Chapter 2

(Princess? Did he just say princess?)

It appears my Princess has taken quite a liking to the full-moon cookies inside her sparrow-shaped treats recently.

The smile on her face as she stuffed her cheeks was, indeed, far too precious for this world. It was so unbearably adorable—enough to make one's heart ache.

(Heh~ Muneuji…)

‎(So you’re the type to call your girl a 'princess', huh?)

Sounds like you're really into that princess of yours.

... Certainly. Meeting my Princess taught me that there truly is someone in this world who can be the "apple of one's eye."

‎‎How doting~ She must be happy to have someone like you so head over heels for her.

(Head over heels...? Is he pertaining to how I cherish her?)

I sincerely hope that is the case. For the sake of my Princess' happiness, there is nothing I would not do.

Right. For instance…

Even if my allowance for this month were to run dry, I shall return with these sweets for my Princess—without fail. For the smile upon her face is worth far more than anything

(Sheesh~ So you’re the type to go crazy for a girl? How surprising–)

Just try not to go broke. Oh, and also…

I think it'd be a good idea to drop the prize to the lower tier. Maybe the trick to beating the game isn't the timing, but the "drop-off spot”?¹

The drop-off spot…

(I see. There is no single path to victory. Come to think of it, even Master Kinouchi said the same about crane games.)

You have my gratitude for your advice, Murakumo-san.

Murakumo-san! May I have a moment?

Hm? What’s up?

The assistance you provided at the arcade the other day was of great help.

Your advice provided me with the edge in battle... I was able to secure victory. You have my deepest gratitude.

Nah, you're exaggerating. I didn't really do much, y'know?

Here. This is a token of appreciation entrusted to me by my Princess. Please accept it.

... “A thank-you letter?”

“Ten-kun, thank yu for helping my big brother. The sweets were yumy.”

This is…

Her handwriting is quite lovely, don't you think? Just looking at it soothes my heart. Not only that, her penmanship has gotten even better than before.

Our Princess—my little sister, she's such a hard worker for how young she is.

Ah—I see. So “princess” was your little sister all along.

Hm? Did I not mention it?

Yeah, this is the first I'm hearing about it. I thought you were talking about your girlfriend.

… I see. So that's what you meant when you said I was “head over heels”.

That explains it. I thought it was rather strange to say that about a family member.

I may not have one now… But should I find a partner, I will also cherish them just as much as I cherish my Princess.

*whistles*~ What a kind older brother~

My Princess often tells me the same. However, from here on, I intend to keep striving without ever becoming complacent about such an assessment.

After all, I am her only brother. I must strive to become a man worthy of that role.