Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 13 - Chapter 2.1

CELEBRATING ☆ GINKO SORA

It was …… yes.

Last year, after the Mynavi Preliminaries and the Meijin officially became the challenger in the Ryuo Title Match …… Maybe about three weeks afterward.

Ai Hinatsuru, Keika Kiyotaki and I were all under pressure as the Mynavi Finals were about to begin and Sensei was busy devising a strategy for defending his title, so we hadn’t seen much of each other at all.

Despite that, I got a message out of the blue.

“We’re throwing a birthday party for Ginko Sora, so come to Osaka.”

Me, partaking in a gathering like that, absolutely not! 

I was set to face Sub League member Karen Noboryou in the first round of the Finals. As she is a member of the Kanto Sub League, I had no match records to go on. No amount of preparation will ever suffice when going against an opponent who is shrouded in so much mystery.

Besides, I fully intended to win the tournament and take Ginko Sora’s title for myself! So why did I have to celebrate her birthday with the rest of the Shogi family?!

…… Well, I did end up going.

Huuh? You say I end up going to a lot of events despite my complaints? M-My hands were tied! Just let me explain, will you?!

“Ooooh! Cha, Cha’s neber been to a deepatmant stwore in Osaka befowe!”

I rub my temple in frustration as the little golden one runs around like she is in a candy store.

It seems ……

“Charlette has never been to a department store in Osaka.”

At least, I think that’s what she said.

September 9th. Including myself, four of us have gathered at a department store in the heart of North Osaka, Umeda.

Our unbalanced group of three elementary-aged girls accompanying a high school–aged boy would draw enough attention anyway, but one of our number being a golden-haired half-pint has other customers and staff members staring.

Said golden-haired half-pint running circles around us is getting on my nerves.

“Ch-Charlette! You have to walk inside the store!”

Ai Hinatsuru goes to chase after her, but our Master Yaichi Kuzuryu pompously puts his foot down.

“Listen up, you two. We’re not here to have fun, okay? We came to find a birthday present for Big Sis, so hurry up and choose something.”

Huuh? Hurry up and choose? Excuse me, but that’s my line. Why did you bring us along in the first place?

Or are you the one that’s here to have fun? Look in the mirror, trash.

“My word …… Why do I have to come along to choose a present for Ginko Sora?”

“Because you’re part of the same Shogi family.”

Obviously? Don’t take that tone with me, idiot.

“I’m fine with chipping in to cover the cost, but I don’t see why we all had to go out of our way to come here and pick a present in person. We aren’t friends here, and I have no intention of changing that!”

“Warm up a little, will you? Remember that touching speech you made for me on my birthday?”

“Th-That was ……! I told Ai that I wouldn’t do it in a million years, but she forced me ……”

“Adorable. Your shy side is so adorable, Ten-chan.”

“Do not pat me!”

I hate to admit it, but it’s just as he said.

Both Ai and myself won consecutive matches during the Mynavi Preliminaries …… And wished our Master happy birthday during the presentation ceremony afterward, where I said this: “Today …… I played for you.”

I know. You don’t have to say it.

I regret those putrid words to this very day ……!

“The other day …… what was it, August 24th? You grumbled so much about the birthday party we had for Mio at my place, but you still showed up, right?”

“How could I not, with the chatterbox calling me every day! It was come to my party! come to my party! nonstop! If I didn’t go, she would have been inviting me to next year’s party every single day over the next 12 months!”

“You really are nice, Lady Ai. Not only did you come to Osaka from Kobe today, but you’re even planning on coming to next year’s birthday party despite all your complaining.”

“I won’t be!”

“Easy, easy. Just be around in October, okay?”

“Huuh?! Are you saying there’s something coming up next month, too?!”

“Your older sister apprentice’s birthday, that’s what. I’m pretty sure it’s–––.”

“My birthday is October 7th!” says Ai, her eyes sparkling up at Yaichi while holding the little golden one by the scruff of her neck like a cat carrying a kitten. He nods back at her.

“That’s what I thought.”

“My birthday is October 7th!”

“I-I remember, okay ……?”

Yaichi shudders at Ai’s persistence. Then he looks down at me.

“Yours is December 10th, right Ten-chan?”

“Why do you know that ……?”

“And Ayano’s is in December, too,” Ai chimes in.

“Four eyes? What day?”

“The third.”

Just a week apart ……

Somehow it feels strange knowing that …… The most forgettable member of that practice group feels closer to me somehow. Our zodiac signs are the same, as are our horoscopes. Which means our profiles are strikingly similar.

Birthdays. What strange things they are.

Just as I’m mulling that over …… Yaichi starts grinning at me.

“How about that. You’re the youngest of the four, aren’t you Ten-chan?”

“Huuuh? Keep talking with your head in the clouds and I’ll poke your eyes out.”

“It’s the truth, isn’t it?!”

“We’re in the same grade, so what does it matter? Besides, four eyes is only a week older than I am. Why are you so hung up on such a small detail? Is a single day that important to a lolicon?”

“Yep, there’s no topping those precious moments right before the bud blooms into a flower …… Hah! I’m not a lolicon, got it?!”

“Please walk on the other side of the aisle.”

“Don’t you know a joke when you hear it?! I took the cue from you!”

Is that so?

Of course, I believe this lolicon thing is just him trying to be funny …… At least, I want to believe it … though I have my doubts sometimes.

I put some space between us, but Ai rushes in to take my place right at Yaichi’s side.

“Master, Master. When are Keika’s and Grandpa-sensei’s birthdays?”

“They’re both in November, so we usually celebrate both at once.” 

“So, yours and Mio’s are in August, September is Aun- …… Sora-sensei’s, mine is in October, Keika and Grandpa-sensei’s are in November and Ayano and Ten-chan have theirs in December. We get to have birthday parties every month!”

How can she be excited about something so terrifying?!

“I won’t be coming, so you don’t have to celebrate mine!”

My plea falls on deaf ears, however, because Yaichi leans down to ask the golden loli in Ai’s arms at eye level, “And, when’s your birthday, Charlette?”

“Winber!”

“Huh? Winter …… What month?”

“Hmm ………… Winber?”

“Around Christmas, maybe? Or after New Year’s?”

“Winber!!”

This is going nowhere.

She’s probably too young to divide a year into anything less than individual seasons yet. Her level is even lower than the ancient Mesopotamians who had no concept of a calendar. No wonder she can’t understand.

“S-Still …… It’s not for a while yet! Let us know when it’s coming up.”

