November arrived, bringing with it the deep autumn season.
Temperatures dropped, and the school's trees turned yellow, like a golden ocean.
In Class A's classroom, Chabashira Sae was informing students about the Cultural Festival.
"I just mentioned the points system. Now, let's talk about the guests for this Cultural Festival."
Chabashira Sae continued slowly.
"The invited guests are individuals involved in the school's construction and operation, along with their families—from elderly people to toddlers and elementary school students. The age range is quite broad. People who usually work at the Zelkova Shopping Center and convenience stores will also be attending as guests."
*'Hmm, it seems regular students' families won't be participating in this Cultural Festival...'*
Saiki sighed softly—
But then he sighed again the next second:
"But in the end, my family might still come, right?"
After all, Saiki Kûsuke was now considered a school-related person, so his family might still visit.
Whatever happens, as long as nothing strange occurs, it'll be fine.
"Guests will also have points for consumption: 10,000 points for adult guests and 5,000 points for minors. There are 284 adult guests and 202 minor guests, totaling 459 guests. Their total funds amount to 3,850,000 points."
"Additionally, teachers will also participate, but homeroom teachers cannot use points in the grades they teach. Their other privileges are the same as general guests."
"For important payment and settlement methods, a dedicated mobile app will be used—a system that allows the school to monitor sales data in real-time. Remember, at 4 PM, when the Cultural Festival ends, the app will become unusable. Settlement times can be set freely, but it's recommended to settle before providing goods..."
After explaining all the rules, Chabashira Sae coughed lightly,
"Does anyone have any questions?"
...
After class, Saiki, Horikita Suzune, and others involved in the project headed to the special school building.
Since they were setting up a maid café, it naturally had to be indoors.
Once the venue booking for the special school building opened, they needed to choose a location quickly to avoid being beaten by others.
The special school building had three floors with a total of 8 classrooms available for rent. The closer to the staircase, the higher the rent; the lower the floor, the higher the rent.
Compared to the third floor's rent of 10,000 to 13,000 points, all first-floor classrooms cost 50,000 points. This nearly 40,000-point difference could be used for ingredients, etc. Each class was granted a limited number of points, making rent allocation an unavoidable concern.
After all, classroom rent couldn't be covered by personal points.
"Any ideas?"
Horikita asked.
"The innermost classroom is the cheapest... but the location isn't great."
Wang Mei-Yu shook her head, expressing her opinion.
"Compared to the third floor, the second floor is better. Ideally, the first floor would be best... but the rent is just too outrageous."
Satō Maya also shook her head.
"Saiki, what do you think?"
"I think the first floor is better."
Since they asked, Saiki gave his opinion.
*'The first floor is the best choice... but it's too expensive...'*
Horikita thought to herself.
Just then, she heard footsteps and turned to see Tsukishiro, the chairman, accompanied by several construction workers, entering the special school building.
"Are you here to choose a classroom?"
Tsukishiro smiled, turning to look at Saiki.
*'I saw Saiki come here on the surveillance feed, so I pretended to show up.'*
*'What's this guy up to now?'*
Saiki was puzzled. Logically, Tsukishiro shouldn't be pulling any more strange stunts with him.
"Have you decided on a classroom?"
Tsukishiro asked.
"We have one in mind, but we haven't decided yet. The price difference between floors is just too big, and we're still undecided."
Horikita replied.
"Most people would want the first-floor classroom closest to the entrance, right? That one costs 50,000 points."
Tsukishiro's eyes narrowed slightly. After a pause, he said,
"But I have some good news for you."
"Good news?"
Everyone looked puzzled.
"This Cultural Festival also includes a mini-assessment. For instance, right now, you're undergoing a 'classroom selection' test. Although teachers haven't mentioned this rule, all students should understand that securing classroom ownership is a race against time."
Listening to the chairman, Horikita nodded in agreement.
"This is essentially a test of speed. Since you were the first to arrive at the special school building, you're the winners and can choose a classroom at half price!"
Tsukishiro announced with a laugh.
*'Saiki must know this is a favor I'm deliberately giving him.'*
*'That's such a stretch! Who would believe that?'*
Saiki thought, surprised Tsukishiro was offering a favor from afar.
"I see! The chairman's thinking is so meticulous!"
Horikita exclaimed in realization.
*'She actually bought it!'*
Saiki felt helpless.
Fortunately, Tsukishiro took the initiative without involving Saiki directly, so others wouldn't suspect him.
"In that case, we'll take the first classroom by the entrance!"
