Chapter 208: The Campaign Committee
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 208: The Campaign Committee
“You’re still doing the weirdest things.”
Chika let out a hollow laugh as she watched me hang a banner that read: ‘Akane Election Campaign Committee.’
“Weird? Is an election a joke to you? Tsk, tsk. This is why kids these days…”
“…An election isn’t the problem here. And we’re the same age.”
“Don’t get hung up on age. Is it straight?”
“Raise it a bit more. Yeah, right there.”
After balancing the banner, I climbed down the ladder and brushed off my hands.
Every campaign office needs one of these. Now it finally feels like we’re in business.
As soon as I’d forced the Organization’s hand, I’d secured an office nearby and set up camp. Thanks to that, Akito’s group hadn't gone home either; they were following me around, watching my antics.
“I have to admire your initiative, getting this far in less than an hour.”
“Wait, are you actually doing this?”
Shiori watched with an incredulous look, while Emma spoke as if she still couldn't believe her eyes.
Shoo. If you’re just going to get in the way, get out.
“If I’m going to do it, I’m going to do it right.”
I spoke while stroking the hair of Akane, who was sitting in a chair eating ice cream. Shiori let out a small sigh.
“I think you’re misunderstanding something. The leader of the Shibarata isn't chosen through an election.”
“Then how is it done?”
“The elders must reach a consensus. Even then, the current leader has to express their intent to step down before a successor is decided. Until then, the leader holds all authority.”
“Wow… so there’s zero democracy.”
No wonder a stubborn prick like Fable can live like a king even after ruining the clan. There was a reason he was crazy enough to mess with Yggdrasil.
“Is anchoring souls to the clan’s land something only the leader can do?”
“The method itself is a secret technique of the clan, so it’s not known to outsiders, but the leader’s presence probably isn't strictly mandatory. The rituals continued even when there was no leader.”
As expected of Shiori, the human Wikipedia. Having her around meant I got instant answers to anything I was curious about. How would Akito even survive without his sister?
Anyway, that means the organization runs fine even without a leader, right? Then there’s no problem.
“Then it’ll be fine. That was my biggest concern.”
“What are you talking about? The leader has to resign, and the elders have to give their unanimous consent… Wait, you don’t mean…”
Look at her finding the answer on her own—she really is one of the top three intelligence-based characters. While Chika and Emma were struggling to keep up with the conversation, Shiori’s brow furrowed.
How long are we going to let those in power live like kings through an outdated system?
This isn't just an election. This is Revolution!!
I’m going to smash these old customs and systems and forcibly inject some democracy.
“Are you planning to change the way the leader is chosen?”
Though not on Shiori’s level, Akito—the protagonist and a certified cheat character—caught on as well.
“Yeah. You said this started as a clan, but now it’s an organization, right? Then every member should be able to voice their opinion. Why play by rules that only benefit them? There’s no need for that.”
Perfect logic.
Let’s create a beautiful democratic world where everyone participates~ If you oppose it, you’re just a lackey for a dictator~ A bad person~
Akito, who pursues a forced sense of justice, could never refute this.
Whether they’re elders or whatever, they only have power because there are members to lead, right? All we have to do is oppose the old system and peel away the members who are dissatisfied with the leadership.
The worst-case scenario is the organization splitting in two, but so what? If they split, they’ll never be able to attack Yggdrasil, and even if they do, one half will remain.
The problem is… these members shouldn't be slaves who lack the will to overthrow the old regime.
My argument—no, Akane’s democratic ideology—needs a lot of supporters to gain momentum. If, surprisingly, no one cares, I’ll just end up looking like a pathetic loser throwing a tantrum.
Akito looked at me and smiled.
“Changing the system… Yeon-woo, you’re really smart.”
“Gotta live up to my looks. Besides, anyone could have thought of this.”
Hey, are you going to make that gay face again? I’m not looking at that disgusting expression this time.
“You always oppose me. I really can’t beat you.”