“Cha, Cha gwets a paatee too?”

“Of course! I’ll get the whole town to throw you a party, Charlette!”

“The town?!” Ai and I say in utter shock at Yaichi’s claim. Just what is going on in his head?!

“I’ll put you on a float and parade you up and down the shopping arcade.”

“Wid music and ebewyding?”

“Sure will! I’ll even let you ride just like this!”

Yaichi then takes the golden loli from Ai and plops her down on top of his shoulders.

“Whooo♡ Masta is so twall!”

“Hahaha! You barely weigh anything, Charlette!”

The half-pint is ecstatic and the lolicon is dancing.

And the happier the lolicon is, the more disgruntled Ai and I become.

“Hey …… You’re embarrassing us.” 

“Master, you darabuchi ……! Why is it always Charlette ……?!”

The lolicon realizes the formations aren’t in his favor and quickly puts the half-pint back down on the floor.

“Oh, yes! N-Now’s not the time for goofing off. We better find a present for Big Sis quick, or else Keika will finish the cake before we get home.”

That hag is making cake?

Best case scenario, it turns out as bland as miso soup without any other ingredients.

Ai seems to share my reservations.

“Is Keika good at making cakes, too?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure. I’ve never seen her make one before. Cookies, yes, but not cakes. She just decided she was going to make one this year …… Then she kicked us out so she could prepare in peace and said she’d go along with whatever present we picked. So here we are.”

Hmph.

That hag is the right age to get married, so perhaps she’s realized that honing her skills as a housewife would be more lucrative than building up her Shogi skill. Prudent.

“Are you certain this is a good idea? Whatever she makes will be edible, yes?”

“It’ll be fine, Ten-chan. Mio and Ayano are with her, too. What’s that old saying: three heads are better than one?”

“I don’t know about that, four eyes, but having Miss Loudmouth in the kitchen only makes me more concerned ……”

Because, as they say, having too many cooks spoils the broth. I hope this turns out differently.

“As long as Big Sis stays out of their way, we’re good,” says Yaichi offhandedly with complete faith in Keika Kiyotaki’s abilities.

“Ginko Sora’s cooking …… I have never tried it myself, but is it really that bad?”

“It’s terrible. Speaking as a survivor, be grateful you don’t have to suffer through it.”

“Huuh? So, what happens when you eat it?”

“Well, first words start slurring together.”

“That’s the same as puffer fish poison!”

“Then comes numbness in the extremities, and it gets really hard to breathe ……”

“Eeeek–––!”

“Ha-ha-ha! Most of that is just a joke, of course.”

…… Most of it?

“Still, she won’t try to bake her own birthday cake, so we’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“While I’m curious just how much was true and when the joking began …… We don’t need to be concerned, do we? There’s going to be other food at this party, yes?”

“I’m pretty sure Twelve is going to cater it. Keika said she spoke to the owner, so I think everything is worked out. He’ll probably pull out all the stops.”

“Hmph. Well, if they’re in charge of the food ……”

That place prepares food for players during their lunch hour all the time, a go-to restaurant of sorts. The owner has a craftsman’s mentality. The flavor certainly isn’t bad despite him being the only one working there. The best part is that he keeps to himself and doesn’t engage me in pointless conversation.

“Ten-chan, what’s your favorite thing to get at Twelve? I like the butter rice!”

“Mine is tongue stew.”

“Master! That’s the most expensive thing they have ……!”

“J-Just like a real princess ……!”

“What is that look for? You’re better off financially than most other people.”

“Cha, Cha’s neber eaten at Twelbe.”

After learning that she is the only one here who hasn’t been to Twelve, the golden-haired half-pint makes her case to Yaichi and gets extraordinary results.

“That’s right, you haven’t! Alright, I’ll take you there myself! You can have anything you like!”

“Cha, Cha wants puddin!”

“Pudding, huh? Even your favorite foods are cute, Charlette♡”

“Hey, lolicon. Quit getting distracted by the brat and choose a present already.”

I scold Yaichi and grab him by his right ear.

“That’s right, lolicon. You know better than this.”

And Ai pulls on his left.

“Ow-ow-ow! Y-You guys …… Have some respect for your Master ……”

“Sure, sure, oh great lolicon-sensei. Do you know what Ginko Sora’s interests are?”

“Things Big Sis likes? Umm …… Shogi?”

“Obviously. Everyone here knows that she likes Shogi. I’m talking about her other interests or small items that she collects.”

“Small things that she likes? Well …… I know she buys a pennant wherever she goes to play title matches.”

“That’s a rather solitary hobby ……”

Picturing Ginko Sora visiting the touristy souvenir shops at inns and hotels around the country, I’m not sure how I should feel or what to say.

I’d prefer not to learn any more of this kind of information because it will dampen my fighting spirit.

“Shogi players tend to be solitary people in general. Sitting and thinking is our job.”

“…… Having it put like that makes it feel like I’m missing out on life.”

“That, and Shogi players don’t tend to live as long as other people.”

“Their love for Shogi is all that keeps them going ……”

“Th-That’s enough of that–––,” Yaichi says, getting back on topic as he removes our hands from his ears. “I honestly don’t have a clue what to get for Big Sis. Keika’s always been the one to pick out presents for her ……”

The closer someone is to you, the harder they become to shop for.

There may be some truth to that.

If …… someone were to ask me what present would make my deceased parents happy, I would struggle to come up with anything.

“Whenever I asked her what she liked, Big Sis always said Shogi. She’s never said anything else. I know what font style she likes engraved on the pieces, but that’s about it.”

“What kinds of presents has she gotten in the past?”

“I’m pretty sure Keika always got her clothes.”

Clothing. I’ve only ever seen her in that sailor-style school uniform of hers, so I would have no idea where to begin.

Ai seems anxious as well.

“It’ll be hard to choose something without knowing what size she wears.”

“Exactly! And she’d kill me if I started asking for her measurements ……”

“Why would you ever give her underwear in the first place?!”

“I-I wasn’t talking about those measurements!! Besides, girls need them, don’t they?!”

“Not for Ginko Sora, I believe. Her chest being what it is,” I point out, half-jokingly. But Yaichi gives it serious thought.

“Well, I know, but …… Big Sis turns 15 today, so she can’t be that flat for too much longer.”

“Would you just forget about underwear!”

“Cha, Cha wants pwuri cuwe pwanties!”

Ai is steaming with anger, but the half-pint starts making requests.

Which apparently triggers Yaichi’s lolicon switch.

