People bring their own maids to the training camp

"Let's find a secluded spot later," Chihaya said with a smile. "The weather is lovely today, perfect for taking pictures."

"Yeah, yeah, I'm already looking forward to it!" Hasebe nodded repeatedly. "By the way, boss, does that mean Sakura-san has joined our Princess Group?"

"Huh?" Chihaya was taken aback. He hadn't expected Hasebe to ask such a question at this critical juncture.

"Look, apart from you, the entire Princess Group is from Class D! It makes perfect sense for Sakura to join, doesn't it?" Hasebe argued confidently, even though the so-called Princess Group only had three people in total. After removing Chihaya, there were only two left, so the percentage of Class D members was 100%.

"If Sakura-san doesn't mind, it's just a group chat we created to make studying easier," Chihaya said helplessly. "Besides the two of us, there's also Miyake-san, you should know her, right?"

"I know him, but we've never spoken," Sakura said softly.

It's perfectly normal that they haven't spoken; only a minority of people have spoken to Sakura, Hasebe thought.

However, Sakura didn't seem to want to join the group chat, so Hasebe didn't bring it up again and instead tactfully started talking about taking photos.

To appease Sakura, Chihaya called Kushida in front of her and told her that she hoped she would not talk to Sakura about Sudo for the time being, and that he would take care of it himself.

Kushida readily agreed.

Just kidding, if you don't agree now, you'll have to stay up all night. She doesn't want to take time off, and she doesn't want to cosplay as a cream puff.

"Then, leave the matter of Sudo-san to me," Chihaya said. "If Sakura-san wants to help Sudo-san, she can give me the evidence, and I will step in."

"Is this convenient?" It wasn't Sakura who asked, but Hasebe. "After all, you're not in Class D, right? Is it okay for you to attend the CD meeting?"

“Theoretically speaking, I shouldn’t be able to attend, and witnesses definitely need to be present in person.” Chihaya said, glancing at the “little animal” who looked terrified upon hearing that she had to attend, and continued, “Then as long as it’s handled properly before the trial begins, it will be fine.”

"Is this even possible?"

"Of course, first of all, Sakura-san probably went to the special building to take pictures, right? Did she take any pictures?"

"Yes, there is." Sakura nodded.

"Can you show it to me?"

"Of course!"

So Sakura took out her camera, looked around, and then showed Chihaya the contents of the photos.

“Judging from the content of the photos, this is not a one-sided beating by Sudo, but a fight between CDs,” Chihaya said. “However, this is not enough to help Sudo get out of trouble, only a reduced sentence.”

"I think so too. Unless there is a video recording, it can't prove that Sudo-kun acted in self-defense after being provoked."

"It will probably end up in a lose-lose situation, won't it?" Chihaya said.

"I...I don't know what to do..."

"Even if we give the photo to Sudo, the other party might choose to fight to the death so that Sudo won't appear in the next exam."

"Is it worth it? Small-scale special exams don't even award class points," Hasebe asked, puzzled.

“Nobody knows if there will be any repercussions.” Chihaya shook her head. “Given the school’s principle of prioritizing strength, there might be some connection in the future. If we can secure victory, there might be some hidden benefits.”

"If that's the case, then it would indeed be better to prevent Sudo from competing."

"In that case, Sakura-san, please don't worry about this. I'll contact Suzune and Kikyo later to discuss how to handle it, okay?"

"Then, I'll leave it to you!" Sakura breathed a sigh of relief; she was really afraid of these troublesome things.

"Horikita-kun and Kogoro should be fine, but I'm worried that the other students in the class might have a problem with you, Boss. After all, Sudo-kun's absence is actually beneficial for Class B, right?"

"It's okay, I'll prove it with facts."

......

116. Discussion

"So, from now on, Chihaya will be in charge of acting as Sakura's representative?" Kushida said helplessly. She didn't expect that someone would suddenly appear out of nowhere. Chihaya hadn't intended to get involved at first—it couldn't be because she had taken a liking to Sakura, could it?

Although Kushida could see Sakura's beauty hidden by her glasses, she didn't think Chihaya would like Sakura.

Based on her understanding of Chihaya, she knew that Chihaya did something for a specific purpose, rather than doing good deeds on a whim.

