"Damn it, didn't I tell you not to follow me?"
Erina shot a glare at Sui, who was walking behind her.
Sui was at a loss for words. They were heading in the same direction—what else could he do?
The two of them entered the conference room.
By then, the room was already filled with students, all of them either leaders or important members of various research societies. Sui had come alone this time, not wanting to trouble Nao Sadatsuka, so he represented the Rare Ingredients Research Society by himself.
It seemed, however, that he was the only member of his research group.
"Erina-sama, please proceed to the podium," a staff member said respectfully, bowing to her.
Erina nodded and walked to the front with her usual poise.
"It's Erina-sama!"
"Yeah, the genius who became one of the Elite Ten while still in junior high—she's the epitome of perfection."
"She's my goddess," one student said dreamily, watching her walk past.
Sui found an empty seat and sat down.
"Hey! Aren't you Sui?" the girl next to him greeted cheerfully.
Sui turned and realized it was Alice. Why is this foodie here too?
"Do you know what this meeting is about?" Alice asked, her curiosity piqued.
"No idea," Sui shrugged. "Are you here representing your research society?"
"Yep! I'm here on behalf of the Molecular Gastronomy Research Society!" Alice said enthusiastically. "This time, our entire research group is getting involved!"
Sui glanced at the people sitting around her and couldn't help but feel speechless.
"Sui-kun!"
Just then, Megumi approached, smiling softly.
"Megumi, are you here with your research group too?" Sui asked.
"Yes, I'm representing the Local Cuisine Research Society," she replied with a shy smile.
At that moment, the conference room suddenly fell silent as several figures stepped onto the podium. They were all members of Tōtsuki's Elite Ten!
"The entire Elite Ten are here?"
"What's going on?"
"Even First Seat Eishi Tsukasa has shown up!" students murmured in disbelief.
"Isshiki-senpai is here too? This must be serious," Megumi whispered in surprise.
"What's your plan, Eizan?" Eishi Tsukasa rubbed his temple, looking a little weary. "I was busy with my cooking."
With his white hair and elegant demeanor, Eishi always exuded an air of fragility. But no one dared to underestimate him—he was, after all, the undisputed First Seat of the Elite Ten.
"My apologies, Eishi-senpai," Eizan Etsuya said with a sly smile. "I have a proposal regarding the research societies, and I'd like to discuss it with everyone."
"A proposal? About the research societies?" asked Terunori Kuga, the Eighth Seat.
The leaders of the research societies fell silent, their attention focused on Eizan.
"It's a proposal to disband unqualified research societies," Eizan said, adjusting his glasses. "I believe that unqualified groups are nothing but a waste of the academy's budget. Rather than supporting such groups, it would be better to redistribute their funds to those that are actually valuable."
"That sounds reasonable," Erina nodded. "What's the criterion for determining whether a group is qualified or not?"
"I've already thought about that," Eizan continued, "Any research group with fewer than 20 members will be deemed unqualified and must disband within three days."
"Fewer than 20 members?" Erina was startled—she immediately thought of Sui's Rare Ingredients Research Society.
"Exactly," Eizan smiled. "If a group doesn't even have 20 members, it means they lack recognition from the student body. There's no reason for such a group to exist."
"Now then, let's put this proposal to a vote," Eizan suggested, still smiling.
"But..." Erina hesitated for a moment, momentarily forgetting her anger toward Sui.
Before she could speak further, Eishi raised his hand. "Alright, I agree. Let's wrap this up quickly—I have more cooking to do."
"I agree," said Tosuke Megishima, the Third Seat, his voice emotionless.
"I'm on board," Terunori Kuga added indifferently.
"Eizan's right. There's no need for research groups without value to continue," said Nene Kinokuni, the Fourth Seat, coldly.
Momo Akanegakubo and Sōmei Saitō also gave their support. This issue didn't concern them, and they didn't want to waste time on it.
"I object," Erina said, her voice icy.
"I object too," said Rindō, standing up with clear frustration. "Eizan, you're just targeting Sui's group, aren't you? I won't allow it!"
"Haha, of course not, Rindō-senpai. I'm only thinking about the well-being of the academy," Eizan replied smoothly, keeping his calm smile.
"But some research groups, even with fewer members, work hard and produce results. I can't support your proposal," Isshiki added.
"How unfortunate," Eizan said, feigning regret. "Even with three objections, the seven of us still outnumber you, so the proposal is passed."
"What?! Who do you think you are to just shut them down like that?" Alice pouted in protest from her seat.
However, most of the students remained quiet. Only a few research societies would be affected by the proposal. Those left standing would receive the redistributed funds, so they had little reason to oppose it.
"I'm sorry, Miss Alice," Eizan said with a faint smile. "The Elite Ten Council has the highest authority at this academy. Once we pass a proposal, even the headmaster cannot overturn it."
Sui frowned. This proposal clearly targeted his Rare Ingredients Research Society, an act of revenge by Eizan for the previous incident.
"Then, the meeting is adjourned. Unqualified research groups must disband within three days," Eizan concluded, throwing a deliberate glance at Sui as he spoke.