Elysian's Monogatari

Chapter 136: Last Chance

"...Anyway as Ritsu explained, the concept of ES Academy has become an absolute necessity in the industry, solid and unbreakable. To be blunt if ES says black is white then it's white. That's just the way things are now." Mao said.

"No matter how much we, and I mean 'we' here, resist nothing will change." He then said. "Are you saying we should bow to power? I'm disappointed in you Isara." Hokuto said with a frown.

"Yeah you're not a rock-'n'-roller anymore." Koga said as he agrees. "Um you do realize I was the Student Council President at Yumenosaki, basically the embodiment of power itself right?" Mao asked.

"I'm just saying that we survive under power and laws. And we should acknowledge that at least. Strangling yourself over it is stupid and pointless." He then said. "Even so there's a sense of self that must not be compromised. We're not slaves." Hokuto said.

"Yeah we're individuals, each a part of society. We're humans with rights. By speaking up, you and those who continue to voice their opinions have created ripples however small on the big picture." Mao said.

"In other words your actions as the opposition faction are making a difference, Koga. Hokuto. And I should put Takasaki in it as well." He then said. "M-Me too?!" Ito asked. "...?" Koga titled his head in confusion.

"Right now, Yuzuru, as a representative of the student council, is negotiating with ES. He has far more say with those in power than someone like me. Yuzuru is leveraging every ounce of authority and influence he has to force ES to make concessions." Mao said.

"So what exactly is it you don't like? The name 'ES Academy'? The system itself? Calm down and think it through carefully. If Yuzuru's negotiations go well, he might manage to convince ES to compromise and modify some aspects of the ES Academy project." He added.

"No. Yuzuru is risking everything to give us that right. The right to alter the contents of the concept of ES Academy. He promised me he'd do that. And I believe him. We've worked together in the student council for so long." He then said.

"...B-But why...would he do that? ...I-I mean...didn't he...you know...accept the concept...at first?" Ito asked. "Why? It's because he's doing it for the same reason you are. Hokuto." Mao said with a sigh. "The same as me....?" Hokuto asked.

"It's for Tori. Yuzuru plans to say this at the negotiating table with ES. 'Following the orders of my master, Himemiya Tori, I suppressed the so-called opposition faction within the school.'"Mao said.

"Ah? When the hell did that brat ever suppress us?" Koga asked. "It doesn't matter if it's true or not. What matters is how it's presented. Framing it as if Tori suppressed the opposition makes it his 'achievement'. That would earn him a favour. Depending on the situation he might secure the Student Council position he's been aiming for, or at least, ensure the council remains." Mao said.

"And by doing this Yuzuru could force ES to keep the student council." He added. "I see. Fushimi is doing all this for his master, Himemiya. Helping make his wishes come true." Hokuto said. "Hmph. What a loyal dog." Koga said.

"Ah just to clarify that's a compliment. Dogs are always praiseworthy for Corgi." Ritsu said. "Yep. Also for Tori to gain ES's favour you guys in the opposition faction had to be a real thorn in their side." Mao said.

"If it was just a skirmish there'd be no value in claiming to have suppressed you." He added. "Heeeeh now I see. That's why Bean Sprout with glasses kept pushing us to stir up more chaos. He was already thinking ahead." Koga said.

"Even though he claimed to side with ES he was actually backing the opposition behind the scenes. Makes sense now. Haha. Oi Hidaka your buddy's got some serious strategy skills." He then said. "....."

"You don't sound happy. Listen Hokuto. This is the best compromise we're going to get. Push any further and ES will crush us for real. It's harsh to say but if it was just you fine it's your life. We don't have the right to interfere with your own decisions." Mao said.

"But think about Subaru. He aims to work as a proper idol. Dragging him into this mess isn't fair. If we keep going against ES our future as idols will be completely destroyed." He then said.

"Back when we first stood on the stage of SS didn't you say this to Subaru? 'I'll make you an idol.' Hearing that while standing beside you really moved me. But now are you going to take away Subaru's future as an idol just to pursue your own agenda? Is that really what you want to do? Answer me. Leader." He added. "....."

[I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THIS AAAAAAHHHH]

[Edit: I tried republishing this many times because the notification doesn't seem to work. When I say I really mean many. I kept trying ways to make sure I see the publish notification and it's still not working. I gave up on trying.]