"Are you planning to sign such an agreement with Ryuuen?"
Ayanokoji held the handwritten agreement and calmly looked at Horikita.
"Is there a problem? I think Ryuuen's proposal is good. Even if it requires some sacrifice, it's worth trying."
Horikita had already calculated that 200 class points were worth 20,000 personal points, so even paying 10,000 would still result in a profit.
Moreover, these class points were like falling from the sky; only a fool would refuse them.
If other classes took these 200 points, and Class D remained indifferent, the point gap would immediately widen.
So, by all accounts, agreeing to Ryuuen's plan seemed correct.
She had already discussed this matter with Hirata.
Hirata also believed that the agreement could be signed.
It was basically a done deal; if there were no special changes, they would sign this agreement with Ryuuen along with the other two classes shortly.
The reason for consulting Ayanokoji was merely a formality, as Amane had emphasized before leaving that Ayanokoji's opinion should be sought in all matters.
Although Horikita was not very satisfied with this arrangement, she still chose to respect Amane's wishes.
However, what she didn't expect was that Ayanokoji seemed not to approve of this agreement, which was beneficial to Class D, this time.
"Horikita-san, there are some things I must remind you of: there's no such thing as a free lunch from the sky."
Ayanokoji immediately perceived the problem with this matter.
However, it was clear that those involved were blinded. Horikita's actions, in Ayanokoji's view, were completely misled by the 200 class points right in front of her.
If any of the three classes should be most suspicious of Ryuuen's motives, it should undoubtedly be Class D that raises questions first.
"I don't need you to remind me of such things. This isn't a free lunch for us; we're also paying a price by giving half of the profits we gain this time to Ryuuen. In my opinion, this is merely a reasonable transaction."
Horikita's stubbornness made Ayanokoji shake his head.
"This is not a reasonable transaction. Tell me, Horikita-san, do you think class points are more important, or personal points?"
Ayanokoji tried to enlighten Horikita.
Horikita frowned slightly at such a question.
Class points determined whether one could advance to Class A.
And personal points could also be used to advance to Class A with a huge amount of personal points, or even to avoid expulsion.
However, such a price was undoubtedly enormous.
Compared to class points, accumulating 20 million personal points to advance to Class A was simply a pipe dream.
Because class points determined the amount of personal points.
So, without a doubt, class points should be more important than personal points.
"I believe class points are more important than personal points."
As soon as Horikita finished speaking, Ayanokoji's face finally showed a somewhat helpless expression.
"If that's the case, why would Ryuuen let you gain class points while he only wants personal points? Isn't he afraid that Class D will get enough class points to surpass Class C? You said that this proposal was made by Katsuragi-san, so is it possible... that Katsuragi and Ryuuen have already conspired to set up this trap?"
Ayanokoji's speculation was extremely bold.
Even Horikita was stunned by such a guess.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Why would Katsuragi cooperate with Ryuuen? Isn't he also going to sign the agreement? Surely that can't be faked?"
Horikita couldn't accept the speculation that Katsuragi might be in league with Ryuuen.
Besides, the agreement was clearly written in black and white. After Katsuragi wrote it, Class A would also have to pay points to Class C every month, so he couldn't possibly renege on it.
Ayanokoji looked at Horikita somewhat dumbfounded.
He had noticed before that Horikita Suzune was somewhat idealistic, but he hadn't expected her to be so naive.
She was the complete opposite of Amane.
If Amane were here... she would probably throw the agreement in Ryuuen's face and tell him to get lost, wouldn't she?
Although that might sound a bit out of character for Amane.
But upon closer thought, Amane's personality was absolutely capable of doing such a thing.
"Horikita-san, what if... I mean, what if... after everyone signs, Class C unilaterally terminates the contract with Class A?"
"Unilaterally? How could such a thing be possible... Wouldn't that be a breach of contract?"
"Does breaking the agreement have consequences? If Class C changes its members and we guess wrong, what kind of consequences will there be? Class D will not only fall back to rock bottom, but will also be burdened with a debt of 10,000 individual points per month. Do you think everyone in Class D can accept that right now?" Horikita retorted loudly.
Ayanokoji's words completely woke Horikita Suzune up.
That's right, the immediate benefits were huge.
But similarly, the cost of the risk was also extremely high.
Currently, Class D had just over 200 class points. If they guessed wrong, all the points given by the school this time would be deducted, leaving only the base points.
In that case, Class D would be no different from being eliminated, unless they guessed correctly the key card holder or infiltrator of another class to recover their losses.
Otherwise, the result of Class D's exam this time would only be to obtain a few dozen base points.
However, they would have to bear a debt of 10,000 individual points per person per month until graduation. Over time, students in Class D would definitely develop resentment, which would directly shake Horikita and Hirata's authority. At that time, the entire Class D would once again become a scattered mess.
And Horikita Suzune's dream of reaching Class A would become distant and uncertain.
"Then what should we do now? We've already agreed with Ryuuen-san, and the agreement is about to be signed. If we refuse..."
"What if we refuse? It's nothing more than losing a bit of face."
Ayanokoji's direct and crucial statement made Horikita fall silent.
Indeed, going back on their word now, besides losing face, would at most result in criticism from Class A and Class B.
Other than that, Class D would not suffer any substantial losses.
Without knowing what Class C truly intended to do, perhaps this was the safest approach.
"I understand."
Horikita let out a long sigh.
She had originally thought this was a great bargain, but she hadn't expected it to be such a hot potato.
Hirata was currently the representative of the class's image. If he were labeled as untrustworthy and selfish, it would undoubtedly have a certain impact on the class's positive image.
Ultimately, she would have to bear the responsibility for going back on their word.
"If Amane were here, perhaps such a difficult situation wouldn't have happened at all."
Ayanokoji's casual remark pulled Horikita Suzune's thoughts back to last night.
Kouenji Rokusuke gazed at the sea.
According to the plan, he was about to return to the ship, and for that, he was willing to pay 30 class points.
"Horikita girl, do you know? This small island is far less simple than you see."
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