Happiness is a feeling of freedom from pain. Arthur Schopenhauer

On the second day, the school rules were explained to us most of the time. My classmates were a little confused by how indifferent the teachers turned out to be. During the lesson, I heard conversations that were getting louder by the minute. But despite this, the teacher did not say a word about discipline.

This is probably how teachers behave with students who have completed compulsory education. Although, of course, this is still a school, so this train of thought does not have such a great development. Perhaps, if it were a college or university, such a thing would not seem unusual or strange, but here…

In such a light atmosphere, I did not even notice that it was time for lunch. After getting up from their seats, the students and their new friends went to fill their stomachs for the rest of the day. I should go get something to eat, too. A cafeteria can be a good option for this.

– Oh, Ayanokoji-kun, do you mind coming with me for company?

Hirata came up to me and asked such a strange thing. There were several girls standing behind him, why is he inviting me? Is it possible that this was the scenario move of a romantic comedy film? That is, following the director's logic, I will have to meet the girl of my dreams at the dinner table during the big break.

– I'm sorry, but now I have other plans.

It was a lie. I just don't want to go to lunch with him. Yes, he may be nice and friendly, but I will feel superfluous in his company. Moreover, I did not believe that I would be able to find a girl in the cafeteria so easily. How do you imagine this at all? I can't even imagine such a surreal scenario.

– It's a pity... okay, then I won't distract you.

– I'm sorry, Hirata, but it's necessary.

I nodded to him one last time and left the classroom, after which I headed to the cafeteria at a very high speed, so that Hirata's group could not notice me. Although even if they realized that I was going in the same direction, it doesn't mean that the cafeteria is my goal. I could have been anywhere in that direction.

– Whoa, whoa, whoa, where are we in such a hurry?

Turning around, I noticed that guy Hashimoto, who was walking as fast as I was, clearly trying to catch up with my person.

– Nowhere, just…

– Okay, whatever. Do you mind talking to me over lunch? I really want to know what our princess has told you so interesting.

The princess? Are they there in their class And playing role-playing games or what? Is he talking about Sakayanagi? Today is only the second day of school, what has she managed to do in her class? Did she really want to call herself the captive princess from the tower? Except I didn't notice any long golden hair yesterday.

– I don't mind.

After all, this is not the kind of company where girls who are unpleasant to me will be. I mean, it could be an all-male one-on-one conversation. I might even be able to find out useful information about their class. Moreover, it is worth finding out who plays the role of Rapunzel there.

After picking up my tasty order, I headed to the table where Hashimoto was already waiting for me. On his part, there was a medium-priced lunch. You could say that it included a few simple vegetables and a large piece of deep-fried meat. If you were thirsty, then a large glass of water was attached to this meal.

For myself, I decided to choose something cheaper. Simply put, it was a slightly better meal than the free version. Hashimoto noticed this, but didn't say anything. Perhaps he already understands the situation.

– So, Ayanokoji, I'm listening to you carefully.

– Before I start, may I ask? Who and why do you call a princess? Is your whole class involved in this?

Was this the Kamuro princess I caught stealing beer yesterday? Maybe she was trapped by the forces of evil, so should I save her? Was this my real mission while I was in this school?

– A princess is a princess.

After hearing a logical explanation of the situation, I calmed down. If the princess is really a princess, then I have nothing to worry about. But Hashimoto's eyes suddenly flashed. He seemed to want to tell me something important.

– Actually, I shouldn't tell this to another class, but if it's you, then it's okay.

Wow, he probably thinks highly of me if he says so. Or was it Sakayanagi who made him think better of me? Is it possible that she planned this meeting and specifically sent a snake... I mean Hashimoto to talk my teeth out?

– So, listen carefully…

≪A time interval straight back to yesterday using the power of Timeskip-chan≫

Classroom class 1-A

– We need a strong leader in this suspicious.

The classroom of Class A was restless from the very first day. People were torn between behaving tactlessly and audaciously because of the large amount of money they received or just seem cold and detached from reality.

– I have to become a leader, I have all the qualities for this.

The guy who said that had what you might call a ball of fur on his head. His hair had obviously not been neatly styled for a long time. If it were not for this school uniform, in which they had to be present in class, this teenager could be mistaken for the average resident of a poor area of Osaka.

– Nah, that guy would be more suitable.

After all, no one could trust a man who looked like someone who had lost all his savings. If he also tried to encroach on the money savings of the other students in the future as a leader, it would cause big problems and internal conflicts in the classroom.