“Pretty Cure panties? Alright, Charlette, I’ll buy you a full week’s supply!”

“Pwuri cuwe pwanties!”

“Why is it always Charlette? No fair! …… What I meant was, why do you have to buy her seven of them?!”

“Huh? I mean, wouldn’t it make you feel good to know that Charlette is wearing the undies you bought her for a full week?”

Seriously …… Gross.

“What you just said made me nauseous.”

I give him a piece of my mind, but Ai only mumbles how she feels at her feet.

“Unghhh …… Master …… My Master is getting more and more perverted …… There’s no saving him now ……”

“I do not envy your position …… Living under the same roof day in and day out ……”

Now that we’ve become the center of attention, Yaichi panics and blurts out an excuse.

“I-I was just kidding …… You don’t have to look so sad ……”

“I’m sad because it didn’t sound like a joke!”

“C-Come on everyone! Any other ideas?”

Sigh …… Wasting any more time on this would be absurd, so to the matter at hand.

“What about stuffed animals? I don’t think any girl would hate receiving one as a present.”

“Big Sis has one, a really big one, actually.”

“That’s unexpected. Does Ginko Sora cuddle with it when she sleeps at night or does she play house?”

“No, she uses it to practice suplexes and throws.”

“Practice ……? And who does she use them on?”

“Would you like to know?”

“I’d …… rather not ask. I think I know the answer already ……”

“C’mon, ask me! Actually, listen, Ai! You won’t believe that girl! She used to fold me up like a pretzel and hurl me across the room whenever I beat her at Shogi! Even now, the back of my head hurts whenever it rains outside!!” Yaichi beseeches me with tears in his eyes.

Though I can’t really sympathize because there’s something about his tone that makes it sound like they were having a lover’s spat–––.

“Masta, head hwurt? Cha, wub wub?”

“Sniffle …… You’re such an angel, Charlette …… If only you were my older sister apprentice ……”

“Fwhee? Cha, Cha Masta’s big sista?”

And now I’m queasy again. That pervert ……

The golden-haired half-pint looks just as confused with her head tilted like that. I don’t blame her. It seems Yaichi’s brain knows no bounds when it comes to Shogi and lolicon tangents ……

I force my anger to simmer down before asking him.

“…… Are you sure she didn’t use that stuffed animal for more girly things? Maybe having it next to her was the only way she could get to sleep after watching a scary movie ……”

“Nope, she used me for that. We had a bunkbed when we were live-in apprentices. She’d always wake me up to go to the bathroom at night after watching some ghost stories on TV and force me to stroke her hair until she went back to sleep ……”

That last tidbit is what it took for Ai to lift her gaze off the floor and slowly turn toward Yaichi.

“Are you sweethearts?”

“Huh? I don’t get where you’re coming from ……”

“But Master, you never do those kinds of things for me when I see scary shows on TV. But you stroke Auntie’s hair and hold Charlette, just like right now.”

“Charlette’s still little, so ……”

“I’m still nine! Only by a little, but that’s still one digit! I’m allowed to go with you into public baths!”

Whisper, whisper …… We officially have an audience. The security guards have noticed the crowd.

Without a second thought, I put some space between us and pretend to be a bystander.

“H-Hey! Ai! Not so loud! Can’t you see we’re not the only customers here?! They’re going to get the wrong idea ……!”

No, I don’t think there are any misunderstandings going on.

“I-I’ve got it! Ai, what present would make you the happiest?”

“Uwhee?! M-Me ……?”

“Yeah. Just name it.”

“Anything ……? I’d be happy with anything so long as it was from you, Master.”

“And I’m happy to hear that, but I was hoping for something more … specific.”

“………………”

Words fail Ai Hinatsuru.

She spends a few moments deliberating about whether she should say it or not …… She opens her mouth, bound and determined, only to close it again. Hurry it up, already!

The cycle repeats itself a few times until.

“W-Well, then …………”

Ai says exactly what she wants.

“………………… A ring ……”

“A ring? With a jewel of some kind? That’s pretty expensive ……”

“The price doesn’t matter! It doesn’t have to have any diamonds or anything at all! Actually, a plain ring is fine!”

“Really?”

“Yes! A simple silver band ………… Th-That matches yours ……”

Pardon me.

I believe that’s called …… an engagement–––.

“Ring, huh …… Would Big Sis like one of them?”

“That’s what I want! But you aren’t allowed to give Auntie one as a present! She’ll misunderstand!”

“Misunderstand?” a very confused Yaichi repeats. 

Has every facet of his brain unrelated to Shogi rotted away?

“I’d be handing it to her saying, Here’s your birthday present. What’s there to misunderstand?”

“I-It’s, um, well ………… You just can’t, okay! I forbid it!”

“O-Okay! I won’t, I won’t! Besides, when it comes to rings, Shogi players don’t wear them that much …… They can be distracting for opponents, so most take them off before matches anyway.”

A bizarre twinge in my heart urges me to break into this conversation.

“I agree that the occasional glint from across the board is distracting.”

“Yeah. And there’s the fact that Big Sis doesn’t like flashy things or accessories that much, so she probably wouldn’t wear it anyway.”

“I wonder? That snowflake hairpin of hers was a present from you, wasn’t it?”

“Yeah, but …… It was really cheap,” Yaichi says without any idea what I was getting at. Yes, it does look like something out of a bargain bin.

However, that’s exactly why–––.

“I didn’t put much thought into it, either. I just happened to find it at the gift shop in the hotel where Big Sis was staying when she won her first title.”

“And she’s worn that piece of cheap plastic ever since, hasn’t she? The girl you say doesn’t like accessories.”

“Yeah, she has.”

“Then anything will do. How about one of those packs of tissues that guy over there is handing out?”

“Hey, don’t interrupt, Ai! We were getting somewhere, so why in the world would you suggest tissues?!”

“How should I know, darabuchi?!”

“Why are you angry?! …… Please, you two. I don’t have any idea what junior high school girls like. If you would just help me out, we’ll be done with this a lot sooner.”

“How about another hairpin like the one she has? That one is getting old and you said it’s cheap, right?”

“Hmm …… That might work, but this is supposed to be a present from everyone. It doesn’t seem right to get her something that I already gave her.”

That’s right. As this is from all of us, it will reflect on us as well.

“Then how about a pet?”

“A pet …… Lots of Shogi players like the comfort of having pets at home.”

“Maybe if she had a small furry companion for comfort, some of the rougher aspects of her personality might improve.”

