Chapter 3

The Elder Nominations and Election

Ageha comes downstairs towards the kitchen. Matsuri, Meimei and Yoshimitsu are already sitting down eating.

"Good morning, everyone," Ageha greets.

"Good morning, Ageha-sama," Meimei and Matsuri say in unison.

Yoshimitsu finishes her drink and turns toward her childhood friend. "So, are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" Ageha asks as she sits down next to her.

"For the nominations, silly~!" the American giggles. "We're going to nominate you as Elder."

"Huh!?" The Spaniard gasps in surprise. "You're joking, right?"

"Is that a problem? We need about 75% of the students' votes to get you elected. That's a lot of work, don't you think~?"

"Whoa! 75%?" Ageha asks.

"Ageha-sama," Matsuri says as she sets down the tea. "Did you think it's not possible?"

"Yes, I thought of that," the Spaniard admits.

"However!" Meimei says, standing up. "There's a different system for the Elder nominations~!"

"Therefore, one candidate nominates another," Yoshimitsu says. "And thereby gives her all the votes. The campaigning will continue until one candidate has over 75% of the votes."

"But are the people who cast their ballots okay with that?" Ageha asks.

Meimei sits down to think. "Hmm…since the person you support supports the candidate, I guess there aren't any complaints."

"I guess that's one way of looking at it," the Spaniard says.

Yoshimitsu turns to her friend. "The trick is to get as many advantageous supporters as possible. Right?" She turns back towards Meimei and Matsuri.

"Yes!" the Chinese girl says as she stand right back up. "I will work hard for Ageha-sama!"

"I will, too!" Matsuri raises her hand.

Yoshimitsu nods in satisfaction. "Mm-hmm~! Now that's decided, there's a lot of work to be done~!" She stands up with her fist pumped in the air. "We shall elect Ageha as the Elder!"

Ageha just sighs, feeling that there's no way that she can do this after her talk with Kochou yesterday. But if her friends say that she'll run for Elder, then she'll have to go with it.

**Later**

Yoshimitsu, Matsuri and Meimei go around, telling every girl the good news about electing Ageha as Elder. And each of the girls are immediately convinced, happily accepting their offer to nominate Ageha. Soon, it spreads quickly and every girl is talking about nominating the Spanish girl left and right, even at homeroom. Ageha sits at her desk, looking around while listening to every word the girls are saying.

It's almost the elections, she thinks. Practically, the entire school is talking about it. I guess it's a big deal to select an Elder.

"Here you go, Ageha-san." A hand swoops down in front of her with a paper.

"Oh, what's this?" the Spaniard asks as she takes it.

"It's a voting form for the Elder election," Kaede replies. "I will be voting for you."

"Eh!? Why?"

Kaede giggles. "Why so surprised? Most of our class is voting for you."

Ageha sighs. "But…why me?"

"I love your modesty." The braided girl turns to leave. "I'll see you later."

"Ah! Kaede-san!" Ageha calls. But the braided girl is already talking with her friends. She lets out a soft sigh. What am I gonna do? she thinks.

"I think it's a good thing," Leo's voice interrupts her thoughts. "Having an Elder as a classmate is a thing of great pride."

"I appreciate everyone's support, but…don't you think it's strange that I'm a nominee?" the Spaniard asks. "I'm a transfer student."

"There is one thing I can say for sure," Leo says while closing her eyes.

"What's that?"

"That the beautiful and elegant Ageha-sama is the perfect candidate for Elder."

Ageha blushes. "B-but Leo-san!"

"The race is split right now…" a quiet voice says.

Ageha gasps at the sight of a girl with long silver hair and violet eyes. "Ah! Kasumi-san!?"

"It appears that this year's Elder race is down to you and Kochou-san," Kasumi says, softly.

"Kochou-san!?" The mentioning of her name flashes an image of her in Ageha's head. She then goes back to reading the paper that Kaede gave her.

"It's not decided yet," Leo says. "There's no point in worrying now. Ah! The next period is electives. What's yours?"

