Chapter 164
“You want me to challenge Miss Rafina as the student council president?”
“Yes, but why are you so surprised? It’s not decided that the daughter of the Duke of Belluga will be the student council president. Everyone has the right to come forward.”
Keithwood took a breather at Mia’s words.
I see … In other words, does Her Highness Mia feel that the presidential election has become more of a formality? And so, she is taking an issue with it?
When he realized this point, Keithwood had an epiphany!
There is always a reason for a system to exist. And the reason for doing things like student presidential elections at St. Noel was extremely simple and important. In a school where young people gather, problems tend to occur. However, in this school where many nobles and royalties attend, if the problem is handled incorrectly, it will be a conflict between countries with disastrous consequences.
That mediator is the important role of the student council president.
So, what do you need to do get that role?
It is the support of the students. The student council president must have absolute support in order that his words will hold power. This is the reason for the student council presidential election.
But now the system has become dead. A mere formality. Everyone assumes that Rafina Orca Belluga will be the student council president. No one questioned that fact, not even Keithwood’s master.
The purpose of the election was to demonstrate to the students that through their votes, they themselves were the ones who selected their student council president. That purpose needs to be reaffirmed, and it seems like Princess Mia thinks that now is the time to do so.
Keith Wood remembered the other day. Rafina appealed for a joint fight against the Chaos Serpents. In such a difficult challenge, it was necessary for Rafina to prove herself. She needed to demonstrate that she was someone who commanded the full support of her fellow students.
This would make the students feel that they chose her, and so they had to take responsibility for their choices. By making her president, they were obligated to abide by her decrees. Keithwood figured that this is the new status quo that Mia was trying to establish.
If so, Rafina needs to legitimize her election. The only way to do so is for someone who has an actual chance of winning to run against Rafina. Which explains why Princess Mia is talking to Sion.
A weak candidate won’t do. The students must be presented with a true alternative and still choose her over her opponent. Only then would the interplay of choice and responsibility come into effect. By investing their trust in her, the students show that they believe in her words and actions.
But what if Rafina’s contender ends up winning? I’m sure Princess Mia has thought this through. She would be willing to accept that outcome as long as the election is fair. But in that case… why doesn’t Princess Mia run herself?
Keithwood’s doubts will soon be thawed.
“It’s okay, Sion. You can certainly handle that heavy responsibility.”
Mia said with a gentle smile. As if to encourage Sion.
Mia was thinking about a proper strategy to have Sion run. It is a strategy based on the advice of Anne, a loyal subject who knows all about the man’s heart (Mia believes).
The strategy that was previously used by Tiona’s younger brother.
Men are happy when they are recognized for their talents. All I have to do is to tell him he’s got what it takes to be a president, and he’ll be all over it in no time!
“It’s okay, Sion. You can certainly handle that heavy responsibility.”
She was going to butter him up. And that was only the first step. If needs to be, she will even bow to him. After all, she is asking him to go against Rafina.
…Therefore, today’s Mia has already abandoned her shame.
I will keep on giving you praises until you cannot refuse.
Just as Mia was about to go on this pathetic offensive…
“I’m sorry, Mia. I can’t do that.”
Sion said with a seriously face.
“No, no, huh…”
“I’m sorry, Mia, I know your aim.”
What? He knows that I am pushing all my troubles to him?!
Cold sweat trickled on Mia’s spine. But…
“You are trying to give me a chance to make up for what happened in Remno Kingdom, right?”
“Huh …?” Mia gave him a puzzled face wondering what Sion was saying. But Sion paid no attention to Mia’s reaction.
“You plan to impress upon the students the importance of a legitimate election. Then you’ll hand me the task of going against Miss Rafina. By doing so, it will allow me to redeem myself for my prior failings. It is an impressive plan. The sheer craft is commendable, and I appreciate your consideration. But I also have a pride to maintain.”
Sion quietly passes by Mia.
“I’ll prepare the opportunity to recover my honor myself. If it is something that is coming from you, then it would be an affront to my dignity.”
Ehh? Ehh? About what? What are you talking about!??
Mia didn’t understand a single thing Sion was saying. Sion walked away with his shirt billowing that added a dramatic exit.
Looking for help, she looked at Abel, who only shook his head with a bitter smile.
“It can’t be helped. He’s a proud Prince of Sunkland, but I think your compassion was well conveyed to him.”
No! that’s not the case… That’s not what I meant!
Mia is confused because she has no idea what is going on.
At that point Mia should have noticed. The genius warrior’s tactics have collapsed, and it is already impossible to rebuild the front line, and that is why it is necessary to withdraw promptly.
But unfortunately, Mia made a mistake in withdrawing. Therefore, the retreat is closed immediately.
“Well, Mia. If you run for it, I’ll do my best to support you.”
“… Huh?”
“If you run against Miss Rafina, you’ll probably deal with weird looks from all the other students, but at least I’m on your side until the end.”
“Oh, Abel…”
Abel grabs Mia’s hands and stares at her with a serious face. Mia found herself lost in his gaze.
Later…
“… Oh, Abel is so cool.”
Mia returned to her room with her heads still up at the clouds that night…
“Uh, uh… How did it come to this?”
She finally realized that she had reached a point where she could not back out anymore. Then, after wetting the pillow with tears for another two days, Mia finally decided.
Thus, the news of Mia’s candidacy for the presidential election ran around the school.
The conspiracies, plots, and schemes with the election of the Student Council begins.