"I know, Senpai is a gentle person who believes in following her husband, no matter what. Even if that person is a scumbag, she would humble herself for her family. However, he may not think the same way."
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka spoke earnestly, as if he were truly considering Miharu Taki Sakura's feelings.
"Today he can be interested in Saotome, tomorrow he can be interested in other girls. I know Senpai is excellent and isn't afraid to compete with those girls, but is it really worth it for someone like him?
Someone like him surely sees Senpai as a useful tool, merely a stepping stone for an arranged marriage. Does he truly care about your feelings, Senpai?
Perhaps when he achieves his goals and no longer needs Senpai, he will just kick you aside!"
Despite being baseless speculation, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka spoke eloquently from Miharu Taki Sakura's perspective, making it difficult for Miharu Taki to explain, even though she knew Ayanokoji was slandering Mibuomi Aoi's reputation.
Moreover, Ayanokoji's conjectures happened to hit on some truths, making it even harder for Miharu Taki to refute him; she even subtly agreed with Ayanokoji's words.
Miharu Taki Sakura remained silent for a long time. She took a deep breath, trying not to overthink, and stopped Ayanokoji from speaking further.
"Ayanokoji-san, please don't say any more. I… I trust Aoi; he wouldn't do that. I know you have grievances against Aoi, but please rest assured, he won't do anything to Saotome-san."
She saw Ayanokoji still looking noncommittal, so she hesitated for a moment and promised, "Even if Aoi truly has any intentions towards Saotome-san, I will stop him. Even if you don't believe him, you should believe me, the Beautification Committee Chairman."
"Since Senpai has said so… I will believe Senpai."
Seeing Ayanokoji Kiyotaka finally "nod," seemingly no longer pursuing the matter, Miharu Taki Sakura secretly breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear Ayanokoji speak again.
"Senpai… I believe you, but I don't believe the capital behind you. Some things cannot be simply decided by your will alone."
Ayanokoji looked up and showed a bright smile.
"If one day you can no longer tolerate the dirty things Mibuomi Aoi does in secret, then come to me and complain. Although I may not be able to do much, trust me, I can at least punch him in the face."
Even though Mibuomi Aoi had done nothing, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka seemed to assume he had done something wrong to Miharu Taki Sakura.
But Miharu Taki Sakura did not refute this time. She merely said, "Ayanokoji-san, these words are fine to say in front of me; I can pretend not to hear them.
Many students in this school worship Aoi. If they heard this, it would easily reach Aoi's ears."
She wasn't angry; instead, she was worried about herself… Her reaction truly perfectly matched Ayanokoji's thoughts.
"…Okay, I won't say these things in front of others."
Ayanokoji nodded in agreement, emphasizing, "I'm not afraid of Mibuomi Aoi; I just don't want Senpai to be misunderstood by that guy because of me."
Was he enduring this for her sake…
At this moment, Miharu Taki Sakura's gaze towards Ayanokoji had changed. When she looked at him again, there was a sense of familiarity—Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was on her side; he was looking out for her.
Miharu Taki Sakura suddenly asked again, "Ayanokoji-san, I'll ask you one more time, do you really not want to join my Beautification Committee?"
"I truly have no one useful around me. I would be very happy if you could help me."
"Well…"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka scratched his head, looking "embarrassed."
"Although I personally would be very willing, I am currently a casino owner, and I will be taking over two more casinos in the next two days, so I probably won't have much free time to do Beautification Committee work."
"I see…" Miharu Taki Sakura was slightly disappointed, but she could understand Ayanokoji. He sounded very busy, and it was understandable that he couldn't spare the time.
Ayanokoji immediately added, "However, even though I can't be Senpai's subordinate, if Senpai needs any help, please don't hesitate to come to me."
"Whether it's Mibuomi Aoi's matters or daily work worries, as long as I can help, I'd be happy to! Senpai, please don't be polite!"
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka confidently patted his chest like an enthusiastic young man, guaranteeing his help.
Miharu Taki Sakura neither answered nor refused, merely nodding slightly, as if she had taken his words to heart.
Then the two stopped communicating, and Miharu Taki Sakura led Ayanokoji Kiyotaka to the front of the Student Council room and stopped.
"Ayanokoji-san, please go in. I'll be leaving now."
Ayanokoji was startled: "Senpai, aren't you coming in with me?"
"No, my job is just to bring you to the Student Council, and then I can leave."
Miharu Taki Sakura saw that Ayanokoji seemed to have concerns, thinking he was worried about encountering Mibuomi Aoi, so she added, "The other students in the Student Council have already left for the day, and Aoi isn't here either. Only Senior Juraku is waiting for you."
Miharu Taki Sakura had completed her task and didn't linger. After nodding to Ayanokoji, she walked towards the staircase.
Watching her back, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka's lips curved into a smile.
Mibuomi Aoi, since you're secretly tripping me up, don't blame me for putting ideas into your fiancée's head…
Ayanokoji Kiyotaka generally didn't hold grudges or seek revenge, but Mibuomi Aoi was the one who sought trouble first. If he didn't retaliate, it would be too easy for that guy.
Compared to Mibuomi Aoi's scheme that could turn Meari into livestock, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka didn't do much; he merely fanned the flames in secret.
If Mibuomi Aoi himself truly had no issues and was a very upright person, no matter how Ayanokoji Kiyotaka, the "blackmailer," tried to fabricate stories, it probably wouldn't work.
If he himself truly had problems… then one could only say it was fate, and Ayanokoji shouldn't be blamed for poaching.
Ayanokoji's counterattack this time was already quite gentle, merely giving Mibuomi Aoi a lesson.
If he still didn't learn his lesson and continued to provoke him, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka wouldn't mind directly meeting the Student Council President and revealing everything about the rebel organization, the Zenshoukai.
Presumably, the Student Council President would be very interested in knowing who the "insider" among his subordinates was.
Although he now had information about the Zenshoukai, Ayanokoji was not yet ready to hand it over. After all, he hadn't personally met the Student Council President and didn't know what kind of person she was.
What if… the Student Council President was utterly wicked, causing students to grumble with resentment? If he exposed the members of the "resistance organization," the Zenshoukai, wouldn't he be helping a tyrant?
Although he wasn't a hero of justice, he still wanted to make his surroundings a little better.
Before he could clearly see which side, the Student Council or the Zenshoukai, was worth helping, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka decided to remain on the sidelines for now.
Of course… on the condition that Mibuomi Aoi no longer troubled him.
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