"Oh, I have world history," Ageha answers.

"I see." The blonde beauty stands up and smiles. "I'll see you later."

**Next Period**

While walking in the halls, Ageha is deep in thought. It's true. Nothing's decided yet. But I wonder what Kochou-san is thinking…

She slides open the door and she is shocked to see the student council president herself in the classroom. The brunette turns toward her with a cold expression.

"You…" she says. "Good day."

"Ah, h-hello," Ageha says as she slowly walks by her and sits down next to her. She nervously fiddles with the hem of her skirt, trying not to look at the brunette. Ageha never expected the student council president to be in her class and is already feeling a bit uncomfortable considering Kochou's attitude.

"I don't think we officially met," Kochou says as she gestures towards herself. "I'm this years student council president. My name is Kochou."

"My name is Ageha," the Spaniard replies.

"Now we know each other. Well then…" Kochou turns back towards the front.

Ageha lets out a heavy sigh.

Later on, while the teacher is talking, the Spaniard is having a hard time paying attention. She just stares into space. Why is this happening? she thinks. I can't focus on the lecture at all. She glances over at Kochou, who is taking her notes as the teacher is talking. Ageha can't help but stare at the student council president for some reason. Perhaps she's staring at her lovely long curls or her pretty face. However, the staring is cut short when Kochou catches her.

"Can I help you?" she asks.

"Ah! I-it's nothing!" Ageha says as she waves her hands back and forth. "I-I was thinking you take such precious notes." She blushes as she says this.

"Is that so unusual?"

"N-no, I was just impressed by your appearance and diligence."

"Diligence?" Kochou looks at her with a cold expression again. But only for a second. Then, she smirks. "I see the top scorer on the entrance exams has some breathing room."

Ageha gives a light laugh. "I didn't mean it that way."

"It's fine," Kochou says. "I'm sure my brain is unlike your genius brain. But let me ask you: why is a genius like you taking world history?"

"Eh? Oh, now that you mention it…I wonder why…" Ageha then tries to give her best smile. "I guess it looked interesting."

Kochou raises an eyebrow. "Interesting?"

"Yes," the Spaniard says. "If we're made to study, we may as well choose something interesting. Don't you agree?"

"I suppose."

"And what about you?" Ageha says.

"Me? I suppose because there is less competition. It makes more sense to take a subject good for my entrance exams."

Ageha puts her hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles. "I see. I didn't think of that."

"Ageha-san, are you making fun of me?" Kochou asks with her eyebrow raised again.

"Not at all. I think you're more honest than you think you are."

"Eh?" Then she hears the bell ring and she stands up immediately. "Stand! Bow!" she says out loud.

The two girls gather their stuff to get ready to get to their next class. Kochou turns toward the Spaniard.

"Th-that's fine," she says. "But let me make one thing clear."

"What's that?" Ageha asks.

"This school depends on its traditions. No matter how much support you get from your friends to spread rumors, I cannot except a transfer student as an Elder."

"Eh?"

"If it should come to it, I will use the powers of the student council to prevent it."

Ageha nods. "Ah…o-okay."

"That's all I wanted to say," Kochou says. "Well then, have a nice day." She bows and turns to leave.

Ageha just stands there with a worried look on her face. When she says "friends", she means Yoshimitsu, right? she thinks. I hope she's not taking it too far.

**Student Council Office**

Kochou lets out a sigh as she sits on her chair. What is behind Ageha-san's carefree attitude? she thinks. And towards her rival, no less…

"Group A will target the clubs," she hears Chihaya say to the other student council members. "And group B will focus on each grade level for the campaign. We have to get the word out."

"Hey," Kochou says. "Chihaya."

"Yes? What is it, President?"

"I wonder about the effectiveness of such a basic approach."

"But…unfortunately, the movement to elect Ageha-san is gaining momentum. And as the student council, we have to take action to roll it back or else…"

Kochou immediately stands up. "Then, that would be doing the same thing as Yoshimitsu-san! What do you think the role of the student council is!?"