However, she still couldn't figure out how Chihaya and Hasebe got together, especially how their relationship progressed so quickly to the point where they addressed each other by name. It couldn't possibly be because she had a crush on him... wait, didn't that line of thought already cross her mind?

In short, Kushida and Suzune were sitting in Chihaya's room, discussing the dispute between the CD and CD classes.

Suzune didn't even glance at Kushida. She only stayed at her seat out of respect for Chihaya. In her mind, the subsequent matters had nothing to do with her and she could let Kushida carry them out.

“Yes, and now I have a better understanding of the situation on both sides.” Chihaya took out the photos and placed them on the table. “Although we found Sakura-san as a witness, the situation is still not greatly affected. On the one hand, Sakura-san is from Class D, not a third party. On the other hand, the photos are still, and the photos she took cannot prove Sudo’s innocence at all. Instead, they confirm that he did something. As for Class C, they can say that they acted in a panic to protect themselves. So, if we really deal with it, Class D will not gain anything. It can only be said that both sides will suffer losses.”

Suzune remained noncommittal, while Kushida looked worried.

"Isn't there any other way?"

“Class C shouldn’t be afraid. In the worst-case scenario, it would be a lose-lose situation. But Class C can use this ‘Tian Ji’s horse racing’ strategy to disable Sudo from Class D.” Chihaya put away the photos on the table. “However, there are always exceptions.”

"As expected, Chihaya-san does have a plan, doesn't she?" Kushida exclaimed in delight.

“Yes, but I don’t know if your Class D is willing to accept it.” Chihaya nodded. “Mutual destruction is probably the worst-case scenario for Class C. If Class D only intends to preserve its class points, then it can negotiate with Class C and ensure implementation through student council certification.”

"Is it possible to do it like this?" Kushida asked.

“Yes, otherwise it would be troublesome when the contract is torn up. The student council can ensure that.” Chihaya refilled the disposable paper cups in front of the two with green tea. “When you go back, you can discuss it with Hirata and the others. For example, Class C can withdraw the lawsuit, and Class D’s Sudo can’t participate in the special exam.”

“That’s one way of thinking.” Lingyin nodded, but didn’t offer any further comment.

"This is the only way we can do it," Kushida said helplessly. "But Sudo-kun probably won't accept this outcome, will he?"

“If you want to keep the class points, then someone has to make a sacrifice—besides, to put it bluntly, Sudo is reaping what she sowed.” Chihaya didn’t hold back and spoke quite harshly. “But in any case, this is an internal matter for your Class D. I’m just expressing my personal opinion—you all know Sakura’s personality. If she attends such a serious occasion, it might have the opposite effect.”

Kushida fell silent after hearing this. Although Chihaya's words were blunt, they were all true. It was basically impossible for Class D to achieve a complete victory.

"Even though it was a trap set by Class C, Sudo-kun stepped into it without hesitation, so he can't blame anyone else."

"That's true, but unless it's absolutely necessary..." Kushida was still reluctant to accept it.

"The deadline is next Tuesday, right? If you keep hesitating, the points for the whole grade won't be distributed yet, you know? Even the students in Class D really need those 5000 points, right?"

"Alright, let me discuss this with Hirata-kun." After listening for a while without saying much, Rin finished her tea and stood up. "In other words, it's pretty much the same as an out-of-court settlement."

"Rin, you can actually accept this arrangement?" Chihaya looked at the long-haired girl with great interest. He had originally thought that Rin was the stubborn one who opposed his way of thinking.

"Isn't it good that we can keep the class points?" Rin said, then prepared to leave. "Thank you for your hospitality, Chihaya."

"Okay, Suzune, take care." Chihaya got up to see her off.

Kushida remained seated, showing no intention of leaving.

Soon, Chihaya returned after seeing Suzune off.

"I didn't expect that Horikita didn't object," Kushida said.

“She wasn’t telling the truth.” Chihaya poured herself a cup of tea. “She wasn’t this calm before Sakura produced the photos. Because of the photos, Class C would be in a slightly guilty position. Although the student council could accept reasonable excuses, Class C’s reputation would be ruined, and they would be questioned if they wanted to make any cooperation with other classes in the future.”

"Will Class C really be affected like this? A smart person should be able to see that this is Class C framing Class D, right?"

