"So, what kind of game are we playing?" — Ryuichi asked.
"I found one we can all enjoy. It's called The Game of Life."
I turned on the console and loaded it up. Just like the name implies, it's a board-style game where you progress through life, and the more achievements you collect, the better your score.
It's simple, straightforward, and perfect for playing with friends.
"Looks like I'm first. Let's see... [Will you study or get a job?] I'll go with study." — Edomae Ayame.
"Next is me... [Will you study or get a job?] I'll choose study too." — Satou Ryuichi.
"Now it's my turn... [Will you study or get a job?] I guess I'll study too." — Tachibana Himari.
"Study is important and all... [Will you study or get a job?] but I'll find a job. [Do you want to be a cook or a streamer?] I'll go with cook."
Since everyone chose to study, I wanted to try something different. Besides, I already had a strategy.
"Fufu~ I wonder what Tomoki-kun is planning. [Congratulations! You graduated. Do you want to be an engineer or manager?] I'll go with manager." — Edomae Ayame.
"Knowing him, he probably just wanted to stand out. [Congratulations! You graduated. Do you want to be a teacher or vet?] I'll choose teacher." — Satou Ryuichi.
"I hope I get a good job... [Congratulations! You graduated. Do you want to be a pharmacist or manager?] I'll choose the same as Edomae-san. I guess we'll be working together now~" — Tachibana Himari.
"Ryuichi, my friend, I'm about to show you the meaning of life. [Do you want to be promoted or change jobs?] I'll get promoted and become head chef!"
Since I didn't graduate, my job pays less, but on the bright side, I already have more money than anyone else—which means I can "invest".
Remember: it's not about the money, it's about the achievements. And I know a clever way to get those...
"Now I've become an adult. Let's see... [Stay single or get married?] Since marriage costs a lot, I'll stay single." — Edomae Ayame.
"Tomoki, you do know academic and professional promotions count as achievements, right? [Stay single or get married?] I'll stay single too and just enjoy life." — Satou Ryuichi.
"Tomoki-san, you're not going to be the richest one for long~ [Stay single or get married?] I'll stay single too." — Tachibana Himari.
"It's not about money—it's about happiness! [Stay single or get married?] I'll get married. [Congratulations! You had a beautiful wedding with your lovely wife! Everyone sends you gifts.]"
Now I had all the conditions I needed. Time to execute my master plan.
"... [Congratulations! Sales are booming! You're promoted to CEO!] ...Whatever..." — Edomae Ayame.
"This is just a game, Edomae-san. [Go to Paris or buy a beach house?] Hmm, being by the sea sounds nice. Beach house!" — Satou Ryuichi.
"You better take care of your new wife, Tomoki-san! Let's see... [Buy an art gallery or an apartment?] Of course, an art gallery!" — Tachibana Himari.
"With my wife by my side, anything's possible! [Congratulations! You had a beautiful baby.] Aww, look at this cutie—you're going to help Dad win this thing!"
At this point, Ayame-san still had the most money, but the achievement points were neck and neck.
Time to prove that family is power.
"He's... happy... with another girl? And now a child? [What a lucky day! You get a luxury cruise for free.] ...What's the point if you're going alone..." — Ayame mumbled.
"Edomae-san, are you okay? [What a lucky day! You found ancient treasure at the beach!] ...What kind of beach am I on?" — Satou Ryuichi.
"So your whole strategy is using your child for points? [What a lucky day! Your gallery art is a huge success! Everyone pays you.] Hehehe, more money~" — Tachibana Himari.
"Oof, I need money now... [What a lucky day! You and your wife and daughter traveled to England. Since you have a child, you get double happiness!] Yes! That's my girl! Daddy loves you!"
Having children doubles your happiness rewards—sure, the cost goes up, but it's worth it!
"... [The market is booming! Your investments pay off. You earn double income!] ...sob." — Edomae Ayame.
"Tomoki, seriously. You should stop whatever scheme you're running. [Congratulations! Your students praised your teaching. You're promoted to principal!] Someone's getting hurt here." — Satou Ryuichi.
"He's right, Tomoki-san! It's unfair to use children just to win! What kind of father would do that? [Travel abroad or buy a farm?] I'll buy a farm!" — Tachibana Himari.
"That's not what I meant..." — Ryuichi sighed.
"All I'm hearing is envy. It's not a good look. [Congratulations! You had twins!] Wow! You're amazing, honey~"
That was it—the final push. I could see the path to victory.
"So this is my fate... alone... while he plays house in a love nest with someone else... [Lucky strike! You can buy a property from another player.] Shut up!" — Ayame-san muttered.
"Tomoki, I didn't know you could be so... scummy. [Congratulations! You married a lovely person.] Oh, nice." — Satou Ryuichi.
"You're going to go bankrupt at this rate, Tomoki-san! [Buy an atelier or a mansion?] I'll go with atelier!" — Tachibana Himari.
"Mwahaha! This is the power of family! [Your children made a Father's Day poem! Congratulations!] Thank you, kids! Daddy loves you~"
We were reaching the final round. The only one who could beat me now was Edomae-san—she had more money, and she could buy a property from another player.
But I had no property. So… I should be safe, right?
"...Tomoki-kun... sorry..." — Edomae Ayame.
"Ayame-san?" — Why is she apologizing? No way...
"[Choose a player to buy property from: Player 4] ...Tomoki-kun, your happiness is mine!"
"Hey, I don't even have property! How— [Since you have no property, you must pay the equivalent amount.] Oh... it's just money. You should've chosen Tachibana— [Since you don't have enough money, Player 1 will take your children.] WHAT!? This feels so wrong! Who made this game!?"
"Hahaha! If you had studied, maybe you'd have been able to pay! [Congratulations! You had a cute baby.] Hey, little guy, see that uncle? That's what happens when you don't study." — Satou Ryuichi.
"Pfft—Wait, I can't—Hahahaha! [Congratulations! Your gallery was a huge success thanks to your atelier! Players must pay double!] Wait... did I win?" — Tachibana Himari.
"...I hate this game." — I muttered.
And that's how the game ended:
[1st – Tachibana Himari]
[2nd – Satou Ryuichi]
[3rd – Edomae Ayame]
[4th – Morikawa Tomoki - bankrupt]
"Excuse me? Aren't you all hungry? Come to the dining room... Wait, what happened in here?" — Mom suddenly opened the door.
"Tomoki-kun, all your children are mine now, okay? Okay?" — Ayame-san was still rubbing it in.
"Hahaha! Thanks for showing me how not to live, Tomoki!" — Ryuichi laughed.
"Yeah! I win! Behold my winner's crown!" — Good for you, Tachibana-san.
"Where did I go wrong? My plan was flawless..." — I just couldn't believe it.
"Okay everyone! I made sweets today—come to the dining room, alright?"
"Yes, madam!" — They all replied in unison.
I couldn't win, sure... but it was fun. I wonder if we'll play again someday.
Maybe I'll invite them next time.
Just… with a different game.