Sakuramoria

The obviously fake voting results first caused confusion, and then a desire to hit the old man on the head with the butt of a rifle for this mocking farce. And the ensuing spectacle was so absurd that one could almost laugh, recalling his own joke from the exam, even though it was a clear provocation. Gideon looked at Futaba, trying to determine the extent of her involvement in what was happening. It didn't seem like she knew in advance or even slightly approved of Duncan's actions, which meant she was a hostage with a special status thrust upon her without her consent. The general mentioned some high-priority orders – apparently, this whole thing was orchestrated by... the king? Who else could have such power? It didn't matter right now. Thinking helped him keep his composure, but it didn't help solve the problem; he needed to do something. The shouts nearby brought the young man, who had been frozen in place, back to his senses.

-- Well, who isn't brave... if I die today, it will have been an honor to be on the same team as you.

He wished he could pretend to be a log, and when someone's old, wrinkled backside approached, suddenly shoot out his needles... If it were just him, he might have done that now, but the responsibility for others forced him to use his head. And when Fortis suddenly headed straight for Duncan, he realized that he couldn't just stand by and watch, and, catching up with him with a quick step, stopped him halfway. — Hold on, Fortis. Gideon said, lowering his voice so that the teachers wouldn't hear, addressing the Selenite, one of the few who remained nearby after his words. — Stop it. Be reasonable. This circus isn't worth dying in today on the opponent's terms; don't give in to the provocation. Futaba has already shown that they can be changed; we can come up with something, and that's where our chance lies... Just say a few nice things to the girl, okay? Let's help her cope with the situation and play her role; let's start by resolving the situation calmly now, and then plan everything properly.