Chapter-05 · EP-071

Episode 71: Hikaru Kujo (Part 6)

Because of my argument with Okumoto-san, a discussion involving Professor Kyogoku began.

Professor Kyogoku listened to Okumoto-san's grievances and listed them on the blackboard.

Only the sound of chalk writing on the blackboard echoed through the classroom.

・Being the top student yet weak
・A woman being the top student of Class A
・Getting along well with D-Class
・Attending the Second Swordsmanship Club

"Well, that's about it…"

It was sad to hear it said aloud, but seeing it written out like this made it even sadder.

After hearing Okumoto-san's arguments, Professor Kyogoku then asked me.

"Now it's Kujo-san's turn. What grievances do you have towards Okumoto-kun?"

"Me…?"

I hadn't intended to express any grievances. If anything, I had just been unilaterally hearing Okumoto-san's complaints.

"I… would like Okumoto-san to stop forming factions and have the class unite more…"

I honestly said what I felt.

"If your wish is for the class to unite, wouldn't it be best for everyone if you just handed over the class president position to me?"

"Well…"

As I hesitated to answer Okumoto-san's words, Professor Kyogoku, sensing the atmosphere, read my feelings.

"So you have no intention of giving up the class president position, Kujo-san?"

"Yes…"

I answered honestly.

"Then, if things continue like this, this class will remain divided and lose its sense of unity. So let's think about how much you can compromise on each other's claims and what you can understand about each other."

I understood that Professor Kyogoku was providing an opportunity for us to find common ground.

If so, I couldn't just stay anxious. I had to face Okumoto-san properly.

"Then let's start with Okumoto-kun's claims. First, being the top student yet weak. It's true that Kujo-san still struggles to defeat slimes. Okumoto-kun, why does that bother you?"

"Yes. This academy is not a regular high school. It's an academy for training dungeon explorers. I think it's wrong that Kujo-san, who has the lowest ability in monster subjugation, which is our primary duty, is called the top student of Class A."

"I see. I understand your point, Okumoto-kun. However, the current class rankings for you first-years are based on your entrance exam scores. So at this point, there can be a discrepancy between strength and rank. But the final exam at the end of the first semester includes a practical test that covers dungeon exploration, and from the second semester, the ranking will be as you wish, Okumoto-kun. Can you accept that?"

"No, I cannot accept that at all. Why isn't dungeon exploration ability tested in the entrance exam?"

"Because you only receive the qualification to explore dungeons upon entering this academy, and you learn the methods through classes. You are still in the process of learning dungeon exploration; you are not yet at the stage where your abilities should be evaluated."

"…"

Okumoto-san seemed unable to think of a retort to Professor Kyogoku's explanation.

Whose side was Professor Kyogoku on? His explanation sounded like he was defending me.

"You still seem unconvinced. But can you at least understand that the academy's system is unavoidably set up that way?"

"I… understand that."

"Thank you. Next, you said you are dissatisfied with a woman being the top student. First, one reason for that is that Kujo-san's grades are exceptionally good. She scored nearly perfect on the written exam, an unprecedented high score. And regarding her being weak as mentioned earlier, Kujo-san seems to have very low arm strength, but she is by no means lacking in physical stamina. Her flexibility, explosiveness, and endurance are all above average. However, her grip strength and throwing power are particularly low. I believe that has become her weak point."

Before Professor Kyogoku's explanation, Okumoto-san interjected.

"That's not what I mean. I think it's wrong for a woman who doesn't even intend to become a dungeon explorer to be the top student. Men inherit the family, while women marry into other families. So I feel uncomfortable with a woman being class president over the men."

From Okumoto-san's explanation, I could sense his misogynistic ideology, and it made me sad.

"That's certainly true. Many women who have talent still don't become dungeon explorers. There is a strong belief that dungeon exploration is a profession for men. Kujo-san, what do you think about that?"

"Well… I think it depends on the person, and it's their freedom."

"Speaking of 'depends on the person,' what about you?"

"I… I…"

I hesitated to answer.

I have a fiancé chosen by my grandfather, and it is decided that I will marry him after graduating from this academy.

Even if I wished to become a full-fledged dungeon explorer after graduation, it wouldn't be possible.

Okumoto-san, who knows my circumstances, spoke.

"Kujo-san is already promised to be married after graduation. She has no intention of becoming a professional explorer. I don't want someone with such a half-hearted attitude to be the class president."

It was Mei who could no longer tolerate his one-sided opinion.

"Okumoto! Hikaru-sama…"

"It's fine, Mei."

I stopped Mei.

Mei knows that this is not the marriage I want, so I think she wanted to say that. But that is something I cannot change.

"So, Kujo-san, if you weren't engaged, would you want to become a professional explorer after graduation?"

"Huh?"

I had never thought about that. If I were free even after graduation, if I could choose any option for myself… I entered this academy because I wanted to be like my brother. I admired him after hearing his stories of dungeon exploration. My brother said that after becoming a dungeon explorer upon graduation, he would eventually succeed our father and become a politician. But I have no desire to be a politician. What I want to be is a dungeon explorer. So if I could choose after graduation…

"I would. If I could, I want to become a professional dungeon explorer."

I answered honestly, true to my feelings.

"Hmm. Then, Okumoto-kun, wouldn't you say there's no problem with Kujo-san serving as the class president of Class A, even though she's a woman?"

"But, in reality…"

"Even if she can't actually become a professional explorer, Kujo-san is attending this academy with the same feelings as those who will. As long as she has that resolve, I don't think there's a problem."

Professor Kyogoku acknowledged me.

A small sense of relief came to the confusion in my heart.

Okumoto-san, hearing Professor Kyogoku's words, seemed to accept it reluctantly.

With that, things were settled. I thought homeroom was over and felt relieved, but Professor Kyogoku continued.

"Now, the next item. Getting along well with D-Class. Kujo-san, this is unacceptable."

Professor Kyogoku's expression suddenly changed.