604 - I Was Genderswapped and Reincarnated as a Villainess, but I’m Making this My Personal Yuri Game

### Chapter 604: "Settling Debts" The watchful eyes of those around us are uncomfortable. While I'm unsure what exactly Masaki wishes to discuss, it's clearly not wise to linger here. "Shall we, Oshikoji-sama, move elsewhere to continue our conversation?" "...Understood." Our announcement that we intended to relocate caused a stir among the nearby onlookers. Yet, holding a conversation here without knowing what Masaki might bring up is risky. I harbor hopes of supporting Masaki from the shadows in his bid to become the student council president in the upcoming election. However, to be seen speaking with me publicly is a potential detriment to his campaign. "Follow me, then." With Masaki leading us to an unknown destination, I follow closely. Though the surrounding whispers persist, there's no sign of pursuit. Contrary to expectations, it seems no eavesdroppers or curious onlookers are willing to follow us here. Masaki guides me to an empty classroom a fair distance away. Though the door is closed, it's nowhere near as soundproof as the salons of the Five North Society. It's possible for determined listeners to overhear our conversation. If this is satisfactory for Masaki, I have no objections, but it does feel somewhat careless. "I'll settle all debts between us if you deliver a campaign speech supporting me in the upcoming student council election." "..." ...What? What did he just say? "..." "Uh... hold on a second. What are you talking about? A campaign speech for the student council election? From me?" The student council and the Five North Society are perceived as bitter rivals, as if they were competing organizations. In reality, the student council can't realistically stand up to the Five North Society. However, perhaps due to the game's storyline or because they're seen as the hope of the external students, these groups are viewed as being in a rivalry. In truth, no member of the Five North Society, myself included, bears any enmity or sees the student council as a threat. To put it bluntly, the Five North Society members regard the student council as insignificant. However, external students view things differently. Though I'm not officially chosen, external students have unilaterally pegged certain student council members as representatives. If one of those members, seen as rivals to the Five North Society, received a campaign speech from a member of the Five North Society, the election would be ruined. They'd garner no votes from their primary supporters and might even be labeled as a pawn or spy of the Five North Society. Without the support of the devoted external student backers, success in the election is impossible. Even if by some miracle they were elected, they'd find themselves unable to function without the backing of the external students the student council aims to protect. As mentioned before, the student council isn't solely for external students. Yet, internal students have no expectations from it nor do they support it. The external students are the ones who actively support and cheer for the student council. If it seems they're neglecting the external students, any elected president would face insurmountable challenges. Moreover, having me deliver the speech does nothing to bolster their campaign. I'm the villainous heiress, 'Kujou Sakuya,' an infamous figure viewed with caution throughout the academy. I might have a few allies, like my group members or some friends in the fourth class and Sion. But my involvement in a campaign speech would likely lead to negative repercussions rather than attracting votes for Masaki. "Oshikoji-sama... do you understand the implications of this request?" I adjust my gaze from behind a fan that partly conceals my expression, directing my question sharply at Masaki. "...I understand. And I know it's not commensurate with what I owe you... but this is the only option left for me!" Masaki declares this with a serious and earnest expression, lowering his gaze before finally lifting his eyes to meet mine. Masaki... you... "I see. If Oshikoji-sama is so committed, then I shall deliver the campaign speech. Have you already planned out the schedule, frequency, and locations?" "Oh, ah, thank you! Kujou Sakuya! I've come up with a plan, but I'd love to hear your thoughts! First..." Once I agree to his request, Masaki's face lights up in a genuine smile, quickly segueing into discussions about the specifics of the campaign speeches. This guy... as I suspected... Masaki, you... you really have no friends, do you? He's turned to me—someone perceived as a main member of the Five North Society, in desperation. Masaki