The next few days passed peacefully for Naoki. Perhaps it was because Aipuxin had suffered such a crushing defeat she hadn't shown up to bother her since.
After school, Naoki spent time watching different gambling matches across the academy, familiarizing herself with the common games and rules. Occasionally, she played a round or two, but never wagered more than 10,000 to 20,000 yen.
These small-stake matches weren't tracked by the system and yielded no EXP.
With no immediate threats, Naoki shifted her focus back to her real mission: the affection targets.
Among the must-conquer list were two particularly tricky students both third-years, meaning they would graduate in less than a year.
Time was limited, and priorities had to be set.
Other targets, like the Student Council President and Vice President, were only second-years for now, and could be tackled later.
Tsuzura Hanatemari, being a classmate and a friend, could be courted gradually. But the other two with their high status and upperclassman distance needed a proper strategy.
Target one: Juraku Sachiko, current Public Morals Chair of the Student Council.
Target two: Miharutaki Sakura, Beautification Chair of the Student Council.
Both held senior-level ranks and regularly attended executive meetings a far cry from Naoki's current standing.
Under normal circumstances, there'd be no way to even approach them.
Student Council officials had duties to perform and didn't just accept random challenges. And right now, Naoki wasn't confident enough to risk losing and making a fool of herself.
First step: observe. Use the system panel to assess their gambling skills. Then, plan accordingly.
Between the two, Miharutaki Sakura was the easier target.
Coming from a distinguished, traditional family line that dated back centuries, she had a textbook noble upbringing graceful, competent, and refined.
On campus, she had a stellar reputation: fair, dedicated, and unwilling to bend to school delinquents. However, she didn't abuse her power against ordinary students either.
The complication? A political engagement arranged by her family with another elite.
Though it was an old-fashioned match, Miharutaki seemed like the kind who'd follow through with her family's expectations.
If Naoki wanted to win her over, she'd first have to challenge that barrier.
But that was for later. Step one was contact.
Naoki had a plan.
The cafeteria was packed during afternoon break a perfect spot. It wasn't just a rest stop; some students even held gambling matches there.
Naoki pulled out a Charm Card.
She already understood its effects: it acted like a pheromone bomb. The moment girls saw her, it was as if they were intoxicated, irresistibly drawn.
Using it in a place like this?
Chaos.
As she walked in, girls who happened to glance her way stopped in their tracks.
"Hey, check out that girl she's gorgeous."
"Really? Oh wow, you're right. She's adorable."
"I don't know why, but her vibe is just magnetic."
"Same here... I can't stop looking."
A few braver students walked up to her.
"Hey, which class are you in?"
"Want some coffee? My treat."
"No, come with me! You look like someone who prefers sweet drinks how about milk tea?"
The area quickly descended into chaos.
Girls surrounded her some inviting, others simply staring, and a few whispering among themselves.
Naoki panicked slightly. She expected the card to work, but this was overwhelming.
If someone pushed too hard or accidentally hurt her, it would be a mess.
"Thanks, but... maybe next time!"
She tried to decline politely and move, but the crowd pressed in tighter, their fascination unrelenting.
"Don't be shy just a drink! Let's be friends."
"Ignore her! She flirts with a new girl every week. I'm in her class, I know."
"What?!"
"I'm telling the truth! She is."
Arguments broke out. The chaos worsened.
Tsuzura, who had come with her for lunch, looked lost in the commotion. She wanted to help, but there was no way the two of them could break through this crowd.
Just as Naoki expected, the ruckus got reported.
Soon, members of the Beautification Committee arrived.
"We're from the Student Council's Beautification Committee. What is going on here?"
Seeing the armbands, the crowd of girls scattered immediately the Charm Card's effect had worn off.
"Stop right there!"
The committee members blocked their path, stern expressions in place.
Even though they were outnumbered, the Student Council carried power that couldn't be defied.
Disobedience meant severe penalties demerits, increased monthly dues, or worse.
"We didn't do anything," someone argued weakly.
"Nothing? Then why were you crowding the area and obstructing traffic?" a member snapped, eyeing Naoki and Tsuzura.
"And we received reports of arguments escalating toward violence."
"We didn't even fight yet!"
"Oh? So you were *about* to?"
The situation was clearly escalating. There were too many involved for one committee member to handle.
After a quick discussion, they decided to report everything to their Chair Miharutaki Sakura.
Best to let the top decide.
"Wait, even us?" Tsuzura asked, stunned.
"Of course. You were part of the crowd."
Naoki gently patted her back. "It's okay. We didn't do anything wrong. The Chair will understand."
Still, Tsuzura looked nervous. It was her first time being summoned by the Student Council.
As they were escorted through the halls, curious onlookers watched the scene unfold.
"Naoki, do you think we'll get demerits? If we do, our dues go up. Worse, they might make us clean the toilets..."
"We won't. Don't overthink."
"Okay..."
**System: Your reassurance gave Tsuzura a sense of safety. Affection +1.**