The fifth day of the Six Kings Festival, organized by Alice, had been spectacular. Every attraction exceeded my expectations, and I found myself swept up in a childlike sense of wonder, eagerly anticipating the next surprise.
However, things didn't stay perfect forever—not that I really expected them to.
"…Kaito-san, well… honestly, I’m sorry."
"No, I… I was completely defeated."
"I mean, I think you have a decent amount of gaming sense in general, Kaito-san… so why do you turn into such a total disaster the moment we touch a board game?"
"I’d like to know that myself."
That was the long and short of it. We had ended up playing something akin to a strategy-type board game at one of the attractions, and the result was a miserable loss for me.
To be fair, the game was incredibly well-made. The pieces moved via thought, and the board itself was packed with interactive gimmicks. It was simple yet perfectly balanced, offering the same tactical depth as a simulation RPG. Even so, despite our starting forces being identical in strength, my army had been utterly annihilated.
"I see, so even this type of game is off-limits for you…" Alice sighed.
"I know I’m not the best, but am I really that bad?"
"You’re so bad I’m starting to think you’re throwing the matches on purpose."
"Gah!?"
That stung. At this point, I was beginning to suspect my incompetence at board games was some sort of actual curse. Why couldn't I win?
"W-well, it’s almost lunchtime anyway," Alice said, clumsily pivoting away from the topic. "Let’s grab a bite! After that, we’ll stick to things that aren't board games."
"Yeah, okay."
It seemed my lack of skill was so profound that even Alice couldn't find a way to sugarcoat it. I followed her toward the area lined with restaurants without any further protest.
I still had my Black Rank invitation, but I didn't feel right using it for everything, so I planned to pay normally. Just as that thought crossed my mind, something occurred to me.
"By the way, Alice. We weren't asked for money at any of the attractions we visited this morning."
"Ah, well, you have a Black Rank invitation, Kaito-san. But even if you didn't, just being with me gives you a 'face pass.' I already briefed my subordinates who are managing the sites."
"I see."
"Other participants have to pay entrance fees and attraction fees, of course, but I didn't make them very expensive. This is partly a test of new technology, so I wanted to make it accessible to as many people as possible."
I felt a sudden pang of shame for the cynical assumptions I’d made earlier. Every attraction Alice had designed was truly wonderful, and they were clearly bringing joy to the crowds.
"…I’ve really gained a new respect for you, Alice. I’m sorry I misunderstood and thought you were just running some extreme profit-making scheme. My mistake."
"…Ah, n-no… well, you know. That’s right! Of course, I just wanted to see everyone smile. I love seeing people happy, after all…"
Something felt off. Come to think of it, the usual Alice was the type who shouldn't care less about the general rabble. Yet, in response to my praise, she was acting awkward and giving vague answers. Wait. Could it be?
"Alice. Can I ask you one thing?"
"W-what is it?"
"The Six Kings Festival is massive and full of high-quality attractions, so the total revenue must be incredible. Do you divide those sales among the Six Kings?"
"…O-of course, I thought that was the right thing to do, but… well, it seems no one else is particularly interested in money. So, as their representative, I’ve been 'forced' to manage it all myself."
"…"
I understood everything now. It all made perfect sense. In other words, Alice was pocketing the entire profit from every facility and stall managed by the subordinates of the Six Kings. She probably paid wages and bonuses to the staff, but even after those deductions, the remaining sum had to be astronomical.
She hadn't just put in effort for the sake of it—she’d gone all out for the payout.
"…How should I put it? It’s very like you, Alice. I feel like I wasted my respect."
"N-no, you’ve got it all wrong! The money is just a side effect! Alice-chan’s main motivation is a pure, heartfelt desire to generate millions of smiles!"
"…And your real thoughts?"
"The Six Kings Festival is the absolute best! Watching the mindless crowds flock here just to line my pockets—Hah!?"
"…You."
"A-ahaha… Oops, look, we’ve arrived! It’s that shop over there! Come on, let’s go!"
She forcibly changed the subject and hurried ahead. Honestly, she was a handful—but for some reason, I just couldn't bring myself to hate her.
"By the way, changing the subject…"
"What is it?"
"…You’ve been unusually restrained with your nonsense today. No, sorry. Never mind."
"Hmm? I don’t quite get it, but let’s get inside quickly."
"Right."
Today, Alice felt more serious than usual, as if she were prioritizing my enjoyment above everything else. Perhaps she was trying to encourage me in her own way, knowing I’d been depressed since the events of the third day. But asking her to confirm it would be in poor taste.
Dear Mother, Father—Kuro, Isis-san, Sieg-san, Lilia-san… and Alice. I’ve been truly blessed by the people in my life. With a heart full of gratitude for that fact, I’m going to enjoy this festival even more.
???: "As expected of Alice-chan! A thoughtful, beautiful girl! Truly the ultimate heroine of this story!"
Serious-senpai: "…Sockpuppet."
???: "…Is there a problem?"
Serious-senpai: "N-nothing at all."