Mari's Thoughts
On the day of the student council election, First High buzzed with restless energy from the morning. Since Azusa was the only candidate, it was merely a confidence vote, but most students were preoccupied with the general assembly beforehand.
"Everyone's awfully excited, aren't they?"
"You're one to talk. Didn't you just trip on the stairs?"
"Pervert! Why were you watching?!"
"Because you were right in front of me!"
"Erika-chan, stop! Leo-kun, you too!"
The usual chaos unfolded in Class 1-E, but Tatsuya paid it no mind. As a disciplinary committee member, he had security duties to attend to, so Erika and Leo's bickering didn't bother him much.
"Alright, Mikihiko, I'm leaving the rest to you."
"Tatsuya, I'm gonna hold a grudge…"
"It was decided long ago that I'd step out. And it's not my fault Erika and Leo are at it again."
"Fair enough…"
Mikihiko clutched his stomach, muttering weakly as Tatsuya's logic hit home. Tatsuya figured Mikihiko lacked the confidence to handle those two alone, but it was no longer his problem, so he let it go.
Arriving early at the auditorium, Tatsuya listened to Mari's orders while his mind wandered. He hadn't expected Mayumi to act like she did in April, even if she was trying to sabotage someone's plan.
"Mari and Chiyoda at the main entrance, Tatsumi and Morisaki at the side door…"
(She's really fired up. She's even saying 'I' instead of 'me'…)
Tatsuya's observation had nothing to do with the task at hand, so he kept it to himself.
"Sawaki on the left wing, Shiba on the right. That's all—dismissed."
As everyone moved to their posts, Tatsuya gave a slight bow and started to pass Mari, but—
"Shiba, hold on a sec."
Stopped mid-step, Tatsuya turned to face her. Her voice carried, drawing curious glances from other disciplinary committee members, but Mari's glare sent them scurrying to their posts.
"So, how was yesterday?"
"Got attacked a few times."
"What?!"
"By me, I mean."
"?"
Seeing Mari's baffled expression, Tatsuya quickly clarified.
"Probably some of the president's fan club."
"So, jealousy from a misunderstanding?"
"With Miyuki there, you'd think they'd know better."
"Right… Thanks, Tatsuya-kun. I wouldn't have noticed, and asking you was the right call."
"No need to walk home together, though. Anyone trying to attack the president under those stares would get obliterated."
Tatsuya gave a wry smile as he finished his report and stepped away. Mari lingered, unmoving.
(Tatsuya-kun wouldn't look out of place next to her. He's always by that sister of his, after all… If he came from the Ten Master Clans, or even the Eighteen Assistant Houses or Hundred Families, he might've been a contender for her fiancé.)
With a boyfriend of her own, Mari wanted her best friend Mayumi to find love and happiness too. Before Tatsuya enrolled, Mari had only considered Katsuto or Hattori as options for Mayumi.
But Hattori wasn't up to the task. Mari thought he'd just be a plaything, and Mayumi likely wouldn't be satisfied with him either. As for Katsuto, their rivalry since enrollment made romance unlikely.
(Hattori's not even from the Hundred Families.)
Despite his magical talent, Hattori fell short in many ways. Mari silently pitied him.
(Your love was doomed from the start. Give it up.)
"Mari-san? How long are you gonna stand there? It's about to start."
"Sorry, got lost in thought."
"By the way, why'd you stop Shiba-kun?"
Kanon's blatant curiosity made Mari sigh. She stepped closer and flicked Kanon's forehead.
"Ow! What was that for?!"
"If you've got time to pry, get to your post! I won't forgive slackers!"
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
Watching Kanon flee, Mari let out a quiet sigh. She was starting to doubt whether Kanon was fit to take over.
(Maybe Tatsuya-kun… No, he wouldn't agree easily, and tricks won't work on him.)
Mari knew Tatsuya wasn't swayed by schemes, despite his age-appropriate reactions. She also knew that trying would earn her the wrath of a certain terrifying first-year.
(Kanon will be fine. Worst case, Isori can help.)
If Azusa became president, Isori would likely take the treasurer role. Since the student council room and disciplinary committee headquarters were connected, Mari smirked, plotting to dump Kanon's oversight on Isori.
"Mari? Why're you grinning alone?"
"Nothing. You look pale—are you okay?"
"Yeah… I soaked in the bath too long yesterday. But I'm fine."
"Get it together, Madam President. This is your last job, right?"
"Absolutely! I'll make this deal happen!"
Exchanging sly grins, Mari suddenly thought of something.
"What were you doing in the bath? Soaking that long seems unlikely."
"Just thinking… It's fine now."
"Was it about Tatsuya-kun?"
"What?! Why would it be about him?!"
Mari had meant it as a joke, but Mayumi's overreaction startled her.
"I was kidding… Wait, is it actually about Tatsuya-kun?"
"No! I was just thinking about something else and lost track of time!"
"…Sure, let's go with that."
Regretting her words, Mari parted with Mayumi and headed to the main entrance for security duty. She hadn't expected her guess to hit the mark.
They'd make a good pair, but it'd be a stomach-churning life… Caught between a wife, mother-in-law, and sister-in-law…
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
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