Amane's next target was the Student Council.
Obtaining help from the Student Council was a very difficult task, even if Amane had some contact with President Horikita.
But Amane, knowing President Horikita's character, knew that President Horikita could never agree to what she was asking.
Unless... "Is there something on my face?"
Horikita Suzune looked at Amane strangely.
If Suzune were used as an intermediary, President Horikita would most likely refuse on the surface but make an exception privately.
However, such an exception would definitely be limited. What Amane needed was almost comprehensive support, which President Horikita could not provide.
Therefore, to get the Student Council's assistance, she had to find another way.
After school, downstairs at the Student Council building.
As time passed, Amane finally waited for the person she wanted to see.
"She is Miyako Amane. She said she wanted to meet you, Asahina, about something."
Kyouko brought a girl to Amane, pointing at Amane and introducing her to the person beside her.
"Hello, I'm Miyako Amane from First Year Class D. Please take care of me."
Amane smiled and extended her hand.
The other person hesitated for a moment but still shook it.
"Second Year Class A, Senior Asahina."
Kyouko had briefly told her about Amane's situation.
Originally, she thought it was quite rude for a First Year Class D student to come looking for her without any prior social connection.
Even though her good friend Kyouko had been speaking highly of Amane all the way, she still felt somewhat dismissive in her heart.
Being placed in Class D from the start itself indicated some issues.
But when Senior Asahina saw Amane, all her contempt immediately vanished.
Even when meeting a second-year student and having something to ask for, Amane remained composed, and her beautiful eyes were practically overflowing with confidence.
An interesting kid.
"You specifically asked Kyouko to arrange a meeting with me. Is there something you need my help with?"
The straightforward Senior Asahina had no intention of exchanging pleasantries first and chose to get straight to the point.
Seeing Amane's practiced business smile, Senior Asahina also knew that if she played those social etiquette games and tried to use evasive language, she would definitely not be Amane's match. Instead of pretending to be reserved and flaunting Class A's superiority in front of her as a second-year senior, she would surely be treated like an idiot and leave in embarrassment.
Senior Asahina directly chose to skip the pleasantries.
She actually had some guesses about Amane's intentions. After all, meeting at the Student Council office building, besides a request related to joining the Student Council, Senior Asahina couldn't think of any other possibility.
And if she were to use her connections to join the Student Council, this girl named Miyako Amane, her goal must be Nagumo Miyabi, no doubt.
"It's like this. Earlier, at the beginning of the school year, I hesitated for a long time between the Student Council and clubs, which caused me to miss the Student Council recruitment period. But I really want to join the Student Council and contribute to this school. However, my application would definitely be rejected at this time, so I hope Senior Asahina can introduce me to Vice President Nagumo Miyabi."
Seeing that Amane's objective was roughly what she had guessed, Senior Asahina finally relaxed.
The fact that she could guess the other party's objective meant that the other party was not one of those monster-level geniuses found in every grade. This way, Senior Asahina didn't have to worry that Amane was trying to use her to achieve certain goals.
However, she still had some questions.
"Why Miyabi? If I'm not mistaken, among the first-year students, President Horikita is the most influential figure in the Student Council, right? And I seem to have heard that his sister is in your class... In that case, why would you go the long way around?"
Facing Senior Asahina's suspicious gaze, Amane raised an eyebrow.
Originally, she thought Senior Asahina was just an insignificant pretty face.
Someone who could be easily dismissed. Now it seemed that anyone who made it to Class A had some skills.
"President Horikita is very capable, but I heard he's about to graduate. Following a Student Council President who is about to graduate versus following a designated next Student Council President—which one can bring greater benefits, I believe Senior Asahina knows better than I do."
At the mention of benefits, Senior Asahina nodded.
President Horikita was indeed capable, but in this school, no matter how capable you were, you would eventually graduate.
Nagumo Miyabi was already the designated next Student Council President. Following Nagumo Miyabi offered far more future development opportunities than following President Horikita.
"Your answer is fine, but I have one last question. As you can see, Miyabi's office is only two floors away from here. Why don't you go find Miyabi yourself? You should know that even if I recommend you, it's just giving you an interview opportunity, which is almost no different from you applying yourself."
Senior Asahina smiled, because if Amane followed a normal line of reasoning, she would surely praise her profusely, as if her recommendation could work miracles... If Amane was also such a glib person, Senior Asahina planned to directly refuse to introduce her to Nagumo.
"That depends on Senior Asahina's standing in Vice President Nagumo Miyabi's eyes."
Amane's seemingly ambiguous answer perfectly avoided Senior Asahina's trap of directly rejecting an answer that was flattery.
"Huh?"
Upon realizing that Amane's answer had a clever twist, even Senior Asahina began to feel some regret.
But a promise made had to be kept.
However, she kept emphasizing along the way that even her recommendation might not be enough.
Amane readily accepted this.
Nagumo Miyabi, who was skillfully handling official duties, subconsciously showed a surprised expression when he heard that Senior Asahina was coming to see him about something.
From the time he joined the Student Council, he had invited Senior Asahina to join numerous times.
Without exception, all were rejected by Senior Asahina, who even said that the Student Council was just a place where a bunch of kids played make-believe adults.
What could have happened to make Senior Asahina personally come to him?
Knock, knock, knock.
"Come in."
After Amane and the others entered, they found Nagumo Miyabi facing away from them, seemingly admiring the beautiful view outside the window.
When Nagumo Miyabi made what he considered his most dashing turn, the smile on his face immediately froze.
"Senior Asahina, you've come to see me... Miyako Amane?"
Nagumo Miyabi's voice was a bit off-key.
He had absolutely not expected to encounter Amane in such a place.
After all, if there was something, people usually went to the President. Who would remember that there was also a Vice President gathering dust in a corner?
"You two know each other?"
Senior Asahina's probing gaze shifted back and forth between their faces.
"I had some communication with Vice President Nagumo about some minor matters before the start of the school year. I never thought Vice President Nagumo would still remember me. It's truly my honor. I'm Miyako Amane from First Year Class D. Please take care of me."
"Second Year Class A, Nagumo Miyabi."
Nagumo Miyabi's mouth kept twitching.
Which of the messes she'd been through could be called a minor matter?
Keep pretending. I'll see how long you can keep it up.
Nagumo Miyabi showed a smile of unknown meaning.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!