“…… Same goes for you.”

“What was that you just said, piece of trash Sensei?”

“Nothing! Yeah, getting her a pet sounds good! She’s living with her parents right now, so we don’t have to worry about pet restrictions like at my apartment! Great idea, Lady Ai!!”

Finally, we have a direction. All that’s left is figuring out what kind of animal ……

“What type of pet do you like, Master?”

“Cute mammals, for sure. Lizards and fish are cool, but I don’t want one.”

“That’s fairly basic.”

I’m not good with scaly creatures myself. Not that I have anything against people who like them.

“And gold fur would be good.”

“A golden retriever would be a good option.”

“Or a Pomeranian! They’re so cute and fluffy ♡”

“Green eyes, too.”

“Yes, a cat wouldn’t be bad, either.”

“Meeeow♡”

“Nice and small.”

“They’re easier to take care of, too.”

“And fumble around with word sounds.”

“You’re describing Charlette!!”

“Whoa! Y-Yeah, I guess so …… That wasn’t on purpose ……”

It sounds like he wants to hold her hostage.

“Fwhee? Masta wants Cha to be a pwet?”

“No, no! I couldn’t keep you as a pet, Charlette! That’s–––.”

“Bwing me hwome?”

“Huh ……?”

“Masta, Cha, bwing hwome?”

“Th-That’s so ADORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABLE!”

It’s official, he is broken.

He picks up the golden-haired loli holding her arms out wide and declares for all to hear, “It’s settled! I’m taking you home with me!”

“M-Master! Our apartment doesn’t allow pets!”

“B-Buuuut! I wanna keep her! I’ll take care of her, I promise!”

“You know you can’t do that!”

“C’mon, please! I’ll teach her good manners, feed her, take her for walks …… And bathe her every day!”

“Bath twime!”

“He-he-he♡ This is going be so awesome, my very own pet Charlette♡ Let’s see, she’ll need pet food, her own bed …… And what else? Oh yeah, a collar so she can go on walks. Man, we’ve got so much to buy today.”

“Have you forgotten about me?! Master, you dara! Loli-King!”

“Would you cut it out with this lolicon thing?! It’s starting to hurt!!”

“Ungghh …… Sniffle …… I-It’s knowing that my own Master is a pervert who wants to keep a six-year-old girl tied up at home like a pet …… th-that huuurts ……!”

Ai collapses onto the department store floor in tears.

Meanwhile, I find the thought of him keeping a nine-year-old elementary school girl as a live-in apprentice to be questionable.

“I-I was just joking around …… You know, liven things up and make you guys laugh. Why are you crying like that ……?”

“I’m angry because it sounded like you were serious!”

“C-Come on everybody! Remember why we’re here?! To buy Big Sis a birthday present, that’s why! Now choose something!”

“…… You’re the one who forgot because you keep getting distracted by Charlette’s cuteness ……”

“What would be good? There are so many options, it’s hard to tell ……!”

Yaichi is trying his hardest to change the topic.

Sigh …… Perhaps it was a mistake to take him as my Master after all.

“Ah, I almost forgot ……”

There is an envelope stuffed into my pocket.

Akira gave it to me just before I left this morning.

“My lady. I have important business to attend to today and cannot accompany you, but … please open this envelope once you arrive in Umeda.”

Akira has been by my side as far back as I can remember and knows me better than anyone on earth. She also shares some lolicon tendencies with Yaichi. Therefore …… she might know exactly how to fix this situation!!

“……………”

Filled with a new ray of hope, I open the envelope and find–––.

“High-spec compact digital camera! Sends real-time video and audio to your smartphone via the Internet. Perfect for checking on your children and pets while you are away! On sale until 9/9.”

A clipping from a magazine and a Yodobashi Camera point card inside.

She wants me to buy this for her while I’m in Umeda?! She clearly wants it for all the wrong reasons! Probably will end up installing it in my room or someplace worse!!

I throw that useless ad and point card into the trash without a second thought and mention something I catch out of the corner of my eye on the way past.

“What about a parasol? She tends to use them a lot.”

“Ooh! One of those sun umbrellas! Big Sis does need them because she can’t take direct sunlight and having several won’t be a problem! Yes! That’s perfect!”

“That sign says they have them on a different floor.”

“Go find one she’ll like for me. Here’s some money to pay for it,” Yaichi says as he looks at the loli …… no, lobby to find another escalator.

“There’s something else I want to buy while I’m here.”

Ai looks up at him with suspicion.

“…… Is it a collar?”

“Heck, no!!”

Ai Hinatsuru sounds so pleased with herself as she leans over into the front seat of the taxi to say, “Master! We got a good present, didn’t we?!”

After spending the entire afternoon at the department store, all of us boarded a taxi at Umeda station to go to Noda, where Grand Master Kiyotaki lives, just as the sun starts setting.

Just to let you know, we chose a white parasol for Ginko Sora. She always seems to have a black one with her, so we decided to get one in a different color.

Yaichi looks back at us through the rearview mirror from his spot in the passenger seat and says, “You sure did. Big Sis is going to be thrilled. Nice job!”

“It’s been a long day and I’d like to go home now,” I quip at him.

“Ai, listen …… We’re on our way to the party right now, so you could at least try to be excited ……”

I’m exhausted, so no.

“Come on, there’s a delicious cake waiting for you!”

“A cake made by the old hag and four eyes? I have a hard time believing it will be edible, let alone delicious. I guarantee whatever they have at the convenience store over there would taste better.”

The golden-haired half-pint is sitting between Ai Hinatsuru and myself in the back seat with a satisfied smile glued to her face.

“Cha, Cha can’t wait fo cake!”

“Okay, you can have mine.”

“Cha lubs Ten-chan!”

“Hey?! Don’t touch me with your drool-covered hands!”

“C-Calm down, both of you! It’s too cramped for pushing and shoving!”

“Now, now. I’m glad you are getting along so well, but you’ll end up breaking Big Sis’s present.”

Just then, Yaichi’s phone dings.

“Oh! A message from Keika …… Huh? She’s asking me to stop by Twelve on the way home to pick up the food. And the cake isn’t turning out like it should, so send Ai Hinatsuru over a.s.a.p. …… Hm.”

“What did I just tell you? Their attempts to bake a cake failed.”

“I-It’s still too early to give up! I’ll figure something out …… You and Charlette can help, too!”

“Cha, Cha spwead whipped cweam!”

“In that case, I’ll put the strawberries on top.”

“Ten-chan, help out a bit more than that, please!”

