I Don't Want An Ordinary Life

Chapter 11: The So-Called Student Council

"It's almost lunchtime. Ronan-san, what are you planning to do... Wow, what just happened to you?"

After the last class of the morning, which was followed by the lunch break, Ishigami intended to ask Ronan where he planned to have lunch. But when he turned to him, he was met with a face that looked completely burnt out.

Ronan turned his head stiffly, hid eyes vacant as he stared at Ishigami.

"Ishigami-san... what is classical literature?"

"...It's a required course."

"Why does the school have to teach such hellishly difficult material... Is this some kind of torture for me?"

"I don't think the school is intentionally trying to make it difficult for you... But as an international student, I suppose this course does pose a challenge for you."

The last class of the morning was indeed classical literature, and throughout the entire session, the teacher was lecturing at the podium while Ronan sat blankly in his seat.

It's not that he doesn't want to attend class; he genuinely can't understand it.

"Where am I? What am I doing..."

"Wake up! It's just a classical literature class; it's not that dramatic. By the way, didn't you pass the entrance exam to get in? How can you be stumped by a class like this?"

Ishigami didn't realize that the person in front of him had gotten in by buying his grades.

"The entrance exam didn't cover this. Who would test an international student on archaic Japanese literature? Unless the people at the Japanese Education Committee are complete idiots... Well, I guess it's not too far off from being idiotic."

"Honestly, since you're just an outsider who doesn't want to join any clubs, there's only one way for you to improve your status in school."

"What is it?"

"Exams," Ishigami said. "You need to achieve excellent results in the upcoming midterms or finals to raise your status among the students."

"Oh, I see... So I basically have to become the top student in my grade, right?"

"Just being in the top ten is enough; being the absolute top is a bit difficult."

Ishigami gestured toward the empty seat of Iino Miko in front of them.

"The top student in the first year has always been Iino-san. She's maintained the top rank in every exam since she enrolled."

"Every exam?"

"Yep."

"No exceptions?"

"Never."

"Has the second-best student in your grade ever considered slipping a laxative into her food before an exam?"

"What a dark thought you have!?"

"When you realize you can't gain an advantage on the front lines, you should allocate your limited resources to undermine the enemy from behind—that's basic strategy."

"Where's that basic from!? It's so terrifying!"

After Ishigami's comment, Ronan remembered something.

"Speaking of which, I believe the current student council president at our school is also an outsider. How did he reach that position?"

"You're talking about President Shirogane, right? He excels in all aspects and is also the top student in his second year, so he has plenty of popularity."

"I see."

Ronan thought for a moment and then clapped his hands.

"Got it! I want to join the student council."

"...Do you even understand what I was saying?"

"I get it; it seems like the student council is quite popular."

"...Do you know what the student council represents?"

"The school's big shots."

"The student council isn't just one person..."

"A group of big shots from the school."

"...Let me put it this way: the president of the student council is elected by the entire school, and each member is directly appointed by the president. If you want to be recognized by President Shirogane, what special skills do you have?"

"I have plenty of skills! Air assault, sniping, laying landmines, reconnaissance, and counter-reconnaissance."

"??? What are you talking about? Is this related to some game?"

"Anyway, I'll go ask and see if I can get in."

After saying that, Ronan stood up and ran toward the classroom door.

"Hey! Wait!"

...

"..."

"...So, why are you here?"

The student council office is located in an independent building, and Ronan had previously smoked under this building.

He originally intended to talk to President Shirogane about joining the student council, but when he knocked and the door opened, he saw the last person he wanted to encounter.

Shinomiya Kaguya.

The two sat face-to-face on the sofa, and Kaguya calmly took a sip of the brewed coffee.

"I'm the vice president of the student council, so of course I should be in the student council office."

"...Damn it, have I been set up?"

"No one is plotting against you."

Kaguya placed her teacup down and wore a very composed smile.

"Is Mr. Yao facing some difficulties by coming to the student council office? The student council is committed to helping students, and as an international student, we will surely lend you a hand."

"I'm looking for President Shirogane."

"The president is not here; is there something I can assist you with?"

"I think you might not be able to help."

"Regardless, as the vice president of the student council, I am fully responsible for the president's duties while he is away."

"..."

Ronan silently glanced at the wall beside him, where the member plaques of the student council hung.

Next to the president's plaque that read Shirogane Miyuki, the vice president's plaque stated Shinomiya Kaguya, while the secretary's plaque displayed the name Fujiwara Chika, who seemed to be a girl based on the name.

The plaques for treasurer and miscellaneous are currently empty.

"Well, I'll say it directly."

"Please do."

"I want to join the student council."

"…"

"What's wrong? Is wanting to join the student council such a surprising thing?"

"No... What's your purpose for wanting to join the student council?"

"Not that I have any particularly special purpose," Ronan said, "I just think this organization seems quite impressive, so I decided to apply."

"You mean your work experience in Afghanistan?"

"You know about that... Oh, I guess Hayasaka told you, right? I heard she used the resources of the Shinomiya family; you two must have a pretty close relationship."

"Her mother is a senior executive at Shinomiya Group. We're friends," Kaguya replied with a smile. She didn't mention that Hayasaka was her personal maid.

"It's mostly just some work experience abroad. I also used to handle some cargo in dangerous areas, and when I was younger, I was responsible for managing certain orders. I believe with my skills, I could handle being an accountant without any trouble."

"I think I understand most of what you said, but..."

Suddenly, Kaguya burst into laughter.

"You should know that the members of the student council are personally appointed by the president; only the president can give that approval. What I say doesn't matter."

"Are you just wasting my valuable time talking nonsense?"

"Can't you say something nicer?!"

"Sorry, but that's just how I feel about people from the Shinomiya family."

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