Classroom of the Elite: Free Will

V7.5: Chapter 1 - A Last Drink

Shishio Tsukasa POV

May 1st

After finishing my morning jog, I entered the mansion through the backdoor intending to take a shower before breakfast.

It had been a month already since Kiyotaka and the others left to go to that school. In the meantime, I had increased my physical training while Matsuo-sensei was teaching me more advanced things. We assumed that Ayanokouji-sensei would take me back to the White Room so, I had to use my time before returning to increase my level and be able to keep up with the curriculum I would have.

"...Yes, a partnership. He needs to see you're interested."

As I was walking next to the kitchen, I overheard Matsuo-sensei's voice. When I arrived at the entrance of the kitchen, I looked inside. Matsuo-sensei was talking with someone over the phone. Noticing me, he greeted me with a nod, and gestured for me to approach.

I grabbed a glass of water from the fridge, then approached him and stood by his side at the countertop.

"... We've already addressed this," Matsuo-sensei sighed tediously. "I'm glad you're doing well with your projects in London... No. I already told you, you can't talk to him—What? You know why. And don't use Schopenhauer on me! He won't talk, he won't listen."

I let out a small smile and took a sip of my water. I couldn't hear what she was saying but I could very well imagine it based on what Matsuo-sensei was saying. Matsuo-sensei wouldn't let her talk to me since that had been one of his conditions to agree to contact her: I would not talk to her as long as she didn't accept to cooperate.

"I can't give you any guarantees; you know what my position is," Matsuo-sensei took a bottle of whisky that I had barely paid attention to and opened it to serve himself on his glass which had some ice indicating this wasn't his first drink. Matsuo-sensei smiled gently. "No need to worry, Rin. I'll be okay. It's the future of you all I'm worried about."

He took a sip of his whisky and nodded thoughtfully.

"It was an unfortunate accident," he muttered. "But that accident got you out of there. You're the only one out. You're the only one that can help them... Indeed, it's a risk; but don't you want them to enjoy a freedom like yours?"

To be worried about the reputation of her family name was understandable. If we carried out this plan and something went wrong, then this matter would become a scandal, and everything would be compromised. Therefore, it was imperative to avoid such an outcome. My own ambition relied on this.

Matsuo-sensei gave another sigh, then he took another sip of his drink.

"... I understand. I'm sorry for disturbing your sleep. Thank you for listening, Rin... Unfortunately, that won't be possible. This is our last conversation. I do trust that you'll make the right decision, though... Goodbye."

After that, Matsuo-sensei hung the call. He finished his glass and served himself another.

"She said she would think about it," Matsuo-sensei huffed. "Right now, all we can do is cross our fingers and pray."

"We might have to change our plans if she refuses. Do you have any contacts?" I queried.

"None that are trustworthy enough," he shook his head.

"That will be a problem," I mused. "I didn't believe she could actually refuse. Even more so when we consider Nao..."

Maybe she really had forgotten her protegee.