“Hey, people can have different opinions. It’s just because you’re nice and I’m a bit of a prick.”
Since he’s making jokes, it seems Akito and I have become quite close.
But why is the atmosphere like this?
The surroundings were deathly silent, and Chika and Shiori were staring this way with stiff expressions. Why?
“Oh my, don’t waste your feelings on that trash~ Trash is trash, and Akito is Akito.”
Calling someone trash to their face… what a trashy girl.
Emma approached with a bright smile and linked her arm with Akito’s. How should I put it? She felt like a piece of garbage clinging to someone in power to flatter them.
If you complete her route, doesn't she reform like a delinquent and change her personality? Her character performance was mediocre and her H-scenes were way too slutty, so I only played her route once when I first started the game. I don't remember it well because I lost interest after that.
I think she turned out to be surprisingly domestic, with some sob story about her family situation making her the way she was… turning into a slightly more subdued Mary? Something like that.
Looking at her now, it seems like they’ve already slept together dozens of times. She looks even flightier and lower-quality than when she was with the thugs.
I thought Akito would tell her not to call me trash, but he didn't refute Emma’s words. They looked like a close couple, so I guess the conquest is going well…
Whatever, what do I care? It’s not like this is the first or second time Akito’s been whipped by a woman. Let’s not worry about it.
More importantly, I need to handle this business first.
“Will you help?”
“Why should I? Why should I help a lowlife like you?”
“If you put it that way… I don’t have much to say. If you’re not going to help, get out. I’m busy.”
Emma calls me trash, Shiori calls me a lowlife, and Chika… what about Chika?
When I looked at her, Chika glanced at Akito before speaking.
“What’s the plan?”
“Sister, are you really thinking of helping that man?”
“Akito will try to persuade them, but… it’s true there’s a fundamental problem. And I don’t like that old man either.”
For once, I’m on the same page as our mad dog. Seeing the way that old man Fable acts makes me want to smack the back of his head.
Shiori seemed to agree with Chika’s words, as she only furrowed her brows slightly and didn't answer.
By the way, it’s about time for my committee members to arrive…
Crash!
Suddenly, a window shattered and something flew in. Thinking it was an attack from the old man, I swapped my stick for the Etiquette Infuser.
“Stop!”
Behind Akito, who had jumped in front of me, I saw a girl.
So you finally tamed it.
It was the slime monster, the Fierce Beast Girl, that I’d encountered while on a mission for the Shrine Maiden Clan. The monster that had tried to devour the young shrine maiden was now tilting its head behind Akito, pretending to be innocent.
“Sorry, Yeon-woo. I understand your anger, but I will protect Io.”
I don't care if you protect her or not, but I wasn't even angry? Why are you making me out to be some guy with anger management issues?
While being framed as the bad guy by Akito, I locked eyes with the monster.
Did this brat already forget my face?
The monster, losing interest as if it were looking at a stranger, clung to the serious Akito’s back and rubbed its cheek against his shoulder.
To even tame a monster… Akito’s brainwashing beam really is incredible.
Does this mean I’m the only bad guy for saying she absolutely had to be killed? And the humans she devoured mean nothing?
He even gave her a name, Io. How wonderful.
Truly, seeing this makes me believe Akito could do anything even without some magical power of compulsion. Since the personal stories have already diverged, I started to hope that Akito would resolve the organization’s affairs on his own and create a happy ending for Akane that didn't exist in the game.
No, don’t get soft now that you’ve started this.
That self-righteous old man Fable will never listen to anyone else. He’s just a villain.
I reverted my weapon back to a stick and shrugged.
“She really follows you well.”
“Yeah, she’s a good child. I’m so glad I was able to protect her back then.”
Oh, how sweet. Why don't you go say that to the families of the people she ate?
This forced sense of justice pisses me off every time I hear it. Meanwhile, the way he was bonding with that Fierce Beast Girl, Io, forehead to forehead, was irritating.