“Try? These hands are for playing Shogi. I’ve never cooked anything in my life, so be grateful I’m offering to do the strawberries.”

Yaichi puts his phone back in his pocket and takes out his wallet instead.

“Excuse me, driver? Would you please stop by the Kansai Shogi Association building? I’ll be getting off there, but please take these girls to the address I gave you earlier. I’ll give them money before getting off, so please give the change to her …… Ai, give me the change when I get there, okay?”

“Okay, but what are you going to do, Master?”

“It sounds like there’s going to be a ton of food, so I’ll call another taxi.”

It takes all of five minutes to get to the Kansai Shogi Association from Umeda by taxi.

That brown building comes into view surprisingly quickly and Yaichi gets out.

“Master! I’ll make sure the cake is good, so don’t worry!”

“Masta, bwe bwe!”

Ai opens the window on her side and the half-pint joins her in seeing Yaichi off.

That’s where we parted ways with Yaichi.

So I wasn’t present during this next part.

However …… I can describe it all as if I were in the room with them.

Because I saw everything.

“…… Now then, I’ll pick up the food and get out of here.”

After watching the taxi drive off, Yaichi comes to a stop in front of the door to Twelve, a restaurant on the first floor of the association building. It is separate from the association’s main entrance.

There happens to be a sign posted on the door that says, “Dining Floor Reserved Today.”

“Oh? Someone reserved the whole restaurant? Oh well, I’m just here to pick up, so I’m sure it’s fine.”

As a regular customer, Yaichi casually walks in without a moment’s hesitation.

A cowbell over the door clangs as he steps into the dimly lit restaurant and tries to get the owner’s attention, but ……

“Hellooo? I’m here to pick up the order that …… Huh?”

Sitting there–––is the last person he expected to see.

“Yaichi?”

Ginko Sora.

The star of today’s party is at the counter all by herself.

Furthermore, she isn’t wearing her normal school uniform …… but a chic dress. Ngh! So, she can look cute ……

“Big Sis? What are you doing here?”

“I offered to help with cake, but Keika said she ‘couldn’t allow that’ and told me to go get the food. So, here I am ……”

“You were kicked off the cooking team?”

“Want your head on a pike?”

“S-Sorry ……”

Ginko Sora slaps the open seat next to her a few times like she’s demanding that he sit down.

“…… But I can’t complain. It’s hard to know where to be when your own birthday party is being set up ……”

“I can understand that.”

Sitting down but putting most of his weight on his elbows on the counter, Yaichi turns to the back of the restaurant and tries yelling for the owner again.

“There should be an order from Keika. Is it ready yet?”

He gets a mumbled response.

Then Yaichi answers back with all the energy of a flat cola.

“Huh? You need a little more time? Sure, I’ll wait ……”

Then, he turns back to Ginko Sora and whispers in her ear.

“…… Man of few words, isn’t he?”

“I don’t see the problem. We all understand each other.”

She responds while running her finger around the rim of her half-full water glass. I’d say she is prepared for an extremely long match.

Yaichi seems to have come to terms with reality and lifts his upper body off the counter to sit up straight. Then he changes the subject.

“I have to ask ………… What’s with that dress, Big Sis?”

“A present from Shakando-sensei.”

“Ah ……”

He nods, connecting the dots.

Women’s Legend Rina Shakando is the most decorated figure in Women’s Shogi.

She is also Yaichi’s good friend Ayumu Kannabe’s Master.

At the same time, she owns a fashion brand and manages two apparel shops in Harajuku. Perhaps that is the reason why Master and apprentice show up to their matches dressed as if they were taking part in a Takarazuka stage show. It must be an off-the-board tactic.

The dress Ginko Sora has on today is nowhere near as gawdy as Shakando-sensei’s brand. In fact, it’s quite simple …… but too nice to wear at the Shogi Association.

“Keika wouldn’t leave me alone until I put it on. Something about wearing it out of the box. Even Shakando-sensei has demanded pictures of me wearing the dress at the party ……”

“Well, she has hosted you for practice sessions many times. You could go along with it as a thank you to her?”

Yaichi forces a grin and then casually adds, “And ……………… yeah. It’s cute.”

“Perv.”

“Huh?!”

Twelve’s owner then steps out of the kitchen.

“Oh! Is it ready?”

Yaichi thought he had been saved from Ginko Sora’s wrath, but the owner didn’t bring the food. Instead, he has two glasses with him.

Two cocktail glasses, each filled with a sparkly liquid.

“Huh? Are these because it’s going to take even more time?”

“These …… cocktails don’t have alcohol in them, right?”

“I didn’t know you had anything this fancy ……”

Of course, neither of them ordered it nor does it exist on the menu.

Ginko Sora, bewildered, studies the glass placed in front of her.

“Since it’s already here …… Do you want to toast?”

“Oh, um, sure. Cheers ……”

They lift their glasses.

Then, a high-pitched clink. 

“I know I’m the only one here, but happy birthday Big Sis.”

“Thanks ……”

Yaichi takes a big gulp while Ginko Sora has a few small sips. What’s with this mood ……?

“Hey, not bad! I didn’t know the owner could make drinks like this, too.”

It just so happens that the owner appears once again just moments after Yaichi utters those words. This time, however, he’s carrying a tray.

“Soup this time ……?”

“This is turning into a full course meal ……”

“He got our order, right? It should be a few bags of take-out …… Oh well, I was starting to get hungry so might as well.”

“Yes …… Ah, here he comes again.”

Ginko Sora was expecting more food, but that wasn’t it.

The owner gives her a small box.

“Huh? For me? Th-Thank you ……” Marveling at the articulate wrapping, Ginko Sora manages to say, “Sir? What’s this box for? Excuse me, sir?”

However, the restaurant owner disappears into the back room without saying a word.

The two look at the box he left behind.

“What could it be ……?”

“…… Maybe he got you a birthday present?”

“How would the owner of Twelve know my birthday?”

“Keika might’ve told him when she ordered the food, yeah? It’s not like the two of you are strangers, so it wouldn’t be out of place if he wanted to give you something.”

“Well …… I have been a regular customer since I was four.”

“And you’re probably the only one who orders the Dynamite Set. Maybe …… this is his way of saying thank you?”

“Why would he?”

“You never know. Naniwa’s Snow White’s passionate fans might come here on a pilgrimage to order the Dynamite Set one day.”

“That will never happen, and you know it.”

“So what’s in the box? Open it up!”

“I will, but …… It’s surprisingly light.”

