Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 15 - Chapter 2.2

  MAIDENHOOD

It is …… as white as virgin snow.

Pure white and smooth as a whistle, it is softly shaking back and forth.

I reach out for the silky white goodness and …… grab it.

Hot ……!

And so soft.

It’s a brand-new sensation …… Like the moment a boy becomes a man. I can’t keep this feeling bottled up anymore and yell.

“Boiled tofu is sooo GOOOOOOOOOOD!!”

“But, of course. Nanzenji is the place for tofu dishes.”

This is what Machi had prepared in the next room.

A big pot–––full of tofu.

“I have such a profound fondness for boiled tofu, so much so that one could say that I love it.♡” Machi confesses as her cheeks turned a rosy red.

As for me, I’m not sure if I should be happy or disappointed about this anticlimactic turn.

“I have to say, when you threw open the doors, I was sure you were after …… I mean, I had no clue what you had in mind and panicked a bit!”

“Te-he-he. As it is most embarrassing to dine on stew by one’s lonesome, your invitation was quite the timely windfall, Ryuo-san.”

I’ve heard about how good Kyoto’s tofu is but …… the rumors don’t do it justice.

“I’ve always thought of tofu as something that’s just kind of there. This, though … I never knew tofu could have so much rich flavor ……”

The chiritori nabe I had at Master’s place was good, but compared to this, it tasted dirt cheap.

“Kyoto’s winters are rather frigid. Hot tofu is the perfect remedy for cold, snowy nights. Not to mention Kyoto’s pristine groundwater and abundance of temples that only serve to work in its favor.”

“Temples? Why does having a bunch of old temples around make the food taste better?”

“Monks in old temples such as this one were strictly vegetarian. Tofu was an invaluable source of protein without meat or fish in their diet. Thus, within walking distance of centuries-old temples–––.”

“There are tofu shops that date back just as long! I get it now.”

Tofu’s flavor isn’t the only thing that has been polished through the years.

It seems that etiquette unique to Kyoto has evolved along with it–––.

“When boiling tofu, too much heat will cause it to melt. The precise temperature to enjoy a hot, yet fluffy texture is …… Now! At 70° centigrade!”

Machi takes the pot off the flame just as little bubbles start coming to the surface. The little bloops make it look like it’s dancing. I’ve never seen Machi be particular about anything, but she’s not letting me anywhere near the pot.

Well, that’s fine by me!

As far as work goes, watching the sleeves of the kimono-clad beauty sway back and forth on the other side of the steam is as easy as it gets!

“Please indulge.♪”

“You don’t have to tell me twice!”

She hands me a bowl filled to the brim with hot tofu. I scoop out a bite with a wooden spoon and slurp it up. Even the sweet bean paste she added as a secret ingredient adds a nice touch.

“Whew ………… Good stuff. And I mean really good ……”

A waterfall of warmth cascades down my throat and spreads out all the way to my fingers and toes.

It’s like I’m tasting it with my whole body …… wow.

“Haaa …… What bliss!♡” says Machi like she’s found true love.

“I beg your pardon. It seems I have donned too many layers of clothing and become a might bit hot …… Haaaaah. Much too hot ……”

“?!”

I watch, stunned, as Machi loosens the folds of her kimono and starts fanning herself.

The space between her own luscious bowls of boiled tofu comes in view …… Th-the jiggle ……!

Just as the urge to ask for seconds hits, Machi licks a bit of sweet bean paste off her spoon and asks, “What was it we were discussing before?”

“O-Oh! Right! What’s your condition for helping me track down Big Sis? What do you want me to do?”

I doubt it’s joining her for a boiled tofu dinner.

“To be completely honest, I have had a request for you for quite some time now, Ryuo-san.”

“Request? What kind?”

“………… Your maidenhood ……”

“Huh?”

“Give me your maidenhood, Ryuo-san!”

“………… Say what?”

Machi then rolls up her long, black hair into a bun and slides a long hairpin through to keep it in place. Sitting up straight, she tells me exactly what she wants.

A condition I never saw coming.

“Would you publish a Shogi book?”

“A book?”

I didn’t understand what she meant right away.

It took a few moments of me mulling those words over to finally connect the dots.

“A Shogi book …… Wait?! Y-You want me to write one?!”

“I believe you are more than worthy, almost overqualified, to do so. You have multiple titles to your name, which includes a defense of the Dragon King Ryuo title. Now is the perfect time to pen your maiden release.”

“Well ……… You have a point.”

I’m still in the news because of my second title, and the leagues are starting to reset so I don’t have as many matches to play.

“But why haven’t you said anything until now? We spoke almost every day last year when I was going for my second title.”

“A sense of timing is vital for an editor.”

Machi, now speaking as the journalist Mato, explains her reasoning.

“Editors who act when the idea strikes them will only ever be third rate. We must be constantly on the alert for miraculous timing where the author’s and publisher’s availability lines up before broaching the subject. Only then can an editor be considered a leader in the field ………… Or so my boss claims.”

“Sounds like Shogi to me,” I say before I realize it.

You can’t just launch an attack when you feel like it in Shogi, either. It’s important to keep a close eye on what your opponent is doing at all times.

Not that the opponent ever likes being attacked! Shogi’ll bring out your dark side real quick.

“So? What kind of book do you want me to write?”

“The publisher is hoping to tap into your extensive knowledge and skills pertaining to young girls with an introductory level book designed for–––.”

“FORGET IT!!”

What extensive knowledge and skills, huh?! What do they take me for?!

“I expected you would say as much. Thus, I personally would like a book filled with advanced strategy and insight, Kuzuryu-sensei.”

“…… Specifically?”

“The easiest to produce would be commentary on your own matches. That would include not only title matches, but records of matches that you feel particularly strongly about.”

