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In truth, I think the last time I visited the principal’s office was when I was forced to join the high society party. It’s not a place to casually visit, but I’ve been here several times already. If we just look at the numbers, it clearly looks like I have a confidential relationship with the principal, and I can’t exactly deny that.

“I am sincerely sorry for escalating the situation into a mess.”
“Before that, can’t you knock first?”

I don’t feel the need at this point. After all, I feel like I’m dealing with a fellow twelve family member rather than a school principal. Ever since he asked for love consultation, the principal’s dignity has vanished in my eyes.

“How is the current situation?”
“News outlets have come to ask for interviews. I’ve been busy dealing with them early this morning.”
“Do you plan on accepting?”
“Of course not. Like I could just bluntly explain that it was all one student’s doing.”

It’s as you say. It’s a different story if the event was organized by the academy and I only helped. However, it was one student progressing things on her own and then getting ex-post-facto approval from the academy. That would put the academy into questioning.

“I didn’t imagine that you would have caused a situation like this.”
“I generally keep myself behaved. Now you realize what kind of chaos would ensue if I ever take the lead in trouble-making?”
“I’ll be frank, I underestimated you. What kind of contacts do you have on you?”
“Even I have a secret or two. Now then, allow me to explain in detail.”
“Why are you taking control of the conversation?”

It’s because I want to finish this quickly. If I stay here for too long, some troublesome idiots might surround me. I came here stealthily as a proper measure, but those guys have some mysterious information networks. I can’t be too safe.

“That was the full account of the incident.”
“I knew the others were troublemakers, but to think that you’d be another…”

I explained everything that happened after I was discharged and he was appalled. While the other twelve family students have caused problems, this one by me was pretty bad. Moreover, the scale of it is probably unprecedented. After all, what kind of idiot goes negotiating with a theme park?

“So, what’s the arbitration?”
“One week of community service.”
“Just that?”

Hearing just how light my punishment is, I couldn’t help but ask. From what I did, I should at least get a suspension. I wouldn’t question it if I got an expulsion either. After all, while it was a success, the academy would have been liable if the show failed.

“We can’t punish you too much. Imagine if that were to happen. People would start suspecting that you might be Unknown.”

That’s a possibility, huh. For as long as the possibility that Unknown is an academy student exists, giving me a suspension would raise the likelihood of her identity being discovered. While Unknown could be a singer Sherry brought with her to the venue, the chances for that are half and half.

“Besides, it was miraculously a success. The academy would be questioned why you are punished for such an achievement.”
“So whether it succeeded or failed, it would have still become a problem for the academy.”
“You speak like you didn’t cause the whole problem.”

True, it was my fault. But I don’t regret what I’ve done. I accept the consequences of my actions, but I’ll avoid everything else I can. Still, the people who know my singing voice definitely noticed it was me. Yui is proof of it.

“Now then, I’ve finished explaining, so I shall be excusing myself.”
“Wait. We’re still not done discussing.”

I quickly tried to leave, but it looks like he’s not letting me go easily. While I have enemies to look out for, the biggest problem I have is the person in front of me. For the principal, this conversation is probably more important than the explanation.

“Is it about the Christmas plan? I honestly think you should give up on it.”
“But you promised to help.”
“It would be difficult to make reservations now, so there isn’t really much of a choice.”

It would be a different story if you had made your plans and wanted help with reservations a month before. But now, no matter how good your plan is, the possibility of getting a reservation from a restaurant you want is low. The atmosphere of the place is going to be important for a proposal.

“Have you picked top candidates yet?”
“No. I’m not very bright on these sorts of matters.”
“So you’ve finally become self-aware. Have you realized that much earlier, you wouldn’t have needed my assistance at all.”

Things don’t go anywhere precisely because of your lack of romantic sensibilities. Why the heck do you have to ask me for confirmation every single time? Still, I understand wanting advice for this time. After all, it’s a decisive moment for the principal.

“Still, what are you going to do about the venue? If you aren’t picking any of my recommendations, then there’s no other way around it.”
“It can’t be helped. I suppose I’ll have to find someone else to rely on for this.”

Does he have someone other than me who could help him? In that case, he shouldn’t need me anymore. Besides, all the good proposal places I’d recommend just come from search results on the internet. I don’t have experience with proposals, after all.

“I have a bad feeling about this, but who do you plan on asking?”
“Kondou is the only one I can think of.”

Nope. I don’t think the places he’d recommend will be any better than mine. And how will he get a table in places flooded with reservations? It’s pretty obvious that the principal is lacking in cooperators. In that case, all we can do is ask help from people we know.

“Principal. Ask for the cooperation of the older sister you introduced me to. I’m sure that she can think of something.”

Mostly because she’s more aggressive. Besides, a married woman would probably have better advice to give compared to me. That’s my thought process, but for some reason, the principal looked absolutely hesitant. Are they on bad terms? That didn’t seem to be the case from what I saw.

“That’s certainly one option, but are you sure?”
“It would be foolish to ignore a choice that’s available.”
“I understand. I’ll try to contact her.”

While you’re doing that, I’ll refill my coffee. For some reason, the principal doesn’t hire a secretary when he could. Because of that, I have to do everything by myself. It’s not that I think it’d be easier for me if he had a secretary, or anything.

“Kisaragi, I was told to hand you the phone…”
“Me?”

Just when I thought that I’m finally off the hook. If it goes well with his family, there’ll be less burden on me. All that’s left to worry about is the answer, but considering Ms. Saeki’s reaction, I think the possibility of rejection is low. Now what else could be a problem?

“This is Kisaragi on the phone. What might it be?”
“You’re on observation duty for the proposal day.”
“Pardon me?”

It seems like I’m getting involved in some trouble. You could call it karma.