Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 4 - Chapter 3.4

  TEA PARTY

“My, my. The two of you have certainly improved in the past few hours.”

Our Practice Session over, Ms. Shakando greets the two of us when we go back downstairs.

“…… Does it look like it?”

“It’s written all over your faces. That’s the thing about men, newfound strength shows up in their faces so much moreso than women …… Have a seat, Young Ryuo.”

Ms. Shakando motions to the empty seat across from her.

That’s where Big Sis was sitting before, but she’s gone. I don’t think she’d go home before me, but ……

“God Cauldron will prepare tea. This is the one thing I look forward to. Please, join me.”

“Where’s Big Sis?”

“Dressing.”

What’s that supposed to mean? Oh well, it’s better for me that she’s not here.

“Actually, may I ask you for some advice, Ms. Shakando?”

“Ohh? It’d be my pleasure.”

“I have two young apprentices who are both still in elementary school. But their talent is unbelievable …… They qualified for the Mynavi Preliminary Matches.”

“I saw their match records. Indeed, they seem very talented.”

“I have a feeling they’ll both become Women’s League members … and soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if they claim titles. That’s how much talent they have. But for me, as their Master …… I’m not ready for that to happen. I can’t do anything for them ……”

Ai Hinatsuru and Ai Yashajin are far better than I thought.

It’s especially shocking how fast Ai Hinatsuru is progressing. Not just her technique, but her mentality too. She’s been acting so grown-up these past few days I barely even recognize her ……

That’s been sending up red flags.

“So, Ms. Shakando, please tell me …… What’s it like to be the top Women’s League player?”

“Women’s League players, hmm ……”

She takes a moment to think and gives me this answer.

“Being a punching bag.”

…… Say what?

“Imagine if you will, Women’s League players doing instructional matches at an event. The woman is challenged to play with no handicap. Being that many amateurs can hone their skills to be on par with professionals, even I myself lose more often than not.”

“……”

“Shogi fans see this and say, Women’s League players are weak.”

While it’s not true for me and my generation, there was a time when a well-defined line between pro and amateur existed. It used to be that an amateur challenging a pro to an even match was an insult. Pros thought the amateur was looking down on them, being overconfident.

Of course, being pros, all they had to do was put that amateur in their place.

But–––.

“In this world, women are seen as weak just for being women. Win the match, and the opponent will brush you off saying, I can’t take a match against a woman seriously. Lose the match, and there are people who will give you their address and say, Come, I’ll teach you a thing or two about Shogi. We get belittled in victory and defeat.”

“…… That’s horrible. Something’s wrong with those people on a personal level.”

“It cannot be helped. It happens because we’re weak.”

“But–––!”

“Women’s League players are weak. Our skills will never measure up to the professional ranks. However, no …… That’s exactly why our spirits must be strong. Stronger than professionals and stronger than amateurs.”

“……!”

“The only reason why Women’s League players who are weaker than decorated amateurs and professionals can still be called players is because the Shogi world needs to expand …… to appeal to women, to encourage them to play Shogi. Wouldn’t quitting Shogi because of being ridiculed be putting the cart before the horse to some degree?”

Ayumu carries a full tea set over to the table and starts setting out cups.

He sets to work, diligently filling the cups in silence. At the same time, there’s a strong aura emanating from him. It’s his devotion to his Master, Ms. Shakando, his thoughtfulness.

She gazes at her precious apprentice with kind eyes for a moment before looking straight at me and continuing.

“We are punching bags, ridiculed and shamed …… And yet we want to stand strong, keep getting stronger still and refuse to yield. Even without talent, we refuse to stop treading water. I myself believe that is how Women’s League players ought to be. Even if our skills don’t measure up to the professionals, our hearts must be stronger than all of theirs.”

The Queen’s words were so passionate they were getting seared into my soul.

Women’s League players, their world looks so fancy from the outside.

But only people who are stubborn and muddy to the core can remain at the top, a lot like Kansai Shogi players ……

“…… You’re … very strong. I could never measure up ……”

“Thank you for your kindness, but the word strong is hardly a compliment for women.”

“S-Sorry ……”

“… Though that’s no reason to apologize … heh,” Ms. Shakando quietly laughs. “Many things have been said to me because of my gender ……,” patting her limp leg, the Women’s Legend says with a hint of loneliness, “the same is true because of my leg. I had no path in life other than to become strong ……”

“I came to favor this attire to hide the fact that I cannot properly sit on my ankles. This dress is my armor.”

Maintaining that posture is a matter of life and death for Shogi players.

Even when a player who had attained the Meijin title pleaded with the association, “Sitting on my ankles is too painful. Please, allow me to use a chair,” it still wasn’t allowed. That was as good as announcing his retirement.

By wearing a dress long enough to completely hide her legs when she sits down, Ms. Shakando can avoid the problem altogether.

“The only reason such a ruse is tolerated is due to the fact that many in power have agreed that my existence is greatly beneficial to the Shogi world. No, perhaps I should say I forced them to agree. I was desperate because, had I failed, I doubt I would have been permitted to continue.”

