I’d been finding myself at Alice’s General Store more and more lately. Sitting on a chair she had placed in front of the counter, I sipped the black tea she’d brewed while we exchanged idle talk.
Today, just like every other day, there were no other customers in the shop. In fact, I saw other patrons so rarely that it had stopped feeling like I was visiting a business and started feeling more like I was just hanging out at a friend’s house.
Since she provided the tea and the seat, and didn't seem to find my presence a nuisance, I figured it was fine.
While I was scanning the shop during a lull in our conversation, my eyes landed on a particular item.
"That looks a lot like a Shogi board."
"It is a Shogi board, you know?"
"Wait, really? Shogi exists in this world too?"
"Yeah. Apparently, one of the past Heroes was obsessed with it. He made his own sets and tried to spread the game. It never really went mainstream, though, so it’s one of those things where you either know it or you don't."
"Interesting."
I picked up the board to get a better look. It was surprisingly well-crafted. Though the pieces were inscribed with characters from this world, the set was identical to the Shogi I knew back home.
"Since you’re interested, want to play a round?"
"Are you sure? This is merchandise, isn't it?"
"It’s not like any customers are coming anyway. Alice-chan is actually quite bored, you see."
"Well… sure, let’s play a game."
To be honest, I wasn't very good at these kinds of board games. But it was just a way to kill time, and since it wasn't a serious match, I figured it would be fine. Besides, if the game wasn't very popular here, Alice probably wasn't an expert either. It might actually turn into a decent match.
I accepted her offer and we set the board on the counter. Sitting across from her, I made the first move.
Our Shogi showdown was decided almost instantly.
"…I lost."
"E-Err, well, look, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses! L-Let’s go again! This time, I won't use my Rook or Bishop… and I’ll put away my Gold and Silver Generals too!"
"Okay."
To put it bluntly, it was a crushing defeat so pathetic it made me feel miserable. Alice was strong—she clearly possessed an incredible level of Shogi ability.
Right. It had been reckless of me to play without a handicap against an opponent like her. For the second game, she offered a six-piece handicap. Surely, with that much of a lead, I could somehow…
Despite the massive advantage, the second game ended just as quickly as the first.
Naturally, I was defeated again.
"…I lost."
"Kaito-san… you’re weak. Like, super weak. Honestly, you’re so bad that I’m the one starting to feel guilty here! What is going on?"
"No, I’ve just… I’ve always been terrible at board games."
"Is that so? T-Then! Next time, I’ll play with only my King and my Pawns!"
"…Alright."
There sat Alice, her expression a mix of pity and concern as she increased the handicap, and there was me, who honestly didn't feel like I could win even with those odds.
That premonition proved to be entirely accurate. As we played several more matches, the handicap continued to balloon. After a ten-piece handicap where she only kept her King and Pawns, she added a rule where she wouldn't even use the pieces she captured from me. Finally, Alice was playing with a Lone King.
A Lone King. It was a one-versus-twenty battle. If I lost under these conditions, it would be fair to say my skill level was beyond saving.
And currently, Alice was staring at the board before her, trembling with a look of pure horror.
"Um… K-Kaito-san?"
"Yes?"
"I only have my King. H-How am I supposed to go any easier on you than this?"
"Honestly, I don't feel like I can win."
"To be blunt… I don't think I can make you win, either."
A heavy, suffocating silence fell between us. Alice seemed genuinely bewildered by my lack of talent, her eyes darting around restlessly as if searching for an escape from the awkwardness.
"W-Well, look! Everyone has something they aren't good at. O-Oh, I have Reversi too! Let’s play that instead!"
"Let’s do that."
I hadn't quite realized it until now, but Alice was actually a remarkably good person. She wasn't making fun of my Shogi skills, even though they were probably inferior to a child's; instead, she was doing everything she could to help me save face.
I truly appreciated the sentiment, and I found myself liking her even more than before. But… sorry, Alice. The truth is, I’m terrible at Othello too.
Alice had suggested Reversi to help me regain my confidence, but the result was nothing short of a catastrophe. No matter how many times we played, the board would be dyed a single color long before every square was even filled.
I knew I was bad at games, but seeing it laid out this clearly was depressing. As I sat there with my shoulders slumped in dejection, Alice gave me a supportive pat on the back.
"Look, um… being good at board games doesn't actually help you in life! It doesn't matter if you aren't strong at a little game like this!"
"Alice… you really are a good woman."
"Whoa, Kaito-san? Your soul is leaving your body. I mean, it’s common knowledge that Alice-chan is Transcendentally Pretty, a captivating woman who enchants every man on the planet, but…"
"I didn't say all that."
"Does that mean you want to treat this Transcendentally Cute Alice-chan to a delicious meal? Yes, I am totally on board! Now that I think about it, there’s a place nearby that serves great food—Migyats!?"
When I praised Alice for being kind, she immediately started getting carried away, so I dropped a knuckle on her head to shut her up.
Truly, if it weren't for the way she'd start acting like an idiot the second she saw an opening, she’d be a great person.
"Ouch… well, at least you seem to have some spirit back."
"Alice… yeah. You’re right. Thanks."
"Right? Now, keep that energy going and shower Alice-chan with praise! I’m the type who excels when complimented, you know! Come on!"
"…Why are you such an idiot?"
"I just asked you to praise me!"
It was the usual Alice, and a smile escaped me despite myself.
Yeah, I suppose our compatibility was pretty good after all. It was a different kind of closeness than what I had with Kuro—this relationship felt like being bad friends, and it was a comfortable place to be.
"I’m getting hungry. Want to go grab something to eat?"
"Thanks for the meal!"
"You just assumed I’m paying from the start, huh? Well, I don't mind."
"As expected of Kaito-san! You’re so reliable! You’re wonderful! Take me now!"
"Stop that. It’s creepy."
"It’s not like I’m immune to being hurt by your words, you know!?"
Not much time had passed since we first met, but I truly felt glad that I’d met her. I was glad I’d met Alice.
She was loud, cheerful, and sometimes a real pain, but she was a good person at heart. I realized that I genuinely enjoyed the time we spent together.
"By the way, is it okay to leave the shop?"
"No customers are coming anyway."
"Fair point."
I had a feeling that Alice and I would continue to be close, laughing together like this for a long time to come. I felt that way because, despite all my complaining, I’d grown quite fond of her.
I’d never tell her to her face because she’d immediately get full of herself, but Alice had already become someone I considered a precious friend.