“Light? ………… Ah! W-Well it is your 15th birthday, so maybe he got you your first bra ……?!”

“Why would you even think that?!”

“Owch!”

Apparently, Ginko Sora landed a swift kick to his shin under the table. The dull thud all but confirms it.

My trashy Master never fails.

Those few words completely destroy the mood. Late game strength that defies logic. An ace on the board, to be sure.

“I’ve worn one for years, for your information! Ready to die?!”

“Huuuh?! B-But there isn’t much point to a bra with a chest like yours, is there? Oh, could it be like weighted training bands in anime? You know, when fighters take it off for a power up in the middle of a battle?”

“You idiot! How would taking off my bra in the middle of a Shogi match make me any stronger?!”

“Well, it’d distract your opponent for sure.”

“And cause such an uproar that the match would get called off right then and there! Stupid, perverted, sicko!”

“You didn’t have to go that far ……”

Personally, I would’ve gone further. Trash.

Ginko Sora scrunches up her lips and sharply whispers, “………… Mine aren’t as small as you seem to think ……”

“Big Sis? Did you say something? Your voice was just as nonexistent as your boobs so I couldn’t hear anything.”

“That does it. You’re dead!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I got caught up in the moment, and I’m sorry, sorry, sorry!!”

Yaichi grinds his forehead into the counter.

Ginko Sora sighs with frustration, rips the wrapping paper off the box and looks inside.

“My word. Why do I have to put up with this on my birthday ……? Huh?”

“What’s wrong?”

“The box …… It’s empty ……”

She says, unsure. Yaichi leans over to have a look for himself. Hey …… Don’t you two know about personal space? N-Not that I care either way ……

“Maybe he forgot to put it in?”

“Oh, there’s a piece of paper ……”

“Like a message card? Then what was the box for ……?”

“There’s something written on it.”

“Show me, too, Big Sis. What’s it say ……?”

Yaichi peeks into Ginko Sora’s hand.

Then the two read the card aloud.

“Ginko, happy birthday! This year, I’m giving you exactly what you would enjoy the most. Have fun! Keika”

The two crane their necks, bewildered.

“…… What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Keika wrote it, right? That means that Keika is the one who wrapped the box.”

“But, for what?”

“Something you would enjoy ……?”

“It’s the have fun part I don’t understand …… How can I have fun with an empty box?”

“Good question. Maybe she’s saying to enjoy the air?”

Ginko Sora’s expression changes the moment Yaichi thinks that out loud.

“………… The air?”

“Is it a brainteaser? Now that I think about it, things aren’t adding up about this restaurant, either. Somebody reserved the dining floor, but no one’s showed up yet.”

“………… Reserved?”

“Then there’s the food. We ordered a whole bunch of take-out, but get soup and cocktails instead? It’s like someone set it up so that the two of us could celebrate your birthday and have the restaurant to ourselves, don’t you think?”

Crackle!

Ginko Sora’s milky white face turns bright red as if catching fire from within. Then she utters a series of curses aimed at Keika Kiyotaki under her breath.

”…… K-Keika, how can I have fun …… when you spring this on me out of the blue ……?!”

Well, the sequence of events seems clear now.

That old hag orchestrated every single thing that happened thus far.

Splitting up the Grade Schooler Practice Group ensured that we never questioned Ginko Sora’s location. Sending Ai Hinatsuru and myself to accompany our Master’s shopping trip was so we would put down our guard.

“Yay! Shopping with Master♡”

Ah, that look of pure rage on Ai’s face when she learned the truth.

Infuriating! We played right into her hands!

But the most infuriating aspect of all of this …… is that my piece of trash Master is so inept that he hasn’t realized what happened despite saying it all out loud! How is that possible?!

“………… Why should I care?”

“C’mon, Big Sis! Drop the high and mighty act and tell me what’s going on!”

“Drop dead, Trash! You soiled piece of brain-dead lolicon trash!”

“Hey, calling me trash twice was uncalled for!!”

“…… Idiot.”

“You don’t have to be so harsh just because I don’t know the answer ……”

“…… That’s not what I’m talking about, idiot ……”

Yaichi didn’t hear the words Ginko Sora muttered under her breath, per usual. At this point, he has to be doing this on purpose, right?

“Yeesh …… Everybody’s gotten mad at me today. First my apprentices, and now even my older sister apprentice.”

“All your fault, no doubt.”

“What am I doing wrong?”

“Your face. Your attitude. Being you.”

“So mean ……,” Yaichi groans.

Ginko Sora isn’t letting up.

“Why is it you get so hung up on the other girls going way back, but always spurn me?”

“I think you got that backwards. You’re the one who’s rough on me.”

“…… Who’s the one who said you can be my bride to that small fry?”

“Charlette? Look, I only said that to distract her because she wanted to be my apprentice–––.”

“Then what was up with give me your daughter and join my family when you were talking to your actual apprentices? That’s what people say to pop the question!”

“I didn’t mean it like that ……”

“But you proposed to Keika. I’ll marry you once I’m a professional Shogi player, Keika! Don’t tell me you forgot?”

“I-I was six years old when I said that! What first grader hasn’t said they’ll marry someone?”

Indeed, Yaichi has a point about that. I distinctly remember telling grandfather I would marry him around the time I was in kindergarten.

Ginko Sora, however, is not satisfied. In fact, her mood seems to be worsening.

“You never said that to me, not once.”

“You were like the perfect big sister to me back when I was a kid, so–––.”

“You’ve never called me a big sister in that sense, either.”

“Well, you’re my older sister apprentice, but I’m older than you are.”

“I’m still the older sister.”

“Big Sis …… You want to be my bride?”

“I’ll find a way to kill you twice.”

“What? Why?! That’s the direction the conversation was going, wasn’t it?!”

“Hardly. Are you that stupid? Why don’t you do us both a favor and hit your head on the corner of that table and die right now?”

Yaichi asks the obvious question in the face of Ginko Sora’s verbal lashing, “Then why do you care who I ask to marry me?”

“I want the chance to say no when you ask me to be your bride.”

“Why ……?”

“Because it would feel amazing, that’s why.”

“That’s not cute at all, Big Sis.”

“I’m not cute in your eyes anyway. The only girl who would fit your description of cute would have to be under ten years old with a set of the double D’s. Sorry to disappoint you.”

“What do you take me for?! That figment of your imagination couldn’t possibly exist!”

“…… says the boy who only likes big boobs and little girls.”

