Chapter 81

"No."

Others might be different, but Suzuki Sonoko definitely isn't.

Kaguya Sigong knew Suzuki Sonoko's personality well enough to be so certain.

"That woman's personality is just like that—outwardly straightforward, but inwardly just as scheming as Fujiwara."

"The fact that she came straight to you shows she doesn't possess the diary."

"If she had the diary, the first person she'd seek out wouldn't be you—it'd be Ren."

If Suzuki Sonoko possessed the diary, she'd immediately know why she'd suddenly arrived at Kitan High.

The purpose is also very clear.

But precisely because Suzuki Sonoko doesn't possess the diary, her arrival is puzzling.

"I didn't expect she'd end up inviting Ren."

"Young Lady Kaguya, given Suzuki Sonoko's personality, she'd do exactly that."

Sōsaka Ai reminded her from the side.

Suzuki Sonoko is famously a sucker for good looks.

Moreover, Suzuki Sonoko is the confirmed heir of the Suzuki zaibatsu, and anyone in the Shangliushe Society generally wouldn't refuse her invitation.

Yet Suzuki Sonoko wouldn't invite so-called "upper-class" handsome men.

It's as if she were a strict adherent of self-restraint.

She wouldn't associate with anyone from her own social tier.

But an ordinary handsome man she happened to meet would draw her active attention.

As if drawn in purely by his appearance.

Suzuki Sonoko taking an interest in Ren was merely a coincidence.

At least, if Young Lady Kaguya hadn't transferred to Kitan High, Suzuki Sonoko and Ren Amamiya would never have crossed paths.

"Or are you planning to invite Ren to do something together this weekend?"

"I do have such intentions."

"The diary likely restricts offline arrangements, but if I initiate daily contact with Ren, and we're not doing it merely to satisfy the diary's rules, perhaps it won't trigger them."

"... So that's your plan."

Sōsaka Ai instantly lost enthusiasm.

It was just a second probe against the diary.

"Shouldn't you tell Ren about this probe?"

"Yes, it's necessary."

In any case, the person involved must always be informed of such probes.

Kaguya Sigong didn't want a major misunderstanding to arise between them.

To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, mutual communication is essential.

"But since Suzuki Sonoko invited first, next time we need to act earlier."

This weekend is definitely out of the question.

"In that case, Young Lady Kaguya, shouldn't you consider building more everyday contact with Ren?"

Sōsaka Ai's suggestion left Kaguya Sigong momentarily silent.

"Is that okay? I don't think Ren seems the type to enjoy talking at school."

"Besides, most of our conversations aren't suitable for third parties to overhear—talking at school isn't appropriate."

"... That's true."

Sōsaka Ai fell silent for a moment, then sighed helplessly.

Ordinary conversation could continue at school, but the problem is these two clearly won't be having ordinary conversations—that's the issue.

"Still, Young Lady Kaguya, I think you should seriously consider this."

"Clearly, you'll need a suitable space for future conversations."

"Ren writes a diary, recording daily life details—but if you don't get involved, how can you ever truly participate?"

"Hmm..."

'Indeed.'

After all, the diary records mostly ordinary life details.

No matter what, Ren's daily diary always includes some interesting, everyday moments.

Completely dull parts are just filler—recording mundane, uninteresting, heartless routines would only lower the reward tier.

Kaguya Sigong was somewhat persuaded.

Sōsaka's suggestion wasn't meaningless—it was, in fact, highly important.

A space for everyday interaction with Ren must be established at school.

"Young Lady Kaguya, I've also found that in the past, Kudō Shinichi was often granted leave because he frequently assisted the police with investigations."

"If I make a slight intervention, perhaps in special circumstances, you can gain more opportunities to leave school."

"More time to leave school?"

"Yes. Right now, Young Lady Kaguya, you need a suitable space to communicate with Ren—and sometimes you'll need time to skip class with him."

"But if that happens, what if Ren falls behind in school?"