"President, please calm down," Chihaya say softly.

"I AM CALM! JUST GET OUT! ALL OF YOU!" Kochou shouts.

The other members all run out of the room. Once they are out of sight, the brunette lets out a sigh.

"That Ageha-san…" she mutters with her face red from blushing. "Honestly, I have nothing against her, but if it should come to it…" She turns to look out the window.

Meanwhile, Chihaya and the other student council members are outside of the door. Chihaya just stands there with a worried look on her face.

**Lunchtime**

Ageha approaches Yoshimitsu while they are in line to grab their lunch and mentions their Election plans.

"What did I do?" the blonde asks.

"W-well…you didn't do anything horrible, right?" Ageha says.

Yoshimitsu giggles. "Don't say things like that~! Meimei, Matsuri and I just told a few friends about your beautiful 'episode'. That's all~!"

"That's all?" The Spaniard repeats. She's not sure what her friend means by "episode", and it's making her even more uncomfortable about this situation.

"Um…are you Ageha-sama?" a girl asks behind her.

"Yes." Ageha replies as she turns towards three girls in front of her. "What do you need?"

"I was so moved by your story~!" the girl in front says with sparkles in her eyes. "Good luck in the Elections~!"

"U-um…thank you…"

As the girls leave, the tanned girl speaks up again. "Who are they?"

Yoshimitsu ignores her question as she smiles in satisfaction. "Good! It's all going as planned~!"

"Going as planned?" Ageha repeats.

Yoshimitsu winks at her. "Everyone knows that girls love rumors. Therefore, the rumor has grown wings and spread throughout the entire school."

The Spaniard sighs for the 4th time today. She honestly did not want this to happen, but thanks to Yoshimitsu, she has to go with it.

**Late Afternoon**

While walking toward the dorms, Ageha looks down at the ground while hearsing some girls talking to each other.

"The elections are soon," one says. "I wonder who's going to be our Elder Sister!"

Ageha lets out another sigh. "I guess I'll have to wait for the results," she mutters to herself. "I don't know if I should really thank Yoshimitsu or scold her. But…she's only trying to help me. So, I shouldn't make a fuss about it." She continues walking until she gets to the dorms.

**Next Day**

"The Elder Elections are about to close," the female principle says. "If you haven't cast your ballot yet, please do at your designed polling place. Collected ballots will be counted immediately. Then the results will be announced at the assembly. Please gather at the assembly hall after you have voted."

At the school halls, there are tables all around with boxes and cards to vote for the candidates. Each of them wrote down their votes and inserts them into the box. After that, the girls do what the principle instructed and they all take their seats at the auditorium and talk amongst themselves while waiting. Ageha and her friends soon arrive and observe the crowd growing.

"There's an air of excitement!" Meimei says.

"It's like they're waiting for their favorite idol," Leo says.

One girl taps her friend's shoulder. "Hey, look! It's Ageha-sama!"

"She's so beautiful~!" another squeals.

"I hope Ageha-sama wins!"

"Ohhh, they're all talking~!" Meimei says.

"I'm so glad I worked hard~!" Matsuri says, happily.

"Just wait, though~!" Yoshimitsu says with a wink. "It's not decided yet."

Just then, all the girls turn their heads towards the other side. They see two familiar people standing there.

"That's Kochou!" Yoshimitsu says.

"Kochou-san…" Ageha says softly.

The student council president turns away in disgust to take her seat.

"Ageha-sama!" Meimei says as she grabs her arm.

"It's going to start soon!" Matsuri adds.

The two girls drag the Spaniard towards her seat. As soon as all the seats are filled the lights go off, except for one, shining on the principle. She has long gray hair and wearing a gray female business suit. She clears her throat and faces the audience.

"Everyone," she says. "I, Principal Minami, will now be confirming the final counts. Please just wait a little longer."

"Eh!?" Ageha's eyes widen in surprise. "Principal Minami-san?"