“Sure, I like them, but …… Hey, wait! I don’t have a thing for little girls!”

It’s rare that counterarguments are so unconvincing.

“Look, mixing things together doesn’t always turn out for the best! Aliens from the planet Loli and aliens from the planet Knockers are totally different! Mixing them together is too dangerous!”

“Whatever the case, I’m not cute, am I?!”

“Um, Big Sis? You’re missing the point. I didn’t tell Keika or Charlette that I would make them my bride because of big boobs or because of being a lolicon, which I’m not. Besides …… I think you’re more than cute enough as you are, Big Sis. Just my opinion, though ……”

“Okay, you are now required to propose to me the next time I beat you in Shogi.”

“How did you reach that conclusion ……?”

Exactly! Why did it come to that?

However, Ginko Sora excitedly presses past this question to say, “So, let’s play Shogi.”

“Say what? Here, now?”

“7 Six Pawn.”

“Hey! You’re on offense?!”

“It’s my birthday. So of course you should give me a handicap present.”

“Alright, okay, fine ………… Then 3 Four Pawn.”

Yaichi plays the second move. It’s a safe, completely orthodox choice.

However, it turns out that opening the Bishop Path was a critical error.

“Oh and by the way, you’re giving me a two-piece handicap.”

“Whaaaat?! Wh-Why do I have to play with both hands tied behind my back?! Besides, the one giving up pieces in a handicapped match is supposed to go first!!”

“You said you’d give me a present. Now, 1 One Bishop Promote.”

“…… I lose.”

“Giving up already?” says Ginko Sora with forced surprise. Shameless ……

“Two pieces down to start with, losing my Lance for free and a Promoted Bishop in my territory? Anyone in their right mind would throw in the towel! I wouldn’t stand a chance against you playing with a two-piece handicap anyway?!”

“Surrendering after just three moves …… You must be dying to have me as your wife, Yaichi.”

“No, listen to me–––.”

“Don’t you think you’re being a little desperate?”

“I didn’t have a fair chance at the start–––”

“Surrendering to Ginko’s charms! Is that it?”

“…… Aren’t you embarrassed, saying that out loud ……?”

“Are you asking for a pike through your head?”

“Sorry, sorry, I got caught up in the moment! I’m really sorry!”

Yaichi’s forehead is back on the counter.

Meanwhile, Ginko Sora pokes the back of his head with her finger and says as if thoroughly enjoying herself, “Isn’t there something else you’re supposed to say right now?”

“Whaaa- ………… Do I have to?”

“Now, now. Hurry up!”

She grabs Yaichi’s arm and swings it back and forth the way a little girl would ask her friends to come out and play.

Yaichi has to muster the courage to utter words that take more resolve than “I lost.”

“…………… Please be my bride.”

“He-he-hee♡ I’d rather die♡”

…… Well, that was sweet.

So sweet, I think I’m going to be sick!

The cowbell clangs again as Yaichi and Ginko Sora leave the restaurant together.

“The food was great!”

Now it’s completely dark outside.

Ginko Sora rubs her bare arms as the night chill sets in.

“…… We ended up staying for dessert.”

“I know Keika set this up, but I feel bad for making everyone else wait. We need to get this food to Master’s place fast …… I think getting a taxi would be easiest.”

“I’ll flag one down. Make sure the bags don’t tilt while you wait, Yaichi.”

“Will do.”

Yaichi stands perfectly still with a burgeoning bag of food in each hand. Ginko Sora walks up to the street and raises her hand to get the attention of a passing taxi.

Whether it’s the surprisingly heavy traffic or that Ginko Sora needs to work on her hailing technique, none of the passing taxis pull off to the side of the road.

“No one is stopping ……”

That’s when.

“Um, Big Sis?”

“Yeees?”

“This is kind of embarrassing to say, so please keep your eyes on the road.”

“Okay ……?”

Ginko Sora had started turning to face him but looks back the other way and tenses up as if she’s turned to stone. 

Yaichi continues, “You see …… I took the Ais shopping today to find your birthday present. Something really shocking hit me while we were there. The two of us lived in the same room for 10 whole years, but when it comes to things you like other than Shogi …… I have no idea ……”

“…………”

“But I don’t find that sad or anything …… It just means that that’s how hard the two of us were focused on Shogi. I would’ve never turned pro if I was on my own, and certainly wouldn’t have a title …… I think it’s because you were there, because my older sister apprentice is Ginko Sora that I’ve come this far.”

Their hearts are beating so loudly that I can almost hear them all the way over here.

Streetlights reflect off Ginko Sora’s watery eyes, making them light up like the sea at night.

“So …… What I’m trying to say is, thank you for being born …… Ha-ha, sorry. That sounded weird, didn’t it? I’m not used to this sort of thing. I guess what I should be saying is–––.”

Then, Yaichi says it.

Calmly and smoothly after a short pause.

“Happy birthday Ginko.”

In that one fleeting moment …… a single thought crosses my mind.

How nice it would be for someone to celebrate me like this on my birthday. Just for that moment, though.

“Yaichi ……”

Standing perfectly still, she calls her younger brother apprentice’s name. Just that.

“Oh yeah! Actually, I have a present for you, too.”

“Huh?”

“Remember when I said that my apprentices and I went shopping to get a present today? Well, I found something else that I thought would look great on you and bought it.”

Ohhhh? So that’s what he was up to?

Probably when Ai and I were at the register. Hmph. Sigh ……

“You chose something for me?”

“Here. I don’t know if you’ll like it or not.”

Yaichi pulls a small parcel out of his pocket and holds it out to Ginko Sora.

It’s wrapped in very cute paper. There are enough manga characters printed on it to bring a smile to any little girl’s face.

“Th- ……… Thank you ……”

“It’s nothing major. Cheap, too.”

Yaichi grimaces.

Even so, Ginko Sora holds this tiny, cheap bundle in her arms like the greatest treasure in the world and does her best to speak.

“That doesn’t matter ………… Thank you. Thank you so, so much ……”

“I-I’m glad to know you’re happy. It makes buying it feel worthwhile ……”

“…… May I open it?”

“Of course.”

Crinkling and rustling ensue as Ginko Sora removes the wrapping paper.

Suddenly shy, Yaichi stares at his feet and mumbles a bunch of words.

“I just knew it would be perfect for you when I saw it. The one you have now, it’s pretty old, right? So I thought a new one would–––.”

“……………… Yaichi.”

“So I bought it for you. I don’t know if you’ll like it as much as the old one, and of course you can still wear the old one if you want, but I know you will look great with it on–––.”

