"Resign...?" Kagura Hikaru was a second late in reacting before he exclaimed in surprise, "You mean the Disciplinary Committee? You're quitting?!"
Three consecutive interrogative sentences represented the shock in Kagura Hikaru's heart.
The Disciplinary Committee was, after all, established by Ayakoji Chiyoko herself; one could say she and the committee were inseparable, fused into a single entity.
Before today, even if someone had told him this, Kagura Hikaru would never have believed that Ayakoji Chiyoko would willingly leave the Disciplinary Committee.
The surreal event unfolding before him was proof of how significant the troubles Ayakoji Chiyoko was currently facing must be.
"It's necessary, otherwise, as long as I remain in this position for even a day, the Disciplinary Committee will be unable to rebuild its credibility," said Ayakoji Chiyoko in a self-deprecating tone, "That must be that person's aim, to force me to step down, to undermine my influence. It's both a covert and overt strategy, and I must admit, it's been executed beautifully."
"..."
Even when discussing her own failure, Ayakoji Chiyoko remained remarkably composed, and Kagura Hikaru greatly admired her serene demeanor.
Not everyone can let go so decisively when they are in a high position.
But she had to do it.
Because quite clearly, resigning from the Disciplinary Committee was the invisible bargaining chip Kiryu Hina had laid out for Ayakoji Chiyoko.
Resign and I'll let you off—Kagura Hikaru could almost hear Hina saying it.
In his eyes, both Ayakoji Chiyoko and Hina had played out all their cards, and the outcome had been determined. Continuing the relentless pursuit would benefit no one.
Those who have studied modern history know that victors of a war should not corner the defeated country. The right approach is to negotiate peace, sign treaties to restrict their development, and gradually erode their power.
Though Ayakoji Chiyoko and Kiryu Hina had never sat at the negotiation table, the latter's actions had already to some extent demonstrated her intent, which was for Ayakoji Chiyoko to step down.
By crossing the line and doing what a Discipline Committee member must never do—to take the initiative in falsely accusing a student—Ayakoji Chiyoko could no longer possibly continue her activities within the school under the identity of a Discipline Committee member.
Otherwise, the term 'Discipline Committee' would become a joke among Yuqiu High School students.
If she did not wish to destroy the entirety of the Disciplinary Committee, then Ayakoji Chiyoko's only option was clear—resignation and withdrawal!
"Indeed, it is a pernicious and incisive scheme," said Kagura Hikaru.
"Yes, as an enemy, she is the type I despise," Chiyoko said, her eyes slightly downcast, "Given the situation, I have no choice but to let her have her way."
"Even if you lose the Disciplinary Committee, you still have Club Redemption Department. The fight isn't completely over yet,"
Seeing as they were temporary allies, Kagura Hikaru offered a measure of consolation.
But this only elicited a strange look from Ayakoji Chiyoko, "Lose? You seem to have misunderstood something. I won't lose the Disciplinary Committee, nor have I ever intended to give it up."
"Huh?"
"Quitting doesn't mean I can't influence the club. It's just a shift from being an overt leader to one behind the scenes. Nothing will change."
"...I see."
Kagura Hikaru suddenly understood.
It was a rogue move, but perfectly natural.
Ayakoji Chiyoko was giving up the title of Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee to preserve the committee's existence, satisfying the entire student body without losing the actual power. Even the Student Council probably couldn't point out much; overreacting might make them seem like they were making a mountain out of a molehill.
It seems he was mistaken—between Ayakoji Chiyoko and Kiryu Hina, the outcome of their struggle was far from over.
While they were talking, the classroom door was knocked on, a female Discipline Committee member pushed the door open and walked briskly in, whispering something into Ayakoji Chiyoko's ear.
".....I understand," Ayakoji Chiyoko nodded. "Block the irrelevant people; let no one in except for her."
"Yes, President."
As the Discipline Committee member left, Kagura Hikaru asked, "Is it someone from the Student Council coming over?"
"That's right, maybe here to humiliate me," Ayakoji Chiyoko said with a sneer. "Every time I'm about to respect her, that woman starts to show off her belly's worth, getting carried away with herself."
After a little while, the classroom door was knocked on again.
A Discipline Committee member opened the door and then stepped aside, letting Kiryu Hina walk in with a smile gracing her face.
"Oh~ you're here too, Classmate Kagura Hikaru. What a coincidence," Kiryu Hina said with her standard charming expression, widening her eyes in a mock surprise and covering her mouth, "Wait a minute, I remember you haven't joined the Disciplinary Committee. Could it be that you and Ayakoji, are you that sort of relationship?"
Kagura Hikaru: "..."
".....Having not seen you for a few days, your verbal skills have improved again."
Ayakoji Chiyoko stood up with a forced smile and walked up to Kiryu Hina, her aura fierce as a tiger.
"Not at all, compared to President Ayakoji, I still need more practice," Kiryu Hina dropped her hand and, maintaining her composure, bowed slightly in greeting. Her smile was reminiscent of a shrine maiden or a devotee—pure, devoted, and impeccable.
"Did you know? I attended middle school in the Capital City. Your current expression is exactly the same as the Kyoto People I've seen before."
"Ah, is that a compliment? I'm truly grateful."
The two women faced each other, smiles on their faces, but their eyes told different stories. The atmosphere was tense and frozen.
In places outside of Capital City, the term 'Kyoto People' is used derogatorily.
Arrogant, vain, sarcastic, and prejudiced—these are the stereotypes of the Kyoto People.
To say someone is like a person from Kyoto is essentially this implication.
The meeting between Ayakoji Chiyoko and Kiryu Hina was like a collision of stars. Kagura could almost feel their almost overt anger and contempt; a burst seemed imminent.
It was a veritable Shura Field.
Aside from them, only Kagura Hikaru remained in the classroom. By rights, he should have intervened as a peacemaker. But his lips stayed still, and he watched the standoff between the two women with serenity.
This was his first time witnessing Ayakoji Chiyoko and Kiryu Hina clash face to face, and he found the experience rather novel.
Previously, their confrontations had been remote, indirect conflicts. It was the first face-to-face encounter Kagura had witnessed between the two.
Kagura Hikaru had always wanted to know what feelings Kiryu Hina truly harbored towards Ayakoji Chiyoko.
Was it genuine hatred?
For Ayakoji Chiyoko, perhaps it was; after all, the other party not only took away a stepmother she was close to but also deliberately concealed some information, truly despicable behavior.
But for Hina, Kagura had the notion that she might not be motivated by the same feelings when tormenting Ayakoji Chiyoko, that there could be another reason behind it.
However, as Kagura's gaze settled on Hina's face, all he could see was the same flawless mask as before, revealing no genuine emotions.
It was either that his Cold Reading Technique was lacking, or Hina's disguise was too perfect.
Kagura had thought he could just be an unconcerned spectator, but it turned out that Kiryu Hina's melon was not so easy to enjoy; she directed the first flame at Kagura the moment she opened her mouth.
"Mister Hikaru, even if you feel lonely after we've parted ways, you shouldn't choose such a woman," Kiryu Hina said, turning to Kagura Hikaru with a coquettish smile. With her tender right hand raised subtly pointing at Ayakoji Chiyoko, she added, "This type, you know, is what they call a Domestic Abuser Woman, a Control Freak, certainly a miserable company in married life."
Kagura Hikaru: "..."