"Members of electoral committee and the student council can be nominated, too," Leo explains. "So, the principal makes the announcement."

"Oh, I see!" Ageha says.

"Almost…" Meimei trails off.

"Oh, my heart is going to explode~!" Matsuri squeals softly.

"Here it is~!" Yoshimitsu says with her fist pumped.

"In this election," Principal Minami continues. "There is a student who won 82% of the student-body votes. I would like to take this moment to announce the results."

The crowd waits excitedly for this final moment. Principal Minami takes the envelope and unfolds it.

"This year's elder sister is…" she says, trailing off for suspension.

Ageha and Kochou wait patiently, though the Spaniard is feeling more uncomfortable than the student council president.

"AGEHA-SAN FROM CLASS-A!" Principal Minami announces.

The girls let out a thunderous of applause. Ageha's eyes widen in shock.

"What!?" she says. "No way! She said 82%."

Yoshimitsu grabs her wrist to pull her up. "That's how much support you got! You did it, Ageha~!"

Matsuri jumps into the Spaniard's arms. "Congratulations, Ageha-Onee-sama~!"

"Ageha-Onee-sama~!" Meimei quickly joins in the hug.

The girls continue applauding happily for their new Elder. Kaede comes over and holds out her hand.

"Onee-sama," she says. "Please take the stage."

"B-but…"

Yoshimitsu winks at her. "Go on! It'll be alright!" She pushes her childhood friend towards the stage.

"Let's have a word from our new Elder Sister," Principal Minami says. "Second year, Class-A, Ageha-san."

Just then, they hear footsteps coming towards them. They turn to see Kochou with a serious look on her face.

"Kochou-san!" Ageha gasps.

The other girls and Yoshimitsu and her friends were even shocked that the student council president would show up on stage as well.

"Ma'am, can I have the mic please?" Kochou asks.

"Sure…" The principal hands her the mic.

Kochou clears her throat and faces the audience. "As the student council president, I hereby object to the results of this election."

Ageha gasps at Kochou's words. Yoshimitsu growls in anger as she clenches her fists.

"What!?" she shouts.

"I am not objecting to Ageha-san herself," Kochou continues. "When we select an Elder every year, we're supposed to choose someone who will uphold traditions of this school. But this year's elections was a popularity contest based on looks and charm of this transfer student. Don't you think that's wrong of our academy's tradition? I would like to take this moment to ask you what this tradition means."

Yoshimitsu and the others continue to watch and listen to Kochou's speech. The brunette slightly turns her head towards the Spaniard.

"I'm sorry to do this to you," she whispers to her. "But I cannot allow it."

"Kochou-san…" Ageha just stares at the student council president.

Just then, a gentle voice gets their attention.

"Wait a second," Leo says.

Kochou jerks her head up and notices the blonde beauty standing between the aisle of seats with a serious expression on her face. The girls murmur some things to each other as the blonde walks towards the stage with Kochou standing frozen. Leo has heard enough and she wanted to have a say in this. When she steps on to the stage, she smiles at the student council president.

"Kochou-san," she says softly. "I know I don't have the right to speak, but will you allow me?"

"S-sure…" Kochou hands her the mic.

"Thanks."

Leo clears her throat and faces the audience. "It's true that the Elder system has been a tradition at our school. It is the culmination of the efforts of the generations of Elders to become ideal women." She hangs her head down. "Unfortunately, I soiled this tradition."

Kochou shakes her head roughly. "L-Leo-sama! Not at all…!"

"But!" Leo continues. "Therefore, please allow me to say that the qualifications of an Elder are not complex. The driving power comes from the selection process of the students and the approval that goes with it. What's important is the simple fact that Ageha-san won the tremendous support! Isn't that the sign of your approval and the essential prerequisite for an Elder?"

Kochou, Ageha, Yoshimitsu, Matsuri and Meimei watch the blonde beauty and listen to her powerful speech.

"Please don't use her being a new transfer student as a reason to withdraw the affection you displayed by casting your votes or politicize the process," Leo continues. "This is what I cannot allow!"