– Are you serious? It's obvious that both of them won't be able to handle the class leadership. You'd better choose me.

The guy with glasses clearly had the highest self-esteem. He pointedly poked his thumb into his chest to prove exactly to the rest of the audience how much ambition he had.

– What difference does it make who is our leader? As long as we have our money, everything will be fine.

A simple girl with the most ordinary appearance decided to show her character and express what was on her mind. Unfortunately, many people looked at her with a strange feeling, as if it was clear to everyone on an instinctive level that some kind of stupidity had occurred to her. That's what using one of the most popular lines of the main character in a novel can do for a background character.

– Did I get to the zoo? How stupid it all is. A place full of monkeys.

The words spoken by the girl with short silver hair attracted the attention of the entire class.

– Hey, don't you think it's very rude to call us monkeys?

– Oh, what a cute little Class A monkey you are.

The views of the whole class about the girl tended to be that she was behaving like a narcissistic creature. But many did not want to get into unpleasant conflicts with a stupid disabled kid, so they tried to calm their nerves quickly.

– Shut up, who do you even think we are?

He approached her, clearly intent on proving to this little girl his complete superiority over her. This guy also noticed that she had a cane with her, which only made him smile, because it would be easy for him to use such an irrefutable fact of disability against her.

– Rabid animals need to be trained.

With that, Sakayanagi's cane was lowered onto this guy's leg.

– Uh-huh…

– Oh, I'm sorry, I accidentally hurt you. However, this is only your fault, all because of your carelessness.

Class A was in turmoil from the act they had just seen.

– In any case, he is a very brave young man. He will be the perfect leader for you, won't he?

– Oh, you little one…

The guy who just ran out of the crowd tried to grab the cane from Sakayanagi, but something went wrong…

– How ugly it is. I was born with a weak body, so this cane means too much to me.

The brisk temper of the fast guy was stopped completely not by these words, but by the hand of another tall young man. His head was shining because there wasn't a single hair on it, except for the eyebrows. If he hadn't been wearing a school uniform, he could have been mistaken for a school employee.

– Calm down, this is not a place where you should use violence. You have to understand this, since you got into this elite school.

With these words, he managed to cool the impulse of sudden violence on the part of a guy towards a disabled girl. But still, he couldn't leave aside her provocative words.

– Do you really think that after the insults and humiliations of your classmates, you will be quickly forgiven and made the leader of the class?

– Yes, that's right, that's right!

– Katsuragi-san is right!

– You're using tyranny, apologize!

Some guys began to actively support the bald young man, realizing that he was the one they needed as a leader.

After his words, a sinister smile appeared on the face of the disabled baby for a second, but no one had time to notice it, as everyone was looking at the one who heroically stopped the one-sided fight. Sitting down on the floor, the girl said with a sad look.

– I have been striving to get into class A for a very long time. Now that I finally found myself here, I promised that I would help my classmates to advance the class.

The faces of many students became puzzled after these words. They looked at her with obvious skepticism, which could easily be read on their faces. However, her speech was not yet complete.

– But why were you all fighting? It's so rude. I never wanted to use such cruel methods in the first place, so please forgive me.

For most, these words have become key in deciding who will be their leader. Everyone started to realize that they were really doing something wrong all this time from the very beginning.

– M-maybe she was right and there really wasn't anything else to do…

While this dramatic situation was only growing, the girl, who was watching everything from the end of the classroom, began to realize that it was better for her not to get into it. Previously, in junior and middle school, she had always been quite secretive and aloof from her classmates, and even in this elite place, such behavior had also not changed and would never change. But nevertheless, unlike most idiots in this class, she immediately figured out the idea of a miniature monkey with a cane. Unfortunately, there was no point in her trying to save this class, which was already on its way to self-destruction.

– I'm sorry, um... we didn't think well of all this…

The guy who said this looked at the plaque on the table of the girl with silver hair and realized that her name was Sakayanagi Arisu.

– Forgive us, Sakayanagi-san.

– Yes, forgive us.

Katsuragi looked puzzled as he watched this scene. He wondered why everyone had forgiven her so easily. Perhaps Class A among all the other incoming first-year students could have become a laughing stock if anyone had seen this scene.

– Guys, we need to stop the division of the class…

But when he said that, it was too late. There were those who agreed with Sakayanagi's policy, as there were those who did not change their minds about it. As a result, Class 1-A was divided into two militant factions from the very first day.