decided to run but has no friends who would willingly deliver a campaign speech for him... What a pitiful guy... Normally, you would ask close friends for such a favor. Yet, Masaki has no friends he'd trust to do so, no friends willing to accept such a task. Thus, he comes to me, willing to clear all our debts just to secure my help. That level of desperation is both astounding and pathetic... Where is the cool, composed 'Cold Prince' Oshikoji Masaki from the game? It's not that his debts to me are insignificant—they aren't. I've leaned on him for help with Houzuki and the like, making it quite fair to call it even. Yet, he's so desperate he'd erase any notion of debt between us to secure my help. ...Very well. Masaki, leave it to me! Admittedly, I'm seen as a major figure in the so-called opposing organization, the 'Five North Society.' But I'll ensure you become the student council president! Mostly for my own reasons, mind you! If Namba Natsume were to become student council president, it would be a problem for me. Namba follows the directives of Ichijou. Observing passively while he acts will lead to no good. I had been lax in my vigilance, perhaps believing we still had a year and a half until the upper secondary division. But that was a mistake. The enemy has already begun to move. This isn't where the battle starts; it's already underway. If I idle away time like before, I'll end up like 'Sakuya-sama.' I refuse to let that happen. There's only one course of action: crush all the enemy's schemes before they come to fruition! I suspect that Namba Natsume's involvement with the student council and his guidance of the protagonist in 'Blossoms of Love' were Ichijou's doing. While such specifics weren't disclosed in the game and this world differs slightly from the game, it's impossible to discern the hidden scripts or true events now. Nonetheless, I possess both game knowledge and familiarity with this world. Given my perception of danger should Ichijou's plans proceed unchecked, I consider it imperative to thwart them. "Let's increase the frequency of the campaign speeches, Oshikoji-sama. Securing more strategic locations would be advantageous as well. The aim is to reach as many people as possible, maximizing efficiency! Let's ensure we leverage every advantage to the fullest!" "—! Kujou Sakuya... you, to this extent..." Masaki seemed to tremble slightly, looking down for a moment. But whatever was going on with him didn't matter. I was determined to secure Masaki's victory in the coming election. Previously, I hadn't committed fully, pondering if watching Masaki lose could be entertaining in its own right. But this time, I couldn't afford that luxury. Without resorting to underhanded tactics, I'd ensure Masaki's absolute victory through legitimate means! I'll do everything within my power to achieve it! --- Masaki had brought Kujou Sakuya to a predetermined empty classroom. "I'll settle all debts between us if you support my candidacy with a campaign speech in the upcoming student council election." "..." With genuine sincerity, he lowered his head. Despite claiming that Sakuya owed him, this was only because Kujou Sakuya had graciously chosen to acknowledge these as debts. Truthfully, what he referred to as debts hardly amounted to that. This proposition was not equitable. Kujou Sakuya stood to gain nothing from it, and there were countless other ways to repay any such debts. Silently, Kujou Sakuya peered over her fan at Masaki, her gaze so piercing that even he felt intimidated. Such was the intimidating presence of the 'Perfect Empress,' Kujou Sakuya. Cold sweat ran down Masaki's back as he experienced firsthand what it meant to feel like a frog eyed by a serpent. "......" "......" After some time under her unwavering gaze, Kujou Sakuya shifted her eyes away, seemingly contemplating something, or perhaps she was simply exasperated. Whatever she was thinking, Masaki swallowed nervously, wondering what words she might deliver. Kujou Sakuya had mastered the art of timing. She offered just enough time to think, but not enough to regain full composure. Indeed, many dictators are noted for their commanding speeches and gestures, often complemented by their sense of timing, which could rightly be described as a charisma trait for better or worse. "Oshikoji-sama... are you fully aware of what you're asking?" "…I am. I know it's inequivalent to my owing you... but this is all I have left!" Having averted her gaze for a moment of thought, Kujou Sakuya returned her steely gaze to Masaki, delivering her words with weight. Truly, the so-called debts were trivial at best, if they existed at all. Yet, in exchange, Sakuya was being asked to become Masaki's