Practical Teaching: A Guide to the Training of a Humanoid Succubus

"Sorry, I'm...not sure right now."

Ichinose clenched her hand holding the phone gently, then loosened it. She suddenly felt a little confused.

Does she need a position on student government?

Yes, there is no doubt about it.

Working in the student union was not only a way for her to realize her own value and correct her past mistakes, but also partly because of what Dongfang Yi had said before -

All student union presidents in the past have enjoyed the school’s employment benefits.

Her family would not allow her to have any hesitation, and she would seize even the slightest opportunity.

So she really needs it.

But does she want a position on student government?

Before the interview, it is desirable.

Even though Dongfang Yi told her about the possible bad situations, she still held a glimmer of goodwill and hope towards the student union.

I hope that the student council president will act impartially and judge all candidates fairly.

But now...when all this is really happening to her.

She doesn't want to think about it anymore.

I don’t want to be an aid to evil, I don’t want to let other students’ efforts and enthusiasm go to waste because of some people’s selfishness, and I don’t want to become a puppet.

A girl named Ichinose Honami strives to do the right thing, and now that she's joined the student council, it's clear—

It's a mistake.

"Is that so? That's fine. I'll analyze all three possible outcomes for you." Dongfang Yi on the other end of the phone seemed to have anticipated this: "Who told me I'd plan everything out?"

"Yeah. Thank you."

Higashikata-san is truly outstanding. Ichinose suddenly felt that perhaps Katsuragi did have a good eye for people.

"You're welcome. First of all, we have to be clear that what Horikita and Nanyun are going to use should be a very common red and white cop strategy. Classic, but effective."

"Red and white face?"

"Yes. Horikita Manabu plays the white face, the role of the negator."

Dongfang Yi explained, "He's responsible for using his position to suppress you, undermine your confidence, break down your defenses, and put pressure on you. He denies your excellence and abilities just when you're most satisfied with yourself, trapping you in a cycle of disappointment and self-denial."

Ichinose frowned and thought carefully, recalling what had just happened, especially Horikita Manabu's inexplicable words "It's not the time yet", and suddenly felt a sense of relief that he had survived a disaster.

I'm glad I went to the library in the morning because I was looking for some quiet time.

Fortunately, Dongfang Yi happened to be there.

I'm glad I met him.

But Dongfang Yi still knew nothing about this. He continued to teach Ichinose his thoughts: "So, before you go to see Nanyun, how do you think you should feel?"

"Disappointed, unconfident, and shaken?" Ichinose thought back to how he felt just now.

"Bingo! That's right. Remember to adjust your behavior before you go and try to be a good actor." Someone's fingers snapped faintly from the phone. "Okay, then, let's analyze Nanyun's behavior. Ichinose-san, please take out your notebook and take careful notes."

"But I'm in the bathroom." Ichinose, in serious mode, explained subconsciously.

"Oh, then remember to take notes on toilet paper. If you really don't have paper, um, sanitary napkins will work too."

"... Dongfang-san, please don't say that to other girls, or you'll be mistaken for sexual harassment..."

"Well, don't worry about this little detail." Dongfang Yi's face flushed, and he quickly changed the subject: "Please note that in this performance just for you, Nanyun Miyabi is responsible for playing the red face, that is, the good guy role."

"If you explain it in a little more detail, he will appear to care about you like a friend, affirming you, supporting you, speaking up for you, helping you analyze the reasons, and ultimately, guiding you into his arms."

"Fall into his... arms? But what exactly will he do?" Ichinose fell into deep thought.

"Can't you think of it?"

"Eh? Yeah, I'm a bit clueless."

"Remember what I said before? If you see the purpose clearly, you will also see the lies clearly." Dongfang Yi asked: "What is Nanyun's purpose?"

"Find a freshman who can complete the work of the student council on his own." Ichinose expressed his understanding.

Obviously, she was kind-hearted and she unconsciously concealed some of Dongfang Yi's original words.

"That's not entirely correct. It's about finding a qualified tool to complete the work of the Student Union." Dongfang Yi's voice was a little helpless. "And what's the most important thing about a tool?"

"Is it...useful?" Ichinose felt that the name "tool man" was surprisingly appropriate.

"No, it's about obedience. Being useful is just a secondary attribute of a tool. The fundamental attribute of a tool is its usability." Dongfang Yi's laughter was tinged with sarcasm. "So the ultimate purpose of everything that scumbag Nanyun is going to communicate with you from now on is to make you do what he says honestly, so that you won't cause any trouble when you are eventually discarded."

“I see.” Ichinose understood.

"So I divide his next action into two steps." Dongfang Yi continued to explain: "The first step is empathy."

"Empathy? Higashikata-san is saying he will comfort me?" Ichinose understood immediately.

"Right. Remember the process I just mentioned? If we follow the normal process, first, he will ask about your interview, implying that he is unaware of your failure. Then, he will separate his image from Horikita Manabu."

“Why cut first?”

"Because even though they're in the same group, they can't let you know they're in the same group. And their identity as a student union makes it seem like they're in the same group. Do you understand?"

"I understand." Ichinose nodded subconsciously, but later realized that he was just making a phone call.

"Then let's continue. Next, he will express similar emotions to your experience to bring you closer."

"Similar emotions to mine?" Ichinose murmured, somewhat puzzled.

"Where in the world can one find a soulmate? A piece of music, a melody of high mountains and flowing water. Think about it, Ichinose-san, who is so good at comforting people, what does someone need most when they are feeling down and starting to deny themselves?"

"Someone who recognizes her." Ichinose answered immediately. She felt her heart begin to beat faster, and her mind was now extremely clear: "I also need... someone... who recognizes me?!"

"That's impressive. Think about it. When you're feeling down, Nanyun Masaru steps in. He's mature, handsome, confident, and full of energy. At the same time, he understands your excellence, yet is equally puzzled and regretful about your loss. And he's in a high position, second in command of the student council, close to Horikita Manabu's status. Tell me, wouldn't you subconsciously start to trust him?"

"I can."

Ichinose clenched his hands, took a deep breath, and his chest trembled slightly.

She had to admit that in the scenario constructed by Dongfang Yi, she would definitely fall into the trap without knowing it.

"Yes, you will unconsciously trust him. But trust alone is far from enough. The purpose of empathy is not just to shorten the distance, but more importantly, to allow you to empathize with him."

"I... empathize with him?"

Ichinose was confused. She couldn't think of anything about Nagumo that required her empathy.

"I'm right, Ichinose, do you know what's the most perfect way to turn a car around?" Dongfang Yi said in a cheerful tone on the other end of the phone.

"Set this road ahead to be blocked?"

"No, you get in the driver's seat and behind the wheel." Dongfang Yi continued to explain, "He'll describe a similar experience of being rejected to get you to empathize with him, using his own fictional actions from that experience to guide you. Once you follow his guidance and become deeply immersed in it, he'll take the next step and offer you a benefit."