≪Timeskip-chan out≫

– At that moment, I realized that there simply could not be a better leader than Sakayanagi. Then she looked like a real princess…

Listening to his story, I was extremely surprised at how easily Sakayanagi's power came to be. I wonder if this method would have worked if a guy had been in her place? In principle, this is quite possible, given that this girl herself has nothing outstanding of feminine traits that would make you relax your vigilance in front of her. Of course, there was the fact of her disability, but it was not something so unusual in the modern world.

– I see. It's a very interesting story.

– I knew you'd like it. That's why I'm so curious about what she told you.

– Actually, it's nothing special. It's just that we've known each other before.

I didn't want to tell him that Sakayanagi had decided to fight my class, so I told him a small part. It was partly a lie, because only she knew me before.

– Really?

Hashimoto was genuinely surprised. He thought it was obviously strange, because at that time, last night, when I met, I did not show the proper emotions on my face that would show at least some kind of connection between me and Sakayanagi.

– But you looked like she was an ordinary girl you just met yesterday.

– That's because the last time we saw each other was about eight years ago. I've already forgotten her, and she probably hasn't been able to do it.

– Hehaha… You're very lucky, you know that?

Hashimoto patted me lightly on the shoulder, clearly trying to support me in this regard. Perhaps he thought that Sakayanagi had some hidden feelings for me for eight years, but I hoped that this was not the case.

– I don't think so. Actually, I…

Before I could finish, I heard a sweet female voice from the speakers fixed in the corners of the cafeteria, making an announcement: Today at five o'clock in the evening there will be a presentation of the school's club activities in gym number one! If you are going to join the club, we invite you to gym number one!

School clubs, then? This is what one would expect from almost any school, but I really wonder what the local educational system has to offer.

– Ayanokoji, are you going to join any club?

– I haven't decided yet. I'll go and check on the spot. And you?

– I want to join a football club, as I did before in high school.

He must be athletic enough to have been playing football since high school. At the same time, Hirata seems to be interested in football too.

– Okay, I have to go, I'll see you later.

Hashimoto waved at me and left the dining room.

It's time for me to leave. Of course, the break will end in only ten minutes, but this does not mean that there is a lot of time. So when I finished my lunch, I was about to get up, but suddenly someone sat down at my table. Of course, I tried to ignore it and already intended to get out of here as soon as possible, but…

– Hey, where are you going?

Still, it wasn't some random guest who noticed that I was clearing the table. Looking at the person who was addressing me, I realized that it was the same girl I was lucky enough to meet yesterday. If I remember correctly, her name is Kamuro.

– I finished my lunch, so I was going to leave.

– Not so fast lad. First of all, explain something to me.

I sighed in despair and sat back down at the table. My gaze was drawn to the girl in front of me. She seemed calm, but it was clear to me that this was not entirely true. I would say that she is rather annoyed or worried about something.

– My name is Ayanokoji.

– Oh?

I didn't like the way she called me some lad, so I introduced myself.

– Should I repeat it?

I doubted she hadn't heard me. Rather, there was a factor of the suddenness of my words.

– Kamuro…

She seemed to hiss her name and looked like she didn't want to talk to me at all. But still, it was this girl who decided to involve both of us in such an extraordinary situation.

– All right, Kamuro. What did you want from me? Do you need my number or something?

When I made a joke like that, she looked at me with annoyance, which grew at the speed of a bullet.

– YOU…!

– Yeah, me…

– Shut.! up.!

I did as she told me. It was obvious that she was having a hard time controlling herself, but this girl was trying very hard not to start arguing with me right now. Maybe I should be a little more serious too?

– How did you know about this?

– About what?

– Don't take me for a fool.

I could only guess what she was talking about, but most likely it was about a can of beer that disappeared from a convenience store yesterday for an inexplicable reason. And the culprit of this loss was a girl with beautiful purple hair. Her dark purple eyes were just looking at me, as if trying to burn a hole in me.

– Are you talking about beer?

– Quiet..!

I fell silent again and waited for her next action. She looked around to check the situation around us, then turned to me and nodded slowly, clearly emphasizing that there simply could not be any other answers.

– Well, I just happened to see you just when you got yourself a beer.

– Damn it…

She clearly realized that she hadn't been careful enough. Even if you can trick the store staff and bypass the cameras, you also need to keep an eye on all the other people who are present at the scene of your theft.

