Chapter 71: The Prince’s Troubles (1/2)

“Oh Fujimiya? That’s a surprise.”

After school, Amane dropped by at the game center, inserted a note into a coin exchange machine, and heard a voice he was not really familiar with.

He slipped the coins into his wallet, turned around, and saw Kadowaki standing there. It appeared the latter came to the game center for some fun too, for his hand was in the wallet as he stood behind Amane.

“Strange seeing you here, Kadowaki. What about club activities?”

“It’s a rest day. Will be bad to be burdened every day after all.”

“I see.”

He was the ace of the track team, but he did not devote all his time on it. According to him, he could not not compromise on rest.

Once he was done exchanging his money, Amane retreated to the side. Kadowaki too inserted a note into the machine.

2000 yen went into his wallet, and once he spotted Amane looking, he chuckled.

“I thought you would be an honor student of sorts. Shocked me to see you here though.”

“I do visit a game center from time to time, but I don’t really want to waste money, so I won’t really come here unless there’s something.”

“Hm, then why today?”

“I’m here to play the crane game. Someone asked me to get a doll.”

On the contrary, it was Chitose who showed Amane the game center website, and went all “Looky look, don’t you think Mahirun will like this~?” Having considered how Mahiru had been a little dejected recently, Amane came to the game center, hoping to catch a doll for her.

Looking at the photo Chitose sent the last time, it appeared Mahiru did not have many decorations in her room. Amane wanted to use the chance to buy Mahiru a cute doll, and provide a few friends to the bear doll.

“Can you catch one?”

“Yep. I’m good at this.”

The crane in this game center were rather strong, and easy to grab with. Once he figured out the object’s center of gravity, its positioning, and the manner to grab, it was unexpectedly easy.

It was due to Shihoko teaching him tricks in elementary school. “See, put the crane here, and it grabs it. Over here, pull the hook into the label, and voila.”

Amane managed to learn some strange knowledge and tricks due to his mother’s showcase of her meaningless myriad of skills.

Kadowaki looked surprised, and Amane led him to the crane area, saying that they should try everything. He casually slotted a coin into a machine with lots of bunny dolls.

Given the arm grip and positioning, it appeared one coin would be enough. There were instances where it was impossible to grab without spending hundreds of yen, but this crane should be fine.

Amane did not really understand, but it appeared the bunny doll was a character from a certain work. He aimed at the head and the body, and the head was then lodged in the arms. Its body was dangling, but with his head hanging on, the crane managed to hold onto the doll.

All he had to do was to move the lever away, and the doll would naturally fall into the exit.

Thud, the bunny fell. Amane took it out, and waved it gently to Kadowaki, “Wow.” who looked impressed.

“The crane arms of the game center here are rather sturdy, and the shopkeeper will teach anyone how to use it if you got any issue. This shop is a good place for beginners.”

“So that’s why Itsuki and the others say this is a good place?”

I see. Kadowaki nodded understandingly.

“Just to ask. This for someone?”

“Yep. That person really took care of me. I intend to give this as thanks.”

Amane was not lying.

He simply never mentioned that it was Mahiru. It was a fact that he was taken care of by her; it was a fact that the gift was an appreciation of her daily help.

“You’re really hardworking, Amane. I think I understand though.”