"Yes, of course you can tell, but Class C didn't do a good job with the details. For example, they didn't arrange for someone to meet them. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to protect Sudo and Sakura."

"Why Sakura too?"

"You don't actually think Sakura was just taking landscape photos, do you?" Chihaya took out the photos again, but this time there was a selfie that wasn't there before. "The one I showed you earlier was cropped; this is the original."

"Ah, this... she's even more beautiful than I imagined."

"Simply put, she's a photo blogger. I won't tell you her name. Her behavior is actually quite subtle because the photos she uploads involve places like dormitories and school scenery. Strictly speaking, it's a leak. If Class C seizes on this, then her actions are more serious than Sudo's."

"So you're planning to protect her?"

“No, her photography skills are indeed quite good,” Chihaya said. The second issue’s cover was reserved for him and Hayasaka, so he decided to grab a photographer on a whim, and also to cause some trouble for Class D.

Chihaya was puzzled by Ayanokouji's delayed action, as he had dealt with Sakura in advance, thus interfering with Ayanokouji's plans—even though he didn't know what Ayanokouji would do.

If CD settles out of court, it can hardly be considered a lose-lose situation.

Chihaya is looking forward to Ayanokouji's performance.

As for Ayanokouji giving up? He ignored that possibility.

117. My older sister is truly an invincible lucky star.

The matter of Class D was left to Class D to handle, and Chihaya's photos were also taken by Kushida—of course, it was the version without Sakura's selfie.

Otherwise, the timid Sakura would probably attract a lot of unwanted romantic attention. For example, Haruki Yamauchi, who changes wives even faster than most otaku—he even boasted that Sakura confessed to him but he rejected her.

In reality, no girl would like a braggart who talks a lot of nonsense. Even if someone confesses their feelings, it's probably just a punishment in the King's Game.

Because Suzune found a witness with Chihaya's help, Honami, who originally intended to help, suddenly lost her job, so she has been quite idle for the past two days.

For Class B, although the points will be distributed a few days later, it won't affect them at all. After all, the students in the class are gradually developing good financial habits, and they are naturally more relaxed after realizing that this issue has nothing to do with their class.

One such example is Chihiro Shiranami – this girl has been spending a lot of time shopping at supermarkets and researching ingredients lately, which makes Chihaya, who happened to run into her at the supermarket, feel even more sorry for Honoka.

If we approach it from this angle, Bai Bo might be thinking of a strategy of slowly boiling a frog, gradually conquering territory step by step.

Chihaya became even more conflicted after seeing that Shiraha really intended to buy high-end ingredients.

If this continues, only the supermarket owners will benefit! There are very few people buying those high-end ingredients anyway! Even Chihaya and Hayasaka rarely buy those high-end ingredients in order to avoid extravagance and waste.

If it weren't for the delayed distribution of points, Chihaya believed that Shiranami would have bought high-quality ingredients without hesitation to make a bento for Honami.

After repeatedly eating someone's fancy bento box, it will definitely be quite awkward when you get confessed to.

As the saying goes, "He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding." If you've been eating their high-quality food every day, it's rather heartless to turn around and coldly refuse.

Just because others don't think much of it doesn't mean Fanbo won't.

Knowing Honami's personality well, Chihaya was confident she would feel extremely guilty. However, using points to make amends at this point would create an even more delicate situation.

After much hesitation, Chihaya decided to give Honami a slight hint about the situation, so that she wouldn't be caught off guard.

"I didn't expect Horikita from Class D to find a witness so easily," Honami remarked.

"Rin is quite smart, she's just a little aloof," Chihaya said with a smile. "Actually, she's just not very good at interacting with people, it's not intentional, okay?"

"That's still noticeable, she's just not very honest, but she's not the kind of introverted girl who's afraid to talk." Fanbo agreed, after all, Suzune is quite a pretty and dashing older sister. "And she's good at making bento boxes, isn't she?"

The last sentence is obviously a dig at Chihaya.

"It tastes really good, Fanbo, would you like some too?"

"It's a pity I can't have any," Honami said, feigning regret. "But if Chihaya were willing to make me a bento, I wouldn't mind, would I?"

"Na Fanbo can come to my room one evening. I don't have a bento box, but I do have hot food."