Horikita smiled, knowing this opportunity couldn't be missed.
"Great, follow me."
Tsukishiro promptly completed the handover with Horikita.
*'If Saiki develops a good impression of me, my path will be smoother.'*
...
After securing the classroom, everyone entered and began discussing decorations.
Saiki's phone rang. He glanced at the caller and answered:
"We're in the first-floor classroom by the entrance of the special school building. Just come here."
"Saiki, who are you talking to?"
Horikita asked curiously.
Theoretically, all students participating in the Cultural Festival were present, and the person Saiki was calling was clearly related.
"Oh, someone helping with our logistics."
As Saiki finished speaking, the first-floor classroom door opened, and a graceful figure appeared—Mikoto Aiura.
Among the students, Sakura Airi was the most familiar with Mikoto.
Satō Maya and Karuizawa Kei had also met Mikoto a few times—
Once during a fortune-telling session—
And another time during Christmas.
"Hello everyone, long time no see!"
Mikoto greeted warmly, carrying a large suitcase.
"Who's this?"
Horikita asked Satō Maya curiously. She felt she'd seen Mikoto somewhere but didn't recognize her.
"She's the former owner of the school's fortune-telling shop."
"The fortune-telling shop? I've never been there... Maybe I saw her somewhere else... Wait, wasn't she in charge of meals during the training camp?"
Horikita tried to recall but wasn't sure.
She was surprised Saiki had such connections.
"Saiki asked me to handle your costumes, so I brought a few styles for you to try. Let me show you—"
"Hold on, let's check them privately first."
Saiki interrupted Mikoto, pulling her aside, away from the others.
Though unsure what costumes Mikoto brought, Saiki needed to inspect them first, just to be safe.
"Here's the first one."
Mikoto proudly presented a maid outfit—
A rather risqué one.
That outfit was so revealing that wearing it outside would definitely result in expulsion.
"Is this your idea of a maid outfit?"
Saiki's hand ignited with flames, instantly reducing the outfit to ashes in a second.
"What's Saiki talking to the boss about?"
"Why does the outfit need a separate inspection?"
"Do I smell something burning?"
While others were clueless, Saiki shot a sharp glance at Mikoto.
"If you bring out another outfit like that, I'll burn them all."
"Got it, got it!"
Mikoto stuck out her tongue and finally produced a few normal maid outfits. Saiki allowed her to show them to the others, letting them choose suitable styles.
The moment they saw the outfits, the girls' eyes lit up.
"So cute!"
"I can't wait to wear one!"
"This one's gorgeous!"
Only Horikita Suzune remained serious, stepping up to Saiki and asking,
"What were you two talking about just now?"
'We were discussing supply chain issues. As the school's shop owner, some details can't be shared with students."
Mikoto replied instantly, her answer prepared in advance.
"But these outfits look expensive."
That was Horikita's main concern.
Skipping the classroom rental fee helped, but the cost is still significant. With so many maid outfits, the rental fee must be steep.
"It's free, including the ingredients you'll need later."
Mikoto smiled.
"Huh?"
Horikita was surprised.
These outfits aren't cheap, and I spent a lot to get them. But I gained something priceless: another favor from Kusuo!
Mikoto thought, then added,
"Helping you is like advertising for my shop. Even after leaving school, I won't lack opportunities."
"I see."
Horikita nodded, finding Mikoto's reasoning valid.
"Plus, Kusuo and I were friends before."
Mikoto continued,
"So I'll help you this time too!"
"Help us? You mean..."
"Yep, I'm one of your maids too!"
Mikoto grinned, glancing at Saiki, whose face remained expressionless.
After all, it was part of their earlier deal.
After finalizing the cultural festival plans with Horikita and the others, Saiki teleported to Mikoto and struck an agreement:
Mikoto would provide materials and logistics—
In return, she could participate as a maid.
"Boss, you're joining? But you're not in our class."
Horikita was confused.
"Technically, as the boss, I'm a guest for this event. The school doesn't forbid guests from working, right?"
Horikita was speechless; Mikoto's logic was sound.
But... was this really necessary for shop promotion?
"Thank you. With this, we save a lot of points. Maybe we can rent another classroom!"
Horikita considered asking Tsukishiro about rental details, guessing he hadn't gone far.
As she opened the door, she found him standing right there.
"Chairman Tsukishiro... I wanted to ask if we can rent another classroom..."
"Congratulations, you're the first to ask. It's a mini-test. Your class gets a buy-one-get-one deal!"