Chapter 172 Speculation

Speculation

The Prime Minister’s Office (Prime Minister’s PoV)

Kondo Scandal. Weekly newspapers are slowly seeing this story become a major issue. It seems that reporters are gradually starting to investigate as if following the lead of the publishers who first broke the story.

I gathered several ministers and started a meeting on countermeasures. I spoke first.

“So, how is the press doing? To what extent do they harbor suspicions!?”

My secretary answered.

“There doesn’t seem to be any strong evidence. It’s still just rumored, and the original source is just a certain official.”

In response, the Chief Cabinet Secretary becomes frustrated, his eyebrows furrowed behind his glasses. It’s a natural reaction, after all, since he’s the first one in the line of fire.

“But, you know. If all the media start reporting it at once, even without strong evidence, it might become the truth. The weeklies might also want to write their articles in stages. If we lie or categorically deny it, our political lives are at stake. This is a serious problem.”

That’s exactly the right argument.

The Minister of Justice continued seriously.

“We must put an end to this problem as soon as possible. Let’s put pressure on the police and prosecutors to solve the problem as soon as possible. All of this was due to Kondo’s personal greed. If we can make it sound like it was at least the corruption of a local councilor, it shouldn’t be a big problem. However, the bullying problem caused by that idiot son of the councilor is spreading in another direction, so we need to deal with that as well. Pressure needs to be put on the school. Maybe do an investigation, and only punish them to the extent that we now know, and take no further action.”

At these words, most of the participants nodded.

Only one young minister objected.

“But that would be giving priority to political expediency and distorting the nature of the problem. Justice would not be served. It’s unacceptable.”

I can’t help laughing.

“Minister of Education. If I remember correctly, this is your first time in the cabinet. Yes, it is important—these values. But you are fatally mistaken about one thing; young ideals are nice, though.”

“Mistake?”

“Yes. Listen to me. It’s not you who decides justice. The government’s decision is justice. I mean, we’re the justice, and justice will be done here.”

The young minister opened his eyes, and I could see that he flinched from the force of our presence.

He must be clenching his fist tightly under his desk. He’s shaking slightly, pulling and shaking.

“Did I make myself clear? Then let’s think hard about how to end this problem.”

The agenda continues.

Ai’s PoV

I deliberately went out with the lie that I had received a phone call. I thought that if I was there, she wouldn’t be able to talk. It would be better for Hayashi-san to say what she wanted to say firmly to clear her mind.

Our seat was by the window, so I looked at the two of them.

Hayashi-san looked like she was crying.

“Maybe I should wait a little longer.”

But I’m glad Hayashi-san told us. Because it’s hard to show your weakness. Just being able to do that is a big step forward.

As a friend, I’m relieved and also a little uncomfortable that my Senpai is talking to another girl.

“How silly of me to be jealous of Hayashi-san.”

Senpai is kind, so if Hayashi-san makes sure to tell her about herself, he will be accommodating.

While I was thinking that, I received a call from Kuroi.

[Ojou-sama, she has started to move. It seems she wants to contact a member of the Literature Club.]

She seems to be moving in a different direction.

“Thank you. Increase surveillance. In the worst case, intervene to stop her.”

I slowly hang up the phone, convinced that the beginning of the end is taking shape.