chiaki talks to Hachiman, but feels the pressure he seems to be exerting unconsciously, and becomes more tired than she expected.
"Now then... let's think about our future schedule."
To get to A class, and to seek the stimulation that comes from not doing things the usual way.
"Well...I don't know how Matsushita will train herself, but depending on the content, she'll cooperate...I want one more person who can be a force."
After leaving the karaoke, I started thinking about my future plans as I headed home. The second semester ends in a week, so there shouldn't be any more problems.
However, starting in the third semester, there will be a special exam for all three grades, and Arisu seems to be attacking Ichinose's class, so it's clear that they're going to be in trouble again.
In addition, Ryuen will make various moves, and I want to devise various strategies, so for the time being I want one or two people other than Matsushita who can be used.
However, it is quite difficult. Most of my classmates are stupid, and aiming for A-class which I think is just a big farce from the school's side.
So, it's difficult for me to get someone who is cunning.
(Well, let's go without rushing. There's no point in getting greedy and failing.)
They say you shouldn't rush, and if you rush, you'll make a mistake, but since you have time until the third semester starts, let's take your time and think about it. And you just have to come up with the best plan.
Everything is for me, Hiyori, Arisu, and Masumi to be happy.