I stare at her in shock. She thinks we're a council? I wouldn't really consider us a council, unless we count the original individuals as student council members, which happen to be me, Mary, Yumeko, Ryota, and Shinohara (who wants me to call her Amai from now on). However, I roll with it. If it gets us money, I'm in.

"How much would you pay to be on our council?" I ask with reservation.

"500 million."

I can't help but flinch at this sum. 500 million? How much does she think we make? I obviously want to take up the offer. With this money, we can go against Nishinotouin!

"You have yourself a deal, Sumeragi."

"Wait, Kokoro! I have a condition!" she interjects. "It must be won in a gamble. And the gamble must be against you, Kokoro Akari."

I'm really confused about what she just said. A gamble? I guess I need to prove to her that I'm competent enough to handle her money.

"Kokoro," she says in a calm tone, "I know you've only made about 100 million yen. This is such a good deal. If you win, I'll give you 500 million yen in exchange for an equal share of your 100 million yen operation. If you lose, you give me all of your profits."

She then leans up to me and whispers in my ear. "By the way, you just confirmed your anti-council sentiments. It'd be a shame if somebody were to tell Kirari of your intentions."

Those words sent a shiver down my spine. If my resentment to the student council is made public, I'll be ruined. They'll most likely take down my business and send rob me of all I have. I can't say no to this offer.

"Why do you want to be part of my operation so bad?" I shout.

"Look. You're smart, you're rich, and you're determined. I like those qualities. They remind me of Kirari in a way. I don't doubt your abilities to overtake the council. However, I act in my own interest. If you refuse this offer, I will act in my own interest to sell my information to the student council.

I sigh. I really have no choice in this matter. I take a quick glance at Mary and she shrugs, looking worried and nervous. I tell Sumeragi that we have a deal, and we shake hands.