Ryuuou no Oshigoto! - Volume 6 - Chapter 2.2

  THE LADY’S NEW YEAR

“…… is what happened this afternoon~. What am I supposed to do?”

“Bragging about your Lolita fever dream? You’ll rot my ears off, so spare me,” Ai Yashajin quips as I tell her about the Grade Schooler Practice Group incident during our review session after playing an instructional match.

Today is the first lesson of the year.

Since I wanted to wish Ai’s grandfather and my employer, Kouten Yashajin, a happy new year I thought it be a good time to visit the Yashajin Manor in Rokkousanroku, Kobe.

I saw her at the First Move Ceremony, so it hasn’t been all that long since I talked to her.

But, before that …… I didn’t see her much at all, if any, during the Ryuo Title Match. We went to register her for the Women’s League once it wrapped up, but she just said, “You won? Good for you,” when I saw her then.

Best case scenario, she might’ve been giving her Master some space because I was busy.

Then again, meeting up could’ve been so much of a hassle that she didn’t bother …… 

“…… I’m worried about Ai clinging to me for too long, but I’m more worried about you not being close enough. Why don’t you drop this tough girl act and let me treat you every once in a while?”

“Because that will never happen!”

“Oh ……”

“I’m sure I’ve said this before, but I have no intention of playing nice with my rivals. I’ll do what’s absolutely necessary as a member of the Women’s League. However, the rest of my time is my own.”

“That’s cold. I fought off the chairman to make you a member of this family, didn’t I?”

“I have no interest in playing house,” she snaps. “I got a pretty good idea of that during the First Move Ceremony. The players here in Kansai feel much more like a family than Kanto players do. But, at the end of the day, everyone’s competing against each other, no? Helping each other out, being all buddy-buddy. That’s just an act. They’re just trying not to feel guilty every time they beat someone else.”

“Playing house, you say ……”

As her Master, that attitude makes me nervous.

I’ll admit that stubbornness is perfect for a competitor. It would’ve been fine back in the day.

But practice groups with other players are part of modern Shogi. Lone wolves are destined to be left out in the cold.

“…… Although, things are changing bit by bit these days ……”

“What’s changed?”

“Huh? Nothing …,” mumbling, I reflect a bit more on Ai’s proudly independent personality.

The reason she has such a reaction to the word family might be related to the fact that she lost her parents.

“I meant to ask. Did you tell your parents you joined the Women’s League?”

“I visited their graves, yes.”

“Good …… Do you think they said anything? Congrats, maybe?”

“Nothing at all. Ghosts don’t exist, either.” She shrugs and continues. “All that I have is what they left behind …… Memories, heirlooms, that kind of thing.”

“Do you still have the equipment your parents used? Boards or pieces?”

“Grandfather disposed of them. He said I looked sad whenever they were used.”

“So, the ones you have now–––.”

“He bought a new set. It feels just the same.”

“I see ……”

“Grandfather disposed of more than just the board and pieces. He put every single one of their notebooks and old match records into their caskets to be burned along with them. I don’t remember much before or after the funeral, but if you’re curious then Akira–––.”

“Ah, no! Sorry I asked.”

Apologizing for making her relive painful memories, I change the subject.

“I’ve got it! Now that you’re a Women’s League member, I need to get you a gift–––.”

“I don’t need anything, so don’t bother.”

“Really? How about some customized pieces to mark the occasion?”

“High-quality boards and pieces have no connection to Shogi level.”

“Well, having high-quality boards and pieces will make you want to practice more so they don’t go to waste. What do you think about that?”

“Doesn’t matter. I practice every day regardless.”

She does …… 

“I want to be very strong. Talent and skill aren’t something someone can just give you. So, I don’t need anything.”

“Is that so? Then, you want to get stronger, yeah?”

I nod as I put away the pieces.

“In that case, it’s about time you made your debut. You’re qualified enough as it is.”

“? If you’re talking about my first Women’s League match, it’s not for quite a while yet.”

“I’m not talking about a match.” Grinning, I say, “There’s a special place where only pros and Sub League members are allowed inside–––I’ll take you to the Kansai Association’s Player’s Room.”