“……”

“Weakness is what gives people strength. Feeling inferior grants the spirit wings. If, for instance, I had been born a man with two functional legs …… my Shogi skills would likely be weaker than they are today.” Then, Ms. Shakando adds joking, “But I lost my cute persona along the way. Due to that I have reached this age without a partner.”

The Eternal Queen Rina Shakando is a very attractive woman.

She’s on TV every season and shows up in weekly magazines all the time. I’ve heard that at one point she was even more popular than Big Sis is now. The only reason someone like her isn’t married …… is because she prioritized her position as a Women’s League player, devoting everything she had to Shogi, over a happy home life.

It’s probably that strong-willed devotion that drew Big Sis to Ms. Shakando in the first place. That has to be why she respects her as much as she does. Seriously, that’s a miracle equal to befriending a wild lion ……

“So, you spend your time with Big Sis because–––.”

“Ginko is strong. Of all the women I’ve met over the years, perhaps she is the strongest.”

Big Sis has a 2-dan in the Sub League, and she’s only fourteen.

That’s incredibly fast, even for boys.

There’s a very real chance she can reach 4-dan–––turn pro.

“That’s why seeing her inspires me …… makes me believe that if this girl can become the first female professional, then my life wasn’t a waste.”

“Really ……? That much?”

“Should Ginko become a professional, there would be an explosion of women looking to follow in her footsteps. With such an open door, more women would join the Sub League, and the second and third female professionals appearing in the Shogi world would cease being a mere dream. Even if the Women’s League itself should disappear as a result, I would not bat an eye.”

“……!”

The woman who literally dedicated her life to promoting the Women’s League said she wouldn’t care if it was gone.

This woman …… has put that much on the line?

Put all her hopes and dreams on Ginko Sora’s talent ……?

“Well–––.”

I bring up another name. The name of someone more talented than Big Sis.

“What about Ika Sainokami?”

“………”

The Queen takes a moment to gather her thoughts before finally answering.

“She’s a monster.”

Mon …… ster?

“Her talent surpasses Ginko in one respect. When it comes to excelling at Shogi, that talent is the most important to possess.”

“Talent? …… What kind?”

“Extreme egotism. That is her talent’s true form.”

“Her ego?”

“For Shogi …… She’ll do anything to claim victory, to improve. She can inflict serious damage on an opponent’s heart without remorse as well as sacrifice anything she holds dear without a moment’s hesitation.”

“Are you saying that’s because of her ego? Look at Big Sis. She keeps as much space between herself and everyone else as possible for Shogi–––.”

“She does so on purpose, yes? The fact that she maintains that distance is proof that she doesn’t want to hurt those close to her. Ginko is such a kind girl ……”

Ms. Shakando says Big Sis’s name with affection.

“However, Sainokami is different. That girl never shows a shred of concern for another’s heart. That’s why she can stomp on her dearest friends without any misgivings. She can trample on an opponent’s dignity with a smile on her face and not feel a thing. Other people become her stepping-stones. Therefore, her skill has no ceiling.”

Narcissists get stronger. She’s spot on about that.

Just like how bad people tend to get richer than nice people, it’s common sense that someone who only thinks about themselves would get very strong because all their energy is only going to one place.

However, normal people can’t do that.

As long as there’s a hierarchy of experience and rank, of Masters and apprentices …… as long as there’s friendship and love …… it’s pretty much impossible to ignore what happens to everyone else and only think about yourself because Shogi is a battle between people. When push comes to shove, the fear of destroying relationships makes you pull up on the gas no matter how hard you try.

Which means …… someone able to ignore everything outside of Shogi possesses the ultimate talent ……

“S-She may get really good at Shogi …… But that’s wrong, as a human being ……”

“Precisely. That’s why I call her a monster.”

The Eternal Queen gives a heavy nod.

“Should someone like Sainokami, whose ego has gone beyond what’s socially acceptable, stand at the top, the Shogi world will descend into chaos. That is because the respect at the core of Shogi itself will be deemed worthless. Should that happen, Shogi will become nothing more than a simple game …… and become obsolete overnight.”

Everything she’s said sure sounds convincing.

Pro Shogi players’ social standing is starting to waver because of how far computers have come. If everyone started thinking that might equals right, that could spell the end for professionals and Women’s League players alike.

“Women’s League players are weak,” Ms. Shakando repeats what she said at the beginning. “However, no matter how many strong Women’s League players are born into this world, they’re meaningless if they reject their own heart. Even if there is a small talent gap … no, because there is a talent gap …… the one who stands at the top must make up that deficit with a strong heart.”

Each word comes out stronger than the last. Ayumu, standing next to her, lays his hand on her shoulder.

“I’ve devoted myself to building the Women’s League into what it is today. Even if it disappears altogether, I will never allow a monster like Sainokami to trample my life’s work. However ……,” Ms. Shakando sighs, “I may be able to keep that monster at bay at present, but there will come a day in the near future when I cannot contain her. I must ensure that Ginko is as strong as possible before that day arrives. Therefore–––.”

