I read the light novel months ago now, and as a result, I'm reading the Manga with a sense of detachment and more critique for the story.
I'm currently left feeling like it's too convenient for them to be able to explain away the rumors by enlisting Shiramine's help. In the vein of "a loud no is an even louder yes", denial of the rumors can just end up adding fuel to the fire. And yes, that is also true in Japan, where that is sometimes used as a plot point in manga. Like, is it possible for their plan to work in the real world? I guess. Is it also possible for it to backfire massively? Also yes.