– Just try to tell someone or…

– Or what?

When I said that, she was speechless. Apparently, this is not at all what you expect when you set your conditions for another person. Using the fact that she couldn't say a word yet, I got up slightly from the table and leaned forward so that our faces with this girl were at a fairly close distance from each other.

– What are you doing?..

Her face was beautiful, her skin seemed smooth to the touch, and her eyes were slightly sparkling. And I also felt that the fragrant smell of blueberries was coming from her. It has a rather pleasant aroma.

– From now on, I will keep quiet, but in return, you will become my spy in Class A.

Lessons are over, it's time to go to the gym. I'm not really interested in clubs, but there's one thing I want to find. A club where I can earn or win personal points. If there is no such thing, I will have to create it myself. However, there is one small problem — I have absolutely no idea how to start my own club.

(Hint from Chitanda Eru: You need several people for this, usually starting from three or more. You can all come together to the school administration or to your teacher, and then find out this pressing issue with them.)

As soon as we entered the hall, they immediately rushed to hand out booklets with descriptions of clubs. After all, the event was organized by the school primarily so that the clubs could recruit new members to replace those who left, so it was quite natural.

Going to the back of the hall, a petite girl with purple hair tied in two buns resembling meatballs came on stage. I could call her meatball girl and eat her. I hear the girls are very appetizing these days.

– Good afternoon, newbies! Representatives from each club will tell you in detail what exactly they do and what needs to be done to join. I am Tachibana, the secretary of the student council and responsible for holding today's club fair. Nice to meet you!

After the friendly and polite greeting of the secretary, the representatives of the clubs lined up. It can be said that each of them personified the club in which he was a member.

After listening to each performance, I realized that earning points in clubs would not work. It's a pity, we'll have to use a backup option.

As I turned to leave, the people around me started giggling. Turning around, I saw that there was only one person left on the stage. The student froze in front of the microphone and calmly looked at the first-year students.

– Did you forget to bring the text cards?

– Hahaha!

– Come on, try your best!

It seems that they have already forgotten who this man is and what position he holds in the school. What kind of uneducated students study at this school?

The first-year students slowly began to laugh at this student, although some even tried to cheer him up. However, senpai did not move. Neither laughter nor encouragement had any effect, his expression remained unchanged. Cold and clear-eyed, just like my roommate in class. And the hair is just as dark. Interesting.

An aura of tension and calm enveloped the hall. Soon it became suddenly quiet. No one said a word – there was dead silence.

– My name is Horikita Manabu and I am the President of the student council!

He spoke to us at the opening ceremony. I couldn't understand how all those students in front of the stage forgot yesterday so quickly.

– The student Council is looking for first-year students who can replace graduates. We do not have strict requirements for applying for any of the positions, however, interested students should not be members of other clubs.

I am not interested in the student council, but if you can earn money in it, then my opinion about it may change.

– And one more thing. We are not looking for simple-minded people. Not only because they will have to take responsible positions, but also because they will inevitably become a stain on the reputation of the school. Those of you who understand this can become possible candidates.

After this unwavering speech, he left the stage and walked out of the building of the corps. This man showed an even stronger character than on the first day at the entrance ceremony.

– Thank you all for coming! I declare the presentation closed! We are opening the application area for everyone who wants to join. It will be open until the end of April, so we advise you to think about which club you want to join as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention!

After these words, Tachibana-senpai, as well as the President, left the gym.

I'm not interested in the student council just as much as the clubs. But if I can get benefits from the student council, such as personal scores or information about future exams, then joining it may not be such a bad idea. I will definitely review all the priorities later.

This event also made me think about what I heard yesterday about this situation. I mean, I think I was lucky enough to see the Student council President outside the convenience store yesterday. It seemed like he was drinking juice or soda with some guy who was probably his senpai. Does this mean that students can stay on the premises of the educational institution even after graduation? This is an interesting fact. Perhaps I could use this to extend my freedom.

Should I try to graduate from class A, after which I could use the policy of this school to become a teacher here immediately after graduation? That way I could betray this person. After all, he didn't tell me that I would have to return to the White Room after three years of education at this school.

This man sounded more like the emperor from the third Star Wars movie, which I saw quite by accident. It was something like, "Graduate from Class A in this school, crush it with a new class A and then your transition to the bright side of the White Room will be completed."

Or maybe that's not what he was saying. In any case, I've never really listened to him.

After looking around for the last time in search of something interesting, I finally left this place.