“Yaichi.”

“Hm? Something wrong?”

“You’re saying I would look good in this?”

“Yeah, it’s a hairpin like ………… DAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH?!”

The item clenched in Ginko Sora’s trembling hand.

It’s–––a small pair of panties.

“You’re saying that this pair of Pretty Cure panties would look great on me ……? That my childish body needs equally childish panties to match ……? Is that what you’re saying ……?”

“Panties?! WHY?!”

“That’s what I want to know! Are you trying to make me mad?!”

“N-NO! Definitely not! There’s been a mistake! Your present must’ve been in the other pocket …… Y-Yes, here it is!”

“Before that, may I ask you a question? Why did you have little girl panties in your pocket in the first place?”

“W-Well, you see ………… They were a present for Charlette ……”

“You bought underwear for that little tot?! Are you insane?!”

“B- …… But, she said she wanted them, so I got a present for her while I was getting yours–––.”

“WHILE?! YOU BOUGHT PANITES FOR A LITTLE GIRL WHILE SHOPPING FOR MY BIRTHDAY PRESENT?!”

“That’s not what–––.”

Yaichi shrinks back in fear of the look in Ginko Sora’s eyes.

And who should arrive on the scene but–––.

“Ah–––! There you are–––!!”

“A-Ai?! What are you doing here?!”

“Keika did this, all of it! She made it so you and Auntie were alone!”

“Huuuh?! Wh-Why would she do that ……?”

“How should I know?! Master, you dumb darabuchi!!”

Brand-new combinations come out one after another. It seems anger can be a good source of creativity.

I arrive on the scene a few moments after Ai and hold up my smartphone for them to see.

“Technology has become so convenient. So long as you have a few cheap digital cameras from the Yodobashi electronics store in Umeda, you can see exactly what’s happening someplace else in real time through your phone.”

Ginko Sora and Yaichi gasp simultaneously. “C-C-C- …… Cameras?!”

Then their faces turn beet red. What kind of reaction is that? Now my blood is starting to boil ……

Now then, it’s time to pull back the curtain.

How could I, who had been waiting at the Kiyotaki household all this time, talk about the goings on at Twelve as if I saw the conversation between Ginko Sora and Yaichi?

Perhaps you’ve already figured it out?

Well, the truth is I did see it.

Keika asked Twelve’s owner for permission to install a few cameras inside and outside the restaurant just for today. The same cameras that were on sale, actually.

So we all watched them from the house.

As their back-and-forth was heating up, I discovered that four eyes, that chatterbox, has a surprising taste for romantic stories.

“Ummm! Is it really okay for me to watch? Really?”

“Th-This is a violation of their privacy! …… But it’s also an invaluable chance for me to learn from, so just a little …… This is a learning opportunity …… For future reference ……”

And whatever nonsense Ayano was telling herself, but the girl never took her eyes off the screen. Then there was Keika Kiyotaki with a bottle of wine.

“Go! Go! You’ve got ’im! Go get ’im!!”

So much yelling.

Of course, Ai Hinatsuru gave her the scolding of her life when she found out.

In fact, she was so furious that she threatened to bake Keika Kiyotaki into the cake instead of the other ingredients. That’s when I pointed at the screen and asked her.

“Are you sure you want to let this continue?”

It goes without saying that her answer was no. Ai jumped on a train for Fukushima Station like a woman possessed, so I followed her to make sure a member of our Shogi family wouldn’t be investigated for murder.

“So, so …… You saw everything ……?”

“We did. From the romantic mood that you and Ginko Sora created to you accidentally giving her a tiny pair of girls’ underwear that you bought behind our backs.”

“You sent us off so that you could secretly buy something from you, and then go have a fancy meal with Auntie, just the two of you?! What? Did you want to say I got this for you that badly?! If that’s what you were thinking, I’ve got no problem putting you in the cake along with Keika!!”

She’s still very hot under the collar ……

I, on the other hand, have cooled off quite a bit. This is a public place, so it would be best not to make a scene.

Not to mention that our Shogi family line has already caused enough incidents around the Kansai Shogi Association building. Grand Master Kiyotaki relieving himself out the window, for instance.

“Calm down, would you? The cake was better than expected, and we had a nice time. We are the ones who spied on them, after all, so biting off their heads won’t–––.”

“You were fidgeting the whole time, Ten-chan!”

“Huuh?! I was not fidgeting! J-Just irritated that the food was taking so long to arrive!!”

Why did I get restless anyway?!

Ginko Sora comes up to Ai and myself during our argument with the underwear still clenched in her fist.

“Pipsqueak. Where’s Keika?”

“Someplace where she’ll have a long time to reflect on what she did, so she’ll never think about doing this it again.”

“I approve.”

Naniwa’s Snow White nods with satisfaction.

“Yaichi.”

“Y-Yes ……?”

“Put the food down and kneel right here.”

“Huh? But it’s concrete ……”

“Kneel.”

“Okay.”

Yaichi does as he’s told, placing the bags out of the main walkway before coming back and taking a knee in front of Ginko Sora. The Dragon King Ryuo is on his knees before the association.

He’s conducting himself with the same bold confidence he has when he enters an arena, but it’s just sad out here.

“Put these panties on your head.”

“I’d rather not.”

“Put them on your head or die. Which is it?”

“I’ll put them on.”

“You mean it will be an honor, right Trash? Oh, and end every sentence with the word loli until I say stop.”

“It would be an honor, loli.”

The person who holds Shogi’s most prestigious title is on his knees with girly panties on his head. It’s a sight that would surely force him to abdicate if a journalist working for the newspaper that sponsors that league were to set eyes on him.

“Pipsqueaks. Both of you, get over here. I’m sure you have many things to say to your Master? Go ahead, I’ll let you vent for as long as you want …… We have plenty of food and time.”

Ginko Sora waves us over. 

Yaichi meekly asks, “Um …… Before that, may I ask something?”

“That being?”

“Wh-What’s …… about to happen ………… loli?”

“Curious?”

“Y- …… Yes ……”

“We’re going to have a party. Except, rather than being grateful that I was born, you’re going to regret it ……”

And so–––.

Yaichi was presented to a now 15-year-old Ginko Sora (with Ai) for a one-rank higher punishment.

You would have never seen the sunrise if I hadn’t stepped in, so be grateful, Sensei.

*This story is a novelized version of the Drama CD included with the special release version of The Ryuo’s Work Is Never Done! Book 6.