After changing back into her own clothes, Horikita returned to her room. She had agreed to Ryuen's absurd terms partly because she genuinely needed the points, but also because she hoped to use this arrangement to learn something about his movements.
Horikita realized that, in this incident, she had no way of obtaining useful information about the other classes. Staying close to Ryuen was a form of insurance; when he made his next move, perhaps she would be able to prepare in advance.
For Horikita, it had been the first time she had worn such an embarrassing outfit. It was not particularly revealing, but she understood that clothes like that only appeared at conventions or in certain hotels.
Between the class fundraising organized by Kiyotaka Ayanokoji and the points Horikita had obtained from Ryuen, the three failing students were finally saved.
Yet the atmosphere in Class D only grew heavier. Nearly everyone had been forced into poverty, and resentment steadily thickened in the air.
The following month, Class D received zero points, making their already miserable lives even worse. But it did not crush them. Led by Yosuke Hirata and Kei Karuizawa, almost everyone threw themselves into studying, hoping to receive at least some points the next month. After learning that Horikita had saved him, Ken Sudō also settled down.
It was as if Class D had grown up overnight. Ryuen did not care, though. The class's unhealthy atmosphere was not something worth fearing.
Over the next month, whenever Ryuen had time, he would invite Hiyori Shiina to a café. They would sit together and discuss the books they had recently read. At first, Ryuen did most of the talking, but gradually Hiyori began guiding the conversation. Most of the time, Ryuen simply sat there, drank coffee, and listened to her speak, offering the occasional remark.
Why not bring Hiyori back to his dorm to talk? Naturally, because Horikita had taken it over.
Horikita only came to Ryuen's room to cook, but Ryuen's particular requirements meant that she had changed into a great many outfits over the past month. She did not want to bring those clothes back to her own room, so she left them in Ryuen's dorm.
Ryuen had a separate wardrobe just for Horikita's clothes. At first, he had someone send them to the laundry, but later Horikita told him to give her the points instead so she could wash them herself. Little by little, she became less resistant to wearing the clothes Ryuen gave her.
They were all beautifully designed and comfortable to wear. Their only flaw was their suggestive nature, which meant Horikita could not wear them outside. Ryuen's approving gaze each time also boosted the girl's confidence. She still protested verbally, but after changing, Horikita would put on makeup to match whatever she was wearing.
Before long, the midterm exams arrived, bringing a few changes to the classes' Class Points.
A: 1100
B: 850
C: 740
D: 130
No one in the entire grade failed this time. Under Hiyori's tutoring, Nanami Yabu's grades had finally improved as well, though she had only barely passed. It was hardly an impressive result.
After the results were announced, Kazuma Sakagami delivered another piece of news. "Next, the first-year students will be taking part in a two-week luxury cruise."
Sakagami provided no further details, but Ryuen knew it.
The main story was beginning.
After two months under Ryuen's rule, Class C was no longer quite so brainless. Upon hearing the announcement, they did not immediately burst into cheers. Those with brains considered what variables might be hidden within it; those without them instinctively looked to Ryuen, hoping he had seen something—or simply waiting for him to state his position.
"For these two weeks, just enjoy yourselves. You don't need to worry about anything."
Once Ryuen said that, the class erupted into noisy conversation. Class C had been under Ryuen's pressure for long enough, and its atmosphere was not much better than Class D's. It was about time they relaxed.
Class D, on the other hand, had been celebrating from the start. They had learned that every facility on the cruise ship—including the food—would be free. Aside from Horikita, nearly everyone in Class D had spent half the past month eating the school's free poverty meals at the cafeteria. They were practically sick of them. At last, they could improve their diet.
As the sea breeze washed over the cruise ship, Ryuen felt as though everything were a dream. He stood at the peak of that dream, and one careless step could send him plummeting. There was something intoxicating about that weightless sensation. Perhaps that was why so many people liked the ocean wind.
"You look awfully relaxed, Ryuen."
At some point, Horikita had come to stand beside him.
"Is it really all right for you to approach me so openly?" Ryuen turned around. The girl was still in her school uniform, the sea breeze stirring the dark strands beside her face and the hem of her skirt.
"There's nothing to hide. I told my classmates about our deal, since I had to explain where the points came from. Besides, you never said the transaction had to remain secret." Horikita tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Now everyone in class says you're pursuing me this way, so being seen together won't make anyone suspicious."
"You're here to fish for information, aren't you? You don't normally come looking for me on your own."
Ryuen saw through Horikita's intentions. She did not panic, instead walking to his right side. "I don't think this trip will be so simple. Have you noticed anything?"
"It doesn't matter if I tell you. We'll be arriving at an uninhabited island later, and a Special Exam will take place there."
Ryuen pressed a finger to Horikita's lips. "If you want to know more, you'll have to pay a price. But I suggest you don't ask."
With that, Ryuen walked away. Too much sea wind gave him a headache. He knew there was a study on the ship's lower deck—or rather, a small library. Hiyori would most likely be there.
When Ryuen found the library, however, it was completely empty. The vast space was so quiet that he could hear his own footsteps. Ryuen did not dislike that kind of atmosphere. He had just decided to sit down and find a book when someone arrived.
It was Chie Hoshinomiya, the Class B teacher. She had a head of brilliant golden curls, soft and smooth, gleaming with a natural luster as they fell over her shoulders like a golden waterfall. Her eyes were bright and lively, like two clear lakes.
Her attire was professional yet elegant. A fitted blazer accentuated her slender figure, paired with a graceful brown skirt that highlighted her mature charm. Silver earrings hung from her ears.
"Oh dear, someone beat me to it." Hoshinomiya's voice was gentle and magnetic.
"You enjoy reading too, Ms. Hoshinomiya?" Ryuen asked, setting down the book he had just taken from the shelf.
"You know me?" Hoshinomiya looked surprised, though there was no surprise in her eyes. It seemed she was as skilled at putting on an act as Kikyo Kushida.
"You know me too, don't you, Ms. Hoshinomiya? Playing cute doesn't suit you." Ryuen exposed her act without hesitation.
"Ryuen, you really aren't cute at all."
Hoshinomiya searched the shelves for the book she wanted, while Ryuen returned to his own book and treated her like thin air.
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