By the lakeshore, I enjoyed a variety of fireworks with Kuro and the others, all of us dressed in yukatas.
I wasn't sure who had provided them, but they were Handheld Fireworks just like the ones I had seen in my original world. It was a comprehensive collection, including Senkou Hanabi, Rocket Fireworks, Pinwheel Fireworks... and even some Launched Fireworks that had a charmingly cheap quality to them.
"I’m lighting it!"
Kuro set fire to a Launched Firework she had placed a short distance away. A moment later, a small but beautiful blossom of light rose into the night sky.
...Can you believe it? We were still "indoors." Just how absurdly vast was this place?
"Isis-san, are you doing a Senkou Hanabi?"
"……Yes…… I…… like these."
Crouched down with the Senkou Hanabi in her hand, the smiling Isis-san was a picture of poise, evoking a quiet sense of elegance.
"K-Kuro-san!? That's the type that flies—whoa!?"
"Ah, sorry! Are you okay?"
"Now you've done it, Kuro-san... Take this! Firework Toss!"
"Yoink!"
"Wait, what—!? Don't hit it back—higyahhh!?"
"S-Sorry..."
Kuro was the organizer and the one enjoying herself the most, but she apparently only had a superficial understanding of how to handle fireworks. She would light a Rocket Firework while holding it in her hand, forcing Alice to scramble to dodge it as it whistled toward her. Unlike the serene scene with Isis-san, things were quite lively over here.
As I ate what looked like a watermelon provided by Ein-san, I watched the chaotic yet joyful scene and found a smile naturally spreading across my face.
The fun with the fireworks ended all too quickly, and we eventually retired to an oversized bedroom. However, it was still a bit too early for sleep. Just as I was wondering what we would do next, Kuro, Isis-san, and Alice began to quietly glare at one another.
"……Are you both ready?"
"……Yes, whenever you are."
"……Bring it…… on…… I will…… win."
Sparks practically flew between the three of them as they locked eyes, the air thick with a sudden, heavy tension.
Wait, what was this? Why had the atmosphere become so volatile? Everyone had been having such a good time just a moment ago. This was bad—I had to stop them before things escalated.
"The game is 'Old Maid'! The one loser 'Can't Sleep Next to Kaito-kun' tonight…… Agreed!?"
"……Yes…… a match."
"Indeed, I shall be the victor... Wait, huh? Kaito-san, why are you collapsing? It’s too early for bed."
...No, I had just keeled over from the anticlimax. What were these people doing? All that "impending duel" atmosphere just for a game of Old Maid?
Moreover, had it already been decided that I would be sleeping in the middle with two people on either side?
"Alright, Ein! Deal the cards!"
"Understood."
While I stood there in a daze, the three of them were completely serious. They took the cards dealt by Ein-san with solemn, focused expressions.
Wait, hold on. Cards were being dealt to me, too. Was I participating?
As I took my cards in bewilderment, Alice glanced my way and flashed a fearless smirk.
"……Hehehe, Kaito-san. Let me tell you something. No matter how good your luck may be, you won't win this match. In fact, because it’s you, Kaito-san…… you can’t win."
"W-What do you mean by that...?"
"Then, let’s start!"
"Hey... Kuro..."
I tried to ask what she meant about me being unable to win, but Kuro declared the start before I could get a word out.
For the record, the turn order was Kuro, Alice, Isis-san, and then me. Well, since I was playing, I decided I might as well take it seriously. With that thought, I began the game, and I immediately understood the meaning behind Alice's warning.
When Isis-san drew a card from Alice, her disappointment was so transparent it was almost painful to watch. She had definitely drawn the Joker. She was just too easy to read.
Then it became my turn. When I reached for a card from Isis-san’s hand, her face suddenly brightened. When I shifted my hand toward a different card, her expression instantly crumbled as if she were about to burst into tears.
...Isis-san. You were far too honest. Or rather, you were terrible at Old Maid. I knew exactly where the Joker was.
But, uh, this was... I see. Alice was right. It was impossible. I couldn't win. After all, if I drew any card other than the Joker, Isis-san looked like her world was ending. I didn't have the heartlessness required to grasp a victory at the cost of her tears.
Feeling like I had already lost to the smirking Alice, I drew the card that made Isis-san’s face light up.
...Wait, what? It wasn't the Joker? Why? Her reaction had been so clear.
The card I drew wasn't the Joker; in fact, it formed a pair with one in my hand. Thanks to that, I only had two cards left. Since Kuro would draw from me next, I was essentially one step away from winning.
As I tilted my head in confusion, Alice also looked surprised, as if she had also assumed I would draw the Joker. Had I misread her expression? Alright, let’s try this again.
When my turn came around once more, I carefully watched Isis-san’s face. I drew the card that made her break into a radiant smile—and just like that, the cards vanished from my hand. I had finished first. But how?
Puzzled by the result, I looked over at Isis-san. She had placed her remaining cards on the table and was giving me a small, gentle round of applause.
"……Kaito is the best…… amazing."
"……"
I finally realized. Because Isis-san wanted me to be number one, she looked sad whenever I was about to draw the Joker from her hand instead of a safe card. She was intentionally coaching me to win.
Is she an angel? No, she’s definitely an angel. And an incredibly cute one at that.
"……So that’s how it is, huh? Man, I didn’t see that play coming."
It seemed even Alice hadn't expected Isis-san to sabotage her own game to ensure my victory, and she wore a wry, defeated smile.
In the game that followed, Isis-san showed a sudden, relentless surge. Despite how easy it was to read her, she began matching pairs one after another until she had only two cards left: an Ace and the Joker. It was her turn to draw, and if she picked the matching Ace, she would win.
"Ah, Isis-san. Not that one; the card on the right is the one you want."
"……Yes…… I understand."
"Wait a minute! Kaito-san, stop giving her instructions! Every card she’s drawn lately has been a pair! Your luck is a total cheat, you know!?"
...Forgive me, Alice. I simply wanted to protect that angelic smile.
Dear Mother, Father—People often say that the Six Kings get along well, and I truly think that’s the case. Everyone seemed to be having such a lively, wonderful time that I couldn't help but feel happy just watching them. But that aside—I truly think Isis-san is an angel.
LIVE
???: "Yes! This is ???-chan, reporting live from the front of the hospital where Serious-senpai is currently staying. Serious-senpai is undergoing treatment, and there are reportedly only two chapters left, including this one, until her discharge. Though she suffered an unexpected misfortune, her recovery has been smooth. She was recently seen smiling and saying, 'It’s not sweet, it’s not sweet at all... I never knew hospital food could be this delicious.' However, afterward, due to the 'Author's' intervention, Serious-senpai's meals were changed to be Super Sweet. Reports say she 'cried' with joy upon receiving them. My, she really is beloved by the heavens, isn't she? I hope she recovers soon! This has been ???-chan, reporting from the hospital!"