"The value of information depends on how much of an advantage it can provide. However, at this stage, there's no information that could possibly be worth fifty thousand private points."
Horikita stared directly into Ryouma's eyes.
She calmly presented her reasoning and conclusion.
She wasn't an idiot.
Whether in academic performance or physical ability, she ranked among the top students at this school.
There was no doubt that Suzune Horikita was exceptionally talented.
However, this was only their first day at school.
In fact, barely half a day had passed.
Although Ryouma had spoken with Sae Chabashira, there was no way he could have obtained information worth such an enormous amount.
'Fifty thousand points!'
That was nearly an entire year's allowance for an ordinary high school student!
Furthermore...
Horikita was beginning to suspect that the information might not be particularly important in the first place.
Just like the statement that points could purchase anything, it was probably one of the school's most fundamental principles.
Perhaps Chabashira's manner of explaining the rules had inadvertently misled the students.
As a result, nobody in Class D had considered things from that perspective.
Ryouma had simply approached the problem from an unusual angle.
Horikita was confident that, given enough time, such information would eventually become common knowledge.
'There's absolutely no way it's worth fifty thousand private points!'
However...
If obtaining information ahead of everyone else could give her an advantage, Horikita was willing to pay a reasonable price.
For example, five thousand private points.
That was the amount she'd estimated to be fair.
'Aside from her narrow perspective, she's actually quite capable.'
Ryouma silently evaluated her.
A smile appeared on his lips.
"Suzune, your greatest weakness is your habit of jumping to conclusions."
"Are you claiming that the information you possess is actually worth fifty thousand points?"
"If that's truly the case, then I'm perfectly willing to pay fifty thousand points for it."
She simply assumed Ryouma was exaggerating the information's value.
Even after having her weakness pointed out directly, she showed absolutely no intention of reconsidering her position.
Still, Ryouma could understand Horikita's attitude.
After all, they were only sixteen-year-old high school students.
They were at an age when everyone believed themselves to be exceptional.
And that was especially true for someone like Horikita, who excelled in both academics and physical abilities.
Without experiencing a few setbacks, she probably wouldn't change her attitude regardless of what anyone said.
'Controlling people like these isn't particularly difficult.'
'The real challenge is turning them into individuals who can actually be useful to me!'
With Horikita's current personality, even if she achieved outstanding academic results, she would have a difficult time succeeding in society.
Feeling somewhat thirsty, Ryouma purchased a can of cola for himself.
Only then did he continue.
"Suzune, the value of information depends entirely on your perspective."
"There's no need to explain further. If your information really is worth fifty thousand points, I certainly won't mind paying that much."
"Now, hurry up and tell me."
Horikita placed her shopping bag beside the bench and sat down next to Ryouma.
"The moment information is revealed, it loses its corresponding value."
Ryouma replied with a teasing smile.
"Are you worried I'll go back on my word?"
Horikita frowned in displeasure.
"Rest assured. I've never broken a promise in my entire life."
She had no intention of engaging in something as disgraceful as betraying an agreement.
Although she intended to judge the information's value herself, she would certainly offer a reasonable price.
Although she occasionally resorted to petty tricks, someone as straightforward and consistent as Horikita genuinely wouldn't go back on her word.
However...
Ryouma only trusted benefits he could guarantee and people who were completely under his control.
He gently swirled the can of cola in his hand.
Then, he spoke indifferently.
"I can't trust you."
"Then are you just making fun of me?"
Horikita's eyes instantly turned icy.
Although Ryouma hadn't explicitly stated his intentions, she understood exactly what he meant.
Information was a rather unusual commodity.
Without a certain foundation of mutual trust or the involvement of a third party, completing such a transaction was practically impossible.
Clearly, Ryouma wanted her to pay first.
Naturally, Horikita had no intention of agreeing to that.
Although she would never deliberately break an agreement, she had no reliable way to determine the information's actual value.
'What if he just makes up some nonsense and tries to fool me?'
"Looks like our negotiations have broken down!"
Ryouma shrugged indifferently.
Everything that had happened so far was still proceeding according to his plan.
"I see. Now I understand."
Horikita placed the cans of black tea aside.
"You were just toying with me from the very beginning."
She reached into her schoolbag and pulled out a compass.
Then, she pointed its sharp tip directly at Ryouma.
"Ryouma..."
Her voice was colder than ever.
"Would you rather regret your actions in agony..."
"Or regret them in despair?"
"Which would you prefer?"