Ageha is completely moved by Leo's speech. "Leo-san…" she says, softly.

At first, there is silence. But one girl starts clapping and then as quick as a flash, the other girls join in, making the applause louder and louder. Leo holds her hand towards her chest, panting. Her legs begin to wobble a little, but she tries her best to keep her balance. She turns toward the student council president with a weak smile.

"W-won't you please accept it…Kochou-san…?" she says, softly.

"Leo-sama…"

The blonde starts to hand her the mic, but as she takes one step, she starts to fall, dropping the mic in the process. The girls gasp as Leo collapses to the floor on her side. Loud screams are heard after.

"Leo-san!" Ageha cries as she runs towards the unconscious girl while Kochou backs away in fear. The Spaniard picks Leo up and tries to shake her awake. "Leo-san!" She puts on a very serious expression, looks up as she carries the blonde bridal style and leaps off the stage. Her wavy hair sways from the jump and lands perfectly on her feet, causing the other girls to squeal. She then dashes towards the exit like her life depends on it.

**Infirmary**

Leo slowly opens her eyes to see Ageha at her bedside with a sad smile.

"Are you alright, Leo-san?" she asks.

"Ageha-san…" the blonde whispers.

"The school nurse said you should be okay as long as you rest."

Leo takes a few deep breathes as she weakly turns her head towards the Spaniard. "I'm sorry. I'm so embarrassed," she whispers. "My body's been weak for so long, yet I get so worked up. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble."

"N-not at all," Ageha says. "I've depended on your kindness since I arrived."

"But I had no idea you'd whisk me away like that," Leo says. "You truly are…a wonderful person."

Ageha blushes from her compliment, but quickly shakes it off. "Leo-san, you should focus on getting better."

"Please go back to the assembly hall. I truly believe that you are meant to be Elder."

The Spaniard puts her fist on her chest as she shakes her head. "B-but, Leo-san…how can I…"

"I'll be fine," Leo whispers. "So, please…"

Ageha stares at the blonde beauty. She realizes that Leo has a point. With all the support she's getting, she feels that she is confident enough to take on the role.

"Okay," she says. "If you insist. Thank you." Ageha leans in and kisses Leo on the forehead.

She then stands up, waves good-bye to her friend and heads towards the auditorium. However, once she walks in the doors, she is greeted by maybe hundreds of girls squealing.

"Ageha-Onee-sama~!" Meimei cheers.

"Welcome back!" Matsuri says.

Yoshimitsu steps in and winks. "We've been waiting for you, new Elder, Ageha-sama~!"

"But what about the objections?" The Spaniard asks.

"That's all been settled, my friend~!" Yoshimitsu replies.

Meimei squeals again in excitement. "After what you did, no one has any doubts~!"

"You were like a knight in shining armor when you carried Leo-sama like that," Matsuri adds with sparkles in her eyes.

"Ageha-san," Principal Minami says. "You are now a full fledged Elder accepted by all."

"Minami-sensei…" Ageha says.

"In my opinion, I think it's just fine," the principal says. "Like Leo-san said, everyone chose you. That's the only condition that matters, right?"

Ageha blushes and smiles. "Yes."

"Congratualations, New Elder~!" Meimei and Matsuri say in unison.

"Congrats~!" Kaede says.

"Yes, congratulations," Kasumi says softly with a small smile on her face.

Soon, all the girls come gathering around Ageha to offer their sincere congratulations to their new Elder. And the Spaniard just smiles, despite being overwhelmed by the crowd.

Meanwhile, Kochou and Chihaya just stand on the stage, watching the girls go all over Ageha.

"President…" Chihaya starts.

"This is the will of the entire student body," Kochou says. Besides, she thinks. When Leo-san fell, I froze. And yet, Ageha-san…

"President," Chihaya says, snapping the student council president out of her thoughts.

"Ageha-san is truly a mysterious girl," Kochou says. But…why is my heart beating all of a sudden?