Cote: Elite in Action

The Price of Knowledge

Asahina-senpai's reaction when I mentioned the amount of private points was revealing. It only confirmed what I already suspected: the class points directly reflect the private points we receive. If this month we received 100,000 private points, it would imply that our class points are 1,000, at least according to the available information and Asahina-senpai's reaction.

—It's interesting how quickly you pick up on things, Osawa-kun —said Asahina, regaining some composure—. But I suggest you don't jump to conclusions too soon. Things here can change in the blink of an eye. Though I must say —she added with a playful tone—, aside from that cute face of yours, you seem quite intelligent.

—Thank you for the compliment, Asahina-senpai. So, was I right about your points or not? —I asked, looking at her with a slight smile.

—As I said before, don't rush to conclusions. You might be right, or you might be completely wrong —she replied, smiling mysteriously.

—Come on, senpai, your reaction was too obvious. I just want a simple answer: yes or no —I insisted, though I was sure I was correct, I needed her confirmation.

—Umm, I'm not sure... that could get me into trouble —she said, hesitating.

—Firstly, you wouldn't be revealing anything important. You'd just have to answer with a simple "yes" or "no," nothing more.

—But haven't you considered that I might lie to you? —she asked, with a challenging tone.

—As long as you answer, you can choose to lie or not. That's up to you —I responded, aware that it would be easy to tell if she was lying.

—Umm, then the answer is yes —she admitted finally, deciding to be honest.

—I see, thank you for answering —I thanked her.

—But I remind you that I might be lying —she said, with a playful tone.

—I know, but I trust my senpai —I replied, with a playful smile. As we spoke, I noticed Ichinose-san watching us, visibly thoughtful.

—Senpai, I have another question —I said, turning to Asahina.

—Hmm? What would that be? —she asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.

—I just want to know if the student council in this preparatory school is different from those in other schools —I inquired, hoping for an answer that could confirm my suspicions.

—Ah, that... Well, it's certainly very different. After all, this student council has much more power compared to those in other schools —Asahina replied, with a tone suggesting that this fact was well-known among the students.

—Hmm, I see. That would be all. Thank you, senpai —I thanked her, satisfied with the information obtained.

—Well, it was very entertaining talking to you guys, but your senpai has things to do. So, I'm leaving. Goodbye! —Asahina-senpai said, waving her hand as she walked away.

—What a friendly senpai, don't you think? Although she could get into trouble, she answered your question —commented Ichinose-san, once Asahina-senpai had left.

—Indeed, she is a kind person. Now that we're done here, do you think we should discuss the information we've gathered? —I suggested to Ichinose-san, intending to see if I could piece everything together and reach the same conclusion I had.

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—How about we sit over there? —suggested Ichinose-san, pointing to a wooden bench under the shade of a large oak tree. The wood, weathered by time and use, contrasted with the vibrant green of the freshly cut grass around it.