“Therefore?”

“I plan to claim Ginko’s titles as my own. Women’s League titles amount to nothing more than chains restraining her talent,” she says with a grin before turning toward me with a look of purpose in her eyes. “Or perhaps, I could have you tame the monster for me, young Ryuo. I hear you have apprentices of your own. Why not bring her in alongside them?”

“Th-That’s not funny! Why would I ever–––?!”

“Come now. The monster might go along with such a proposal from the Ryuo …… Yes?”

“………… How much do you know?”

“Hehe …… I happen to chair the Women’s League, remember?”

She …… She knows about that ……?!

I stand there, on high alert, with my mouth open for several moments before Ms. Shakando laughs with a soft, “Heh. Sorry. I couldn’t help having a little fun with this cute little one. Please accept my apology …… Ginko.”

“Huuh?”

She’s apologizing to Big Sis, not me? Why?

My mind racing, I follow the Women’s Legend’s line of sight and see …… Big Sis.

“Hn? Huh? …… What? Big …… Sis?”

But it takes me a few seconds to recognize her.

Because––––––she’s wearing a dress.

“…………………… Die ……”

Big Sis, dressed in stunningly beautiful clothes, stares right at me as I look over at her and she says, “Die,” while her face turns bright red and her eyes glisten with tears. This is so messed up ……

Probably, she’s so embarrassed she wants to die.

Ribbons and frills everywhere, her skirt is puffy and really short at the same time. That outfit is too cute to be real.

There’s no way anyone other than Big Sis could make it work …… But, there’s no way she would ever wear it in the first place. She’s always hated the thought of wearing a skirt, so …… Why?!

Why is she wearing something this … cute ……?!

While I try and fail to come up with words out of sheer shock, Ms. Shakando says, “You see, Ginko and I are bound by a contract.”

“C-Contract ……?”

“Precisely. I cover all her travel expenses and lodging when she travels to Harajuku. And in return, Ginko models clothes for me …… like this. I get to sit and enjoy tea after Shogi while gazing at Ginko, adorned in dazzling outfits …… I look forward to these moments above all else.”

“………”

Well …… She’s not wrong ……

“Young Ryuo. A girl has adorned herself just for you. That doesn’t happen every day, now does it? Ginko deserves to hear a comment or two, yes? It would be so sad if she did not.”

“Ugh! …… I, this …… isn’t for Yaichi ……”

Big Sis is staring at the floor, mumbling something but nothing’s registering.

My heart is in my throat.

My whole body is burning up.

“Ah, um ……… Y-You look fantastic. Seriously …… Very, cute ……”

“……… Your head on …… on a pike ……!”

Every bit of her snowy white skin turns red, all the way to the tips of her ears. Big Sis has Ayumu pull up a chair for her and takes a seat next to me.

She’s so close …… That’s all it took for my heart to start jackhammering away at my ribs.

This has never happened before ……

“God Cauldron. Would you be a dear and serve Ginko some tea?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Such a good boy ……”

Ms. Shakando lovingly gazes at her precious apprentice. Ayumu meets her eyes with something that looks like a bit more than the respect an apprentice has for their Master.

But my head is so full of Big Sis that I couldn’t care less.

My eyes keep shifting in her direction.

Truly beautiful things don’t let you look away once they have your attention.

“…… Quit staring. P-Perv ……”

“I …… I’m not looking ……”

“……… Idiot ……”

Ms. Shakando watches us bicker back and forth and eagerly joins the conversation.

“Isn’t she just exquisite in that outfit? Oh, yes. My brand is named Schneewittchen. Do you know the meaning?”

“I was wondering about that actually. What does it mean?”

I remember those strange letters on the building when I first came in.

Big Sis said she didn’t know what they meant though ……

“It’s German for Snow White. You could say that my brand is tailored to be Ginko’s private clothing line …… Ahh yes! The first moment I laid eyes on her, I thought a true angel had landed in front of me that day …… I shall create clothing for this girl. I will build my brand for her. It came to me in a flash! And just like possessing a pure objective raises people to a higher plane, having a pure model named Ginko garnered my brand much attention and praise …… Ginko is no less than my angel! She is my muse, my gospel!! Isn’t that so, God Cauldron!”

“Yes, Master. The clothing you create is the epitome of perfection.”

Ms. Shakando looks to the heavens, hugging herself with her hands on her shoulders like she’s in a trance. Ayumu is next to her, looking at his Master like a devoted servant worshiping the very ground she stands on.

Yeah, there’s something strange about these two ……

“Do you remember the contract between Ginko and myself I mentioned earlier? There is another clause.”

“There’s more?”

Big Sis’s face is turning paler by the second next to me. It’s been a busy day, turning red and blue ……

“Precisely. Our agreement includes alternating offense and defense during our Practice Sessions, but who can play their best without an incentive? That’s why we agreed that in the event Ginko wins more matches, I will pull strings to arrange Practice Sessions with other professionals and decorated amateurs for her.”

A bold smile grows on the Eternal Queen’s face.

“And, should I be victorious–––.”