Ch. 2: Towards the Sporting Competition
By the time we arrived at the castle, the sky had turned a deep crimson.
Eins took me along as we went through the castle gate.
Eins: "This is my castle!"
OO: "It's lovely."
The evening sun shone through the windows and bathed the inside of the castle in twilight.
Eins' Brother: "Brother, were you off causing trouble again?"
Eins: "Nice timing! I’ll introduce you! This is the princess who saved me! This is my younger brother!"
OO: "N-nice to meet you."
Eins' Brother: "Welcome."
The younger brother held out his hand.
As I was about to take it…
OO: "...Eins...?"
Instead of me, Eins grabbed his brother’s hand.
Eins: "You’re 10 years too early to be touching OO's hand!"
Eins' Brother: "It was just a handshake."
Eins: "Oh right! I need a favor."
Eins began to walk away, still holding his brother’s hand.
Eins: "Let’s go to the garden! I have to practice for the competition after all!"
Eins' Brother: "The competition…you’re planning on entering!?"
Eins: "Of course I am! Come on, let’s go!"
Bearing no mind for his surprised younger brother, Eins continued to move ahead.
OO: "Wait…wait for me…!"
I hurriedly ran after them, not wanting to be left behind.
Entering the garden, Eins and his brother stood apart facing each other.
Eins' Brother: "Brother, are you really serious about entering the competition?"
Eins: "Of course! Because it’s OO’s desire that I do so!"
[CHOICE]
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"That's right." (SUN)
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"I don't really..." (MOON)
As if saying to leave everything to him, Eins flashed a toothy smile.
Eins' Brother: "Don’t be an idiot, practice."
The younger brother sighed in exasperation and hit Eins on the head with the width of the sword.
Eins: "Ow! Don’t go hitting your older brother with a sword!"
Eins' Brother: "Come on, the sun’s going down."
At their arguing back and forth, I couldn’t help laughing.
Hearing my laughter, the two turned to me.
OO: "Ah, sorry…"
Eins: "I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself!"
Eins gave a hearty laugh.
He’s so refreshing…
I broke into another smile as I saw his sparkling one.
Eins: "Alright, come on! I’m ready any time…!"
OO: "Eins...?"
Eins suddenly crouched down and grabbed his leg.
Eins: "I twisted it..."
OO: "A-are you alright!?"
Eins: "This is nothing! Besides, it’s better that I have a little handicap!"
At his words, the younger brother let out a sigh deeper than the ocean.
Eins' Brother: "At least do some warm-ups. You’re already an old man after all."
Eins: "What did you say!? I’m Forever 20!"
I suppressed my laughter, not wanting to interrupt their practice.
Such fun...
The stars began to twinkle as the sky changed to indigo.
OO: "That's right."
Eins: "I will definitely show you victory!"
OO: "I don't really..."
Eins: "I could just tell you wanted me to!"