The Foundation of Human Relationships Is the Art of Neglect

Emotions are difficult to sustain over long periods of time.

Even if you lose something precious, that grief won’t remain unchanged a decade down the line. Feelings eventually erode and fade away.

The same applies to positive emotions; happiness and joy don’t last for ten years, either. Even if the emotion in question is pure, unadulterated rage, it inevitably thins out as the clock ticks forward.

Basically, what I’m saying is this:

I’ve developed a theory that most interpersonal conflicts are eventually solved by the passage of time. Therefore, the best approach is simply benign neglect.

"Do you have any idea what was going through my head while I was waiting for you in front of the dormitory?"

"Not a clue."

I gave an honest answer to my sister Claire’s question as she barged into my room.

I guess one day wasn't enough for her to cool off.

Apparently, she needed a slightly longer "cooling-off" period than I’d anticipated.

"I was beating you to a pulp inside my mind. Over and over and over again. And with every second that passed, my fury only doubled."

"I see."

I have learned today that there is such a thing as anger that increases over time. However, everyone dies eventually. No matter how furious Claire gets, she can’t take those feelings to the grave. Therefore, in the end, time solves everything.

"You’re thinking that none of this matters, aren't you?"

"No, not at all."

I stared up at the dormitory ceiling while Claire, who had successfully taken the mount position, proceeded to strangle me. Her red eyes and black hair flickered at the edge of my vision as she shook me.

"Shall we test how long a human can go without breathing?"

"Actually, when you squeeze someone’s neck, the blood flow to the carotid artery is severed, which causes them to pass out. Breathing doesn't really have anything to do with it."

"Oh, is that so? Either way is fine by me."

The pressure on my throat increased. Squeeze, squeeze.

Fine. I’ll just let her choke me out and get some sleep.

"You're thinking about letting me knock you out so you can sleep, aren't you?"

"N-No... not at all."

"I can see it written all over your face."

"It's just your imagination."

"If you break your promise again, I will never forgive you. Are we clear?"

"I’ll... I'll do my best to be a man who keeps his word. So, could you maybe move?"

Claire finally released her grip on my throat, though she remained firmly seated on top of me.

"I heard that when dogs want to establish a hierarchy, they climb on top of the other one."

"I see. Well, you can relax. I’ve already got the message."

"No, you haven't. I still don't like your attitude."

With that, Claire dropped a slip of paper onto my face.

"What’s this...?"

I picked it up and realized it was a ticket.

"It’s for a Bushin Festival Special Seat. You can't normally get your hands on those."

"Huh, neat."

"I’m giving it to you so you can watch the matches and actually learn something. I happen to think you have potential, you know."

"Do you now?"

"It’s because you have potential that I put up with training you. If you actually apply yourself, you could get somewhere. In fact, you better get there."

"Mmm, impossible."

"It is not impossible. Got it? You absolutely, positively have to come and watch."

"I get it, I get it."

"Very well."

Looking thoroughly displeased, Claire finally climbed off me.

"Come to think of it, you aren't competing this year, are you?"

"Excuse me?"

Claire turned back to me, an absolutely terrifying glint in her eyes.

"I was chosen as an Academy Representative to fill the spot left by Princess Rose. You aren't seriously telling me you didn't know I was competing, are you?"

"O-Of course I knew. I was just... double-checking—guhih!"

Claire’s right hand shot out, grabbing my throat and squeezing tight. She pulled her face in close, glaring at me from point-blank range. It was the classic "delinquent intimidation" pose.

"By the way, do you remember my birthday?"

"O-Of course."

"Naturally. Then, have you memorized my entire tournament record?"

"O-Of course I have."

"And the date of my first championship victory?"

"I-I remember."

"Very well. There are some things in this world that one must never forget. If you want to live a long life... make sure you don't forget them."

I nodded repeatedly.

Claire patted my cheeks a few times before finally letting go.

"I’m going to win the whole thing this year, so you'd better be watching."

"Yes, ma'am."

She kept glaring at me until the very second she stepped out of the room.

"Man, I'm exhausted."

The Main Tournament finally starts tomorrow.

"Maybe I should do some Image Training."

I closed my eyes and drifted off.