I see, I see.

“Slightly more difficult would be a book on strategy. Such publications from top Shogi players sell very well. The Ranging Rook aficionado Oishi 9-dan’s Maestro Series, including Gokigen Central Rook Maestro and Fourth-File Rook Maestro have made the bestseller list. Just recently, Kannabe 7-dan’s book pertaining to yagura strategies sold extremely well with the female demographic once his photograph was included on the sleeve.”

I think a different audience is buying Ayumu’s book ……

“I would love to read your views on strategy, Kuzuryu-sensei!”

“But my two main ones are the Double Wing Attack and Move-Loss Bishop Exchange ……”

Bishop Exchanges are really complicated and figuring out how to force a repetition draw is a viable strategy. It’s like a clinch in boxing.

It’s not flashy and there are a lot of sequences to memorize, so I doubt the average Shogi fan would be interested at all.

“As for the Double Wing Attack, it’s become more standardized thanks to software, but those are mostly just for pros ……”

“Indeed, the material may be too advanced for amateurs to understand. Consider that from a different angle, however, and you will find that advanced strategy as a genre is severely lacking. I believe there is more opportunity there than you think.”

“Hmmm ……”

“In that case, Kuzuryu-sensei, what type of book do you believe will sell?”

“Well, let me think. For one–––.”

Just then …… A question somebody asked me pops into my head.

“Mr. Kuzuryu, how do you use software?”

It’s actually been on my mind ever since the young player nicknamed The Translator asked me.

So, I offhandedly say, “Software seems to be the popular way to do research these days, so what about a book on that?”

“Yes!!”

Huh?

“That is a fantastic idea! Everyone, not just Shogi fans, would be interested to learn how A.I. became the driving force behind the youngest title holder in history who fended off the Meijin! Plus, as you have taken a title from the foremost expert on Shogi software, Yo Okito, you are now the most knowledgeable person when it comes to applying it, Kuzuryu-sensei! A book written by such a player would surely revolutionize the Shogi world!!”

“D-Do you think so ……? So, I have a talent for writing as well as Shogi?!”

“All too easy.”

“Hm? Did you just say I’m easy?”

“I merely felt that someone who comes up with such great ideas so easily will be able to write a book that flies off the shelves, that is all.”

“Right?! I’ve also secretly thought that I could write a bestseller if I just sat down and wrote one! For some reason, I’ve never gotten any offers ……”

To be completely honest …… I’ve been jealous of other players putting out books left and right, and it’s made me antsy …… to the point that I hide Ayumu’s book behind others at the association’s bookshop ……

“But it turns out there are people who’d read mine! I thought that you’d be the perfect editor for me if I wrote one, so I’m ecstatic that you asked me!!”

“……! Yai- ………… Ryuo-san♡”

Machi, back to her usual self in the blink of an eye, smiles at me.

But a wave of dread hits me right away. A book ……

“I never went to high school …… I don’t read all that much either. Do you think I can pull it off ……?”

“Have no fear, Sensei.” Machi gently pats my knees and says, “That is a Shogi writer’s time to shine. I, an expert in Shogi and publishing, will be here to provide full and continuous support each step of the way.”

“Huh?! Shogi journalists do that kind of work, too?!”

“Only a select few Shogi writers can put food on the table staying on the Shogi beat alone. Many work for the broadcasting staff, have multiple part-time jobs or earn money in other fields of journalism.”

“Oh yeah. You work for one of those town magazines, don’t you, Machi?”

“In fact, today’s excursion doubles as research for a piece I’m doing entitled Nanzenji, the Perfect Couples’ Getaway!”

Man, she doesn’t miss an opportunity, does she?

“Well? What does an editor providing full and continuous support for a pro player actually do?”

“Comprehending the professional player’s words and transcribing them to paper, creating graphs and charts and filling in holes as necessary.”

“So: a ghost writer?”

“It’s editing support.”

“No, that’s ghost writing.”

“Editing support.”

“E- …… editing support ……”

“Yes. Editing support.”

The overwhelming aura of the Shogi-playing writer wins out.

It feels like I’ve learned yet another dirty secret of the adults in this world ……

“The writer who assisted the Meijin in publishing his book of strategies earned enough money to build their own house.”

“That book, too?!”

Big Sis, Ayumu and I must’ve read that thing front to back hundreds of times back when we were in training.

Writing a book when he’s so busy, he really must be a god! I was convinced back then. So, this was the trick to it ……

“There is no telling how many years it would require a top Shogi player to write out a book in their own words while they are so busy. Even if the book is high quality, it will be worthless the moment they lose their title. No one wants a loser’s advice. What’s more, the tending strategies could change if publication is delayed too long. Timing is everything.”

After getting that far, Machi hesitates for a moment and says.

“And …… While I do not want to intrude, I believe having something to pull your attention away from Ginko Sora would be the best thing for you at the moment. A separate kind of work that will engage your mind.”

“……! What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Those wrinkles in your forehead weren’t there before. And your cheeks are perfectly smooth. You haven’t smiled once today, have you?”

Wow …… She really does watch me closely ……

“Why …… are you going this far to help me? Everyone else goes away, calls me a monster …… But not you, Machi …… Why do you see me as a human being?”

“Because I have watched you grow. I knew Yaichi Kuzuryu the boy. And––– ”

Machi puts my heart on a check path.

“While I can’t make any guarantees with Ginko Sora, I can deliver your book directly to Ai Hinatsuru. If there is anything you had yet to teach her, this book would be the best way to do so. Don’t you agree?”

“That’s ………… the pick-up line that seals the deal, isn’t it?”

“As in Shogi, it is best to hide your ace in the hole until the very last moment.”

With that, my first editor gives me a kind smile.

“Having that ability is a condition for being a good editor as well.”