Yes, since there was an opening ceremony, there should be a closing ceremony as well. If we're going to do it, let's do it thoroughly, quitting halfway is not an option.

So, next, all they needed to do was to go back on their promises from earlier. By doing so, everyone could breathe a sigh of relief. Even though they couldn't pretend this event never happened and couldn't completely erase their pain, this was undoubtedly the best outcome.

Since they couldn't eliminate the pain, the best they could do was to alleviate it as much as possible, and…

Since the goal was to reduce the pain, all they needed to do was shift their focus, redirect their attention.

In order to do this, it was necessary, as after this, their sense of inferiority and anger would only grow stronger, and any hatred would only deepen...

In this way, everything would come to an end, putting a perfect end to this matter.

Yes, this world where no one would get hurt would be completed in this way.

With this thought in mind, a hint of a mischievous smile appeared on Ryuto's face.

"Well, I guess I should..."

However...

"Isn't that obvious!"

Before he could finish his sentence, an unexpected shout interrupted him.

"Huh?"

The most surprised person was Ryuto. He had already prepared what he was going to say, but being interrupted like this left him speechless.

Just staring in astonishment at the speaker.

No, not just Ryuto, everyone who had been focusing on Ryuto naturally shifted their gaze to the speaker.

Even under everyone's scrutiny, the usually timid speaker didn't show any signs of stopping.

Instead...

"Since Ryuto had already made a promise earlier, such a thing will definitely not happen, and... even without such a promise, Ryuto would never do such a thing."

With a loud declaration, there was no hint of doubt or confusion in the words.

Although Ryuto could see this surface level, what exactly was underlying these words?

The deeper layer remained unreadable.

After saying this, the speaker, in silence, lowered their head.

But this was different from the reasons others lowered their heads; it wasn't out of fear, but... to conceal something. However, what exactly they were concealing, Ryuto didn't know.

The scene fell into silence instantly.

To ease the awkward atmosphere, Miku, who was standing nearby, perked up.

"Alright, alright, since you all have spoken, darling won't break his promise, right, darling?"

She asked Ryuto like this.

"…Ah, of course."

It took a while for Ryuto to come back to his senses. Although this didn't align exactly with what he had intended to say, in essence, there wasn't much difference.

After receiving this affirmation,

"That's great, thank you very much, Lord Amagi Ryuto."

As everyone expressed their thanks in unison, joyous expressions appeared on their faces.

"…"

Although Ryuto understood their gratitude was genuine, truly coming from their hearts, he didn't feel anything substantial. No, it was rather jarring, at least for Ryuto, because...

He hadn't done anything deserving of thanks, in fact, quite the opposite. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't think of a reason he should be thanked.

Tsk...

Amidst the astonishment in their hearts, Ryuto brought the meeting to a close.

"I have said all that needed to be said. You may now return to your rooms for the day. If there are any further instructions, I will address them tomorrow."

With that remark, Ryuto swiftly exited the meeting room as if fleeing.