“What an eye… anyway, are you going to help?”
“No. I stand by what I said. I can’t help you.”
I figured. Then could you please leave? I’d appreciate it if you paid for the broken window and cleaned up the glass shards before you go.
Why are you sitting there as if this is your own house—
Creeak—
While I was grumbling internally, the door opened and the guests I’d called for help walked in.
“Yahoo~ Yeon-woo!”
“Hmph. It seems that arrogant, heavy head of yours has finally bowed. How insolent, but I, the noble one, shall grant you my grace this once.”
Park Yu-jeong and Justina walked in, completely ignoring Akito’s group. They were both people who marched to the beat of their own drums.
“Justina, are you going to help this trash?”
“Yes, I, the noble Justina, am going to help this trash. But is that any of your business? Do I need to ask your permission for every little thing? A mere human?”
Stop calling me trash to my face.
But Justina, as if they didn't get along, gave Emma a cold look and turned away without waiting for an answer.
Look at Emma’s face crumpling.
Akito, I don't think your conquest went well. Her personality’s gotten even worse. And could you please stop strangling me with all your might while pretending to cling to my back because you’re hurt?
When I pushed her away, Park Yu-jeong licked her lips regretfully and looked at Akito’s group.
“Wow~ Are they joining in this time too? It’s an all-star team. Are you planning to take over the Shibarata this time? How much did you promise to pay them?”
“I have no intention of taking it over, so please don't say things that others might misunderstand.”
“Eh~ You’re really doing this out of the goodness of your heart? How boring. Ah, so that’s why Akito is here too.”
“No, I have nothing to do with what Yeon-woo is doing.”
“That’s right! Don't associate Akito with that trash!”
I couldn't tell if she had a lot of influence within the follower group or if she was just being loud, but Emma kept butting in. When Park Yu-jeong narrowed her eyes at her, Emma flinched and tightened her grip on Akito’s arm.
Then, naturally, Akito shifted his position to stand between them, as if protecting Emma.
Park Yu-jeong let out a smirk at the sight and shrugged.
“Then could the people who aren't involved please leave? We’re busy.”
When Park Yu-jeong said exactly what I wanted to say, Emma hid behind Akito and scowled. Look at her getting her confidence back just because Akito is in front of her, even though she was clearly intimidated.
“Justina, are you going to help Yeon-woo?”
“Yes, Akito. It is the duty of those of noble birth to help a pitiful human who bows their head. I shall go help this foolish human for a moment, so please wait.”
I was the one who called her, but I get annoyed every time she opens her mouth.
However, there was a reason I called these two.
No matter how good I was at corporate politics, this was different from a real political arena. Just because you’re good at baseball doesn't mean you’re good at soccer. They might be in the same category, but these two would be much better at this kind of thing.
Managing people and gathering supporters should be left to the experts. All I know how to do is flatter, stir the pot, and set the stage.
Making Akane look like a true leader and earning her the respect and love of the people—that was their job. Or was it called being a running mate?
According to Justina’s character lore, she had fought tooth and nail against other bloodlines within the Elf race to put her sister in her current position, so she was trustworthy. As for Park Yu-jeong… well, she’d do fine without me saying anything.
I just hope she doesn't do too well and end up crushing the organization.
Hearing Justina’s words, Akito looked at Chika.
“Chika, you too?”
“…Yeah, I’m going to help too.”
“Yeon-woo, you have so many people around to help you. I’m jealous.”
Chika and Justina are both your people. Stop with the deception.
Emma and the Fierce Beast Girl were muttering something, but Akito calmed them down and left the campaign office.
Now then, shall we make Akane a respected leader?
“So, what do we do now?”
When I asked, everyone looked at me with disbelief.
Hey, what do you expect me to do if I don't know? Did I grow up in a good family like you guys? Am I the chairman of a conglomerate? All I remember is being a corporate slave and sucking up to my boss.