While Ayanokoji was "interrogating" Meari, Mibuomi Aoi was also meeting Ibuki Jotaro and Kamishita Nagi in the Accounting room.
Ibuki Jotaro was describing the gambling process to them, and Kamishita Nagi, who had not witnessed the gamble firsthand, was listening intently to Ibuki Jotaro's account.
Ibuki Jotaro described in detail the process of his gamble with Ayanokoji, his own thoughts, and his conversations with Ayanokoji... He especially emphasized how he saw Ayanokoji continuously roll the dice 15 times without rolling a 6 in the surveillance footage.
...That's how it was. Ayanokoji's luck was very good, and I completely don't understand his dice-rolling technique. Whether it was skill or luck, I lost to him.
Ibuki Jotaro concluded.
Hearing Ibuki Jotaro's high praise for Ayanokoji, Mibuomi Aoi not only wasn't angry about the huge gambling loss, but his eyes lit up, and he couldn't stop smiling: "I didn't expect Ayanokoji Kiyotaka to have such good luck..."
"Luck is the most important thing in gambling. For us gamblers, nothing is more important than receiving the favor of Lady Luck. Even if you have skill, if you don't have luck's favor, you won't know how you lost if you lose."
Mibuomi Aoi muttered to himself.
"That's right."
Ibuki Jotaro nodded, candidly admitting his defeat. He lowered his head and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Mibuomi-sama, I failed your expectations. I am willing to resign and step down from my position as a Zenshoukai councilor."
Mibuomi Aoi came back to his senses, walked over to Ibuki Jotaro, sighed, and said sincerely, "Ibuki, you are one of my great generals. Now is the time when we need people. There's no need for you to resign from this position."
"But I lost 20 million of the Zenshoukai's money..."
"This amount of money is insignificant compared to talents like you!" Mibuomi interrupted him, stating emphatically.
"Renshochen-sama..." Ibuki Jotaro was startled and couldn't help but feel touched.
So, in Mibuomi Aoi's eyes, he was that important? At this moment, Ibuki Jotaro felt a sense of 'a scholar dies for his confidant.'
Mibuomi Aoi patted his shoulder and sighed, "Jotaro, you've truly worked hard this time. To cover the gambling debt, you even put the Kendo Club on the line... How about this, you don't have to repay the part of the money you owe."
Of the money Mibuomi Aoi lent them for gambling, he paid four-fifths, and the remaining one-fifth had to be paid by the gambler himself.
One-fifth of 20 million is 4 million, which was no small burden for Ibuki Jotaro. Kamishita Nagi, standing nearby, showed envy; he hadn't received such a "reduction."
Ibuki Jotaro shook his head and said softly, "No need. Since I lost, I should bear the consequences of losing. This was my own choice."
Mibuomi Aoi feigned anger: "Jotaro, this is my choice too. This money is compensation from the Zenshoukai to you, you are not allowed to refuse!"
Ibuki Jotaro was about to say something, but seeing Mibuomi Aoi's expression, he nodded emotionally: "I understand, thank you, Renshochen-sama!"
"It's nothing, after all, you are all working for me." Mibuomi Aoi smiled and shook his head, then encouraged and comforted them for a few more words before seeing them off.
Mibuomi Aoi's smile was irrepressible.
It seemed that Ayanokoji Kiyotaka was indeed the person he wanted, and Ibuki Jotaro was even convinced.
He must try his best to win over Ayanokoji and make him join the Zenshoukai.
Thinking of this, Mibuomi Aoi quickly called Miharu Taki Sakura and asked her to come over.
Soon after, Miharu Taki Sakura pushed the door open and entered, saying expressionlessly, "Is there something you need? I'm very busy right now, so please be quick."
Since Mibuomi Aoi's persuasion last time, Miharu Taki Sakura had already sent all the Beautification Committee members back to work. Compared to before, they were putting in half a bit more effort in their work.
However, what they cared about most was still following Mibuomi Aoi's instructions, often dropping their current tasks to complete Mibuomi Aoi's orders.
Miharu Taki Sakura saw it but could only pretend not to, as it was a critical moment for the Zenshoukai, and she couldn't stop them.
What surprised Miharu Taki Sakura was that the only girl she had kept to help with matters, for some unknown reason, stayed and wholeheartedly helped her, not going to complete Mibuomi Aoi's instructions.
This made her a little happy.
"Ibuki Jotaro gambled with Ayanokoji today. He lost 20 million, and the Kendo Club."
Hearing Mibuomi Aoi say this, Miharu Taki Sakura's expression became serious: "Are you trying to make me gamble with Ayanokoji to win all the money back from him?"
"I do want you to gamble with Ayanokoji, but not to win his money."
Mibuomi Aoi shook his head, changing the subject: "I hope you can get Ayanokoji to join our Zenshoukai."
Making Ayanokoji join the Zenshoukai was the first time Mibuomi Aoi had shared his thoughts with someone else.
Miharu Taki Sakura was startled: "Why do you want him to join the Zenshoukai? You should know he's very resistant, right? Didn't you want the transfer rights for the Landlord game?"
"That thing is no longer important. What's most important is Ayanokoji Kiyotaka himself; he is an indispensable talent for our Zenshoukai."
Mibuomi Aoi's eyes gradually became fervent: "Ayanokoji has courage, ability, and the indispensable luck for gambling. As long as we win him over, we might not need to take risks to get the Student Council President position!"
Mibuomi Aoi seemed to already see himself sitting on the Student Council's throne.
"You want him to gamble with the Student Council President?" Miharu Taki Sakura frowned.
"That's right." Mibuomi Aoi smiled and nodded: "Can you help me invite him?"
Mibuomi Aoi saw that Miharu Taki Sakura seemed to be hesitating, then paused and added: "If you can't do it, then I'll just have to let someone else do it. Perhaps, I'll have to use some other means."
Miharu Taki Sakura's eyes flickered. She knew that Mibuomi Aoi could be unscrupulous to achieve a goal.
She had originally intended to refuse, but the words changed as they reached her lips: "Alright then, I... I'll give it a try."
"Then I'll leave it to you! I've always believed in Sakura!" Mibuomi Aoi looked expectant, as if he had placed all his hopes on Miharu Taki Sakura.
Watching Miharu Taki Sakura accept the task and leave, Mibuomi Aoi's smile gradually faded. He called others again, instructing them to come to the office.
Although he believed Miharu Taki Sakura could accomplish this task, he still had to prepare for both possibilities.
He had always been like this.
Even Miharu Taki Sakura was not indispensable.
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