In the early afternoon, birdsong rings outside the castle of
Kuyou of the Land of the Calendar.
In one of the open rooms looking out over the veranda to a
lush, green garden, three princes sit across from each other.
Kanoe: “So you had an interest in Droplet Lineup Synny? As a
prince of this country, I can’t tell you how happy that makes me.”
Synny: “Well, I know a lot of different board games, but I
thought Droplet Lineup sounded pretty interesting.”
At this time, Synny had come to the Land of the Calendar on
an inspection while being interested in the board game known as Droplet Lineup,
which originated in Kuyou.
As the two of them talked, Kanoto pulled out the containers
of colored stones.
Kanoto: “This is the set I always use… do you want to play?”
Synny nodded, to which Kanoe set out the pieces in dishes
and explained the rules of the game.
Kanoe: “So the side that plays five of the same color first
wins, so it’s advantageous to control the corners here. Now we’ll start with a
match between the two of you. Let’s begin!”
And with that, the battle between the confident Synny and
the gently smiling Kanoto began.
…
……
Synny: “I lost again!? I can’t believe this…!”
Kanoe: “Well, Kanoto has been playing this game since he was
little.”
Kanoto: “Yeah, I love Droplet Lineup.”
As Synny shot Kanoto a glare, Kanoto simply gave a heartfelt
smile of enjoyment.
Synny: “Hmm, you sure look composed. Again! This time I’m
sure to win.”
Kanoto: “Alright, let’s go. I really like playing with you.”
Synny: “Wha!? That’s just because you keep winning!”
Kanoe: “I think you’re doing pretty good for a beginner… but
you sure hate to lose Synny.”
As Synny puffed out his cheeks indignantly and leaned
forward, Kanoe stepped in to mediate between the two even as he gave a wry
laugh.
Kanoto: “Losing is fun too. But… it’s more interesting… to
watch your expressions change.”
Synny: “D-don’t grin at me like that! Are you making fun of
me…?”
Kanoe: “Haha, looks like you’re happy you got a kid brother,
right Kanoto?”
Kanoto: “Yeah. I always played by myself. That’s why I’m
happy.”
Seeing Kanoto’s expression so full of unrepressed joy, Synny
frowned in something like sympathy.
Synny: “…fine. But I don’t give my consent to have you look
down on me as a younger brother. I-instead, what about… Droplet Lineup
Friends…?”
Synny muttered his response, not meeting Kanoto’s eyes as he
became embarrassed.
Kanoto: “Friends…? You want to be friends with me? Thanks.”
Kanoe: “I’d be relieved if the two of you could get along.
Hey, why don’t you come back once in a while and play with Kanoto?”
Synny: “…well I guess I’ll come if you beg me like that. But
more importantly, I want a rematch!”
Synny’s voice echoed across the tranquil garden.
That day, neither the joyous laughs of the princes nor the
sound of stones being placed on a board showed any signs of stopping.
END