Chapter 36

Plot Maneuver is the thirty-sixth chapter of the Rakudai Kishi no Eiyuutan manga.

Summary
Kagami is currently researching Amane Shinomiya, a representative of Kyomon Academy, due to Ikki's request. Kagami discovers that Amane won all of his selection matches, without combat, as all his opponents withdrew. This is very strange, considering that Amane is a nameless newcomer. Searching more into it, Kagami finds out that there are actually other nameless newcomers who have earned their spot as representatives, who possibly form a seventh secret team in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. Before Kagami can tell about her discoveries, she is stabbed in the back of by a Device in it's illusory form, which belongs to Alice. This renders Kagami unconscious, as she falls to the ground.

Alice calls Reisen Hiraga, and informs him of Kagami's findings. Hiraga though isn't too concerned, ordering Alice to simply hide Kagami and all her research, as everyone will soon find out about their organization, Akatsuki. Hiraga then passes the call to Wallenstein, one of the executive officers, called Numbers, of Rebellion and Alice's master. Wallenstein tells Alice that he has arrived to Japan, as he wants to be present in the coming events. He also asks Alice if she is ready to fulfill her role in the upcoming events. Alice says she is ready, and that she will undoubtedly present success. As the call ends, Alice then uses her shadow manipulation, to hide Kagami and her research.

Alice then returns to her own room, where Shizuku is also reading. Alice then takes out a bottle of alcohol, wanting to celebrate the last few days before the Festival, secretly knowing that she will soon leave Hagun and Shizuku. Alice tells Shizuku about, how in her childhood, drinking a cup of alcohol was a kind of trial of passage into adulthood. After drinking the alcohol, Shizuku quickly falls asleep, with Alice carrying her to the bed. Watching Shizuku sleeping, Alice realizes that Shizuku is very important to her. Alice then remembers her childhood, and how her friend Yuuri was tragically killed.

Characters

 * Kagami Kusakabe
 * Alice
 * Reisen Hiraga
 * Wallenstein
 * Shizuku Kurogane
 * Yuuri