Chapter-05 · EP-070

Chapter 5: Dawn of Hope

Episode 70: Chaos in Class A

"Okumoto! You clicked your tongue at Hikaru-sama during today's exploration, didn't you!"

Mei Kisaragi's angry voice echoed through the classroom of Class 1-A.

Thud! Her hand slammed down on the desk of the vice class president, Daiki Okumoto. The eyes of the entire classroom focused on them at once.

Okumoto's eyes widened for a moment, then immediately curled his lips into a smirk.

"…Ah, I saw it. How your party was struggling against mere slimes. Especially Kujo-san. She attacked over and over just to finally defeat one… It's true it was irritating to watch. So what?"

"'So what'? You've gone too far, mocking Hikaru-sama!"

Mei's voice grew even sharper.

Okumoto shrugged and laughed through his nose.

"She's the only one in the grade who struggles against slimes. There isn't even anyone in D-Class who does. And someone that weak is the class president of A-Class? Aren't you ashamed?"

"Hah?"

Mei's eyes flashed dangerously.

But the glare from her small body couldn't shake Okumoto's composure.

Recently, Okumoto had become openly critical of Hikaru. For Mei, that was unacceptable.

It was Akihiro Mochizuki who stepped in to break the tension.

"H-hey, both of you stop it. Fighting isn't good."

"Fighting? Kisaragi is just provoking me."

Okumoto's expression was cool.

Mei, in contrast, had her fists clenched as if ready to pounce at any moment.

"O-Okumoto-kun, you're going too far too. Saying things like that about Kujo-san…"

"Hah. Is that it, Mochizuki? You're siding with her faction because she saved you? …Don't regret it."

Okumoto's voice dropped low.

Mochizuki involuntarily caught his breath. The memory of challenging the first-floor boss a few days ago, failing, and being saved by Kujo and Mei flashed through his mind.

"—Stop this fruitless talk about factions and such."

Just then, a voice came from the classroom entrance.

Hikaru Kujo had returned.

Seeing Hikaru's face, Mei snapped back to her senses.

"Hikaru-sama, I'm sorry for causing a disturbance."

"It's fine, Mei. What happened exactly?"

"Well…"

Before Mei could falter, Okumoto began explaining.

"These two like you too much. They can't stand that everyone is making fun of you."

"'Everyone'? You're the only one mocking Hikaru-sama!"

Mei grew angry again at Okumoto.

He addressed her.

"Everyone else thinks the same but doesn't say it. So I'll say it clearly on their behalf. Kujo-san, the position of class president is too heavy for you. I'll take your place."

"Hah?!"

Okumoto's outrageous comment made Mei's anger flare.

Hikaru chided her.

"Calm down, Mei. Okumoto-san, I don't particularly feel it's a burden. And I have no intention of handing over the class president role to you."

Hikaru answered calmly and plainly. But Okumoto didn't like her attitude either.

"How can you be so confident when you struggle against mere slimes? What are you thinking? Hey, everyone! Don't you all agree?"

Okumoto turned and addressed the whole class. But the students of Class A awkwardly averted their eyes.

"Oh dear. It seems everyone is worried about your family, the Duke Kujo household, so they can't speak clearly."

"What are you saying, Okumoto? No one thinks like you. Hikaru-sama, please say something back."

Prompted by Mei, Hikaru thought for a moment, then answered.

"Okumoto-san, I understand you want to be class president. Either way, the class president for the second semester will be decided by the final exam results. Wouldn't it be good to show your ability there?"

"The final exam also evaluates dungeon exploration ability, so it's certain I'll be class president. What I don't like is that you're class president now based only on the written and physical exam results from the entrance test. Aren't you embarrassed to call yourself the top student? Anyway, it's strange for a woman to be class president. You're not planning to become an explorer after graduation, are you? Is that right?"

"Well…"

Hikaru hesitated at Okumoto's question. Sensing he had the upper hand, Okumoto pressed further, smiling.

"I've heard about it. You're apparently already promised in marriage after graduation, aren't you? You never intended to become a professional explorer from the start, did you? I don't want to be put in the same category as someone like that, when we are seriously exploring."

"You bastard! You don't know anything about Hikaru-sama's feelings!"

Mei grabbed Okumoto's collar. Hikaru quickly stopped her.

"Stop it, Mei! …That's right. I am already promised to be married right after graduation. That's precisely why I have an agreement to be allowed to do as I please during these three years. I am serious too."

Hikaru said this, looking at Okumoto with serious eyes.

"Hmph, I wonder. I heard you're getting along well with D-Class students, aren't you? Since you're not accepted in A-Class, do you find the dropout D-Class more to your liking? And you go to the Second Swordsmanship Club? Fufufu, I suppose with your ability, you were rejected from the First Club."

"No. I declined their invitation."

"Huh? Why would you decline the First Club and go to the Second?"

"To become stronger."

"Are you an idiot? The Second Club is just a hobby group. If you're serious, the First Club is the only choice. So you really are just here to play around, aren't you?"

As the two were arguing, the homeroom teacher entered the classroom.

"Hey now. Kujo-san, Okumoto-kun, it's almost time for homeroom."

"Ah, yes!"

"Sorry!"

The two hurried to their seats. The surrounding students also returned to their seats.

Haruhiko Kyogoku, the homeroom teacher of Class A, stood at the podium and looked around the classroom.

"Hmm, there's a bit of a strange atmosphere…"

He looked at Hikaru and Okumoto.

"S-sorry."

Okumoto apologized reflexively.

"You don't need to apologize. It seems you two were arguing just now. Perhaps it would be better to have a proper reconciliation. Well then, before homeroom, let's have everyone discuss things together…"

Both Okumoto and Hikaru were surprised by Kyogoku's sudden proposal.