political backer. With Kujou Sakuya endorsing him, even someone unknown or of ill-repute would secure victory hands down in any election. Externally, there resides envy and inferiority among external students towards internal students. Initially, this led to some resentment towards Kujou Sakuya, at the pinnacle of internal students. But now, no external sophomore or junior dares challenge her. There may still be those who secretly resent or envy her, but publicly defying such a figure is unthinkable. Most have been won over to the point where gossiping about Kujou Sakuya could lead one to be ostracized. Though new external students might not fully grasp Kujou Sakuya's power, in terms of voting, even without external support, the internal to external student ratio stands at three to one. And thus, even without external support, with Kujou Sakuya's full backing, a win would be assured... Yet, there's nothing for Kujou Sakuya to gain. Even if Masaki wins by a landslide, Kujou Sakuya receives no benefit. Clearing debts means little when those debts exist merely because Kujou Sakuya entertained the notion. Even should Sakuya lend her support and take pains to campaign, Masaki has nothing to offer in return. Still, if she opts to be Masaki's backer, Kujou Sakuya risks being held accountable for his missteps. Though it may not seem so outright, the public would certainly perceive it that way. Whatever Masaki does wrong, Kujou Sakuya would face calls to answer for it. "I understand. If you are that resolved, Oshikoji-sama, I shall deliver the campaign speech. Have you already planned the schedule, frequency, and locations?" "Oh, ah! Thank you, Kujou Sakuya! I have some plans, but I'd like to hear your thoughts! First..." Nevertheless, Kujou Sakuya, despite having nothing to gain, offered a slight, softening smile as she spoke to Masaki. Perhaps she recognized his determination, or maybe the rapport they'd forged was stronger than anticipated. Whatever it might have been, with Kujou Sakuya's backing, Masaki’s victory became certain. The support of 'Kujou Sakuya' would undoubtedly secure at least 95% of the votes. "Let's increase the frequency of the campaign speeches, Oshikoji-sama. Securing more strategic locations would be advantageous as well. The aim is to reach as many people as possible, maximizing efficiency! Let's ensure we leverage every advantage to the fullest!" "—! Kujou Sakuya... you, to this extent..." Even when victory was virtually assured—with 75% support from the core internal vote base, additional support from the increasing Sakuya sympathizers among externals—Kujou Sakuya still sought the best strategies to bolster Masaki further. Indeed, such is the modus operandi of the 'Perfect Empress.' Never resting on the assurance of a win. One can never predict every variable, and thus, she prepares thoroughly for anything. It's this dedication and thoroughness that have made her synonymous with victory. As an enemy, no one is more daunting. She doesn't complacently rest on her laurels as 'the daughter of the Kujou family.' She opts instead to exert every effort, anticipate every possibility, and devise countermeasures ahead of time. Hence, her unbeatable reputation! Masaki cast a trusting glance at his reliable backer. By the next day... even before the election campaign period began, news spread across the academy that Kujou Sakuya was backing Oshikoji Masaki, virtually confirming his electoral victory. --- Thank you for reading as always. Currently, my condition is stable due to medication, so I am resuming my serial publication. I may experience side effects like feeling sluggish, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, and short-term memory lapses, which could affect the coherence and accuracy of the writing. Please bear with me if there are any errors or a lack of detail. For the time being, I'm capable of continuing daily serial updates thanks to my existing stockpile of content; however, I can't guarantee maintaining this pace in the future. There might be unexpected days when I can't post. I've read all the encouraging words sent through thoughts and activity reports, but responding to all accumulated comments would require a significant amount of effort. Thus, replies will start anew from today, and this note will serve as the response for earlier feedback. I will be gradually resuming posts from now on, and it would be a pleasure if you'd continue to enjoy reading. Before Contents Next Add to Bookmarks Bookmarks To use the bookmark feature, please log in. Support with Likes Currently Unavailable Support the author with points! Please log in to rate. *Please log in to write a comment. 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