Translator: flyingsakana
Editor/Proofreader: Jokoril
—
My name is Nanahoshi.
Nanahoshi Shizuka.
Due to some circumstances, I am currently running in the garden of Perugius’ Castle, Chaos Breaker. The cobblestone path circling the castle is definitely not easy to run on. Even so, I will keep running. That is because I need some exercise.
Recently, I have been running like this every single day. The castle is surrounded by this beautiful garden and its appearance changes every time I wake up. Different flowers bloom every month, resulting in a rotating assortment of colors. If I were to wake up every day instead of once every month, I would be able to fully appreciate this gradual change.
[Fuu…]
Three laps around the castle.
That takes up just about an hour. Of course, it’s not like I was continuously running for an hour, I don’t have the stamina for that. If I have to take small breaks, I will. Initially, I was plagued with muscle cramps due to my sedentary lifestyle, but lately, this level of activity rarely results in cramps or sores. This must be a result of my body becoming more physically fit through training. If I can train to become fit, then it logically follows that a lack of activity will make me fat.
Anyways, if I am running with this frequency, I shouldn’t be able to get too fat. Not that I am against getting fat. It’s just that I don’t want to be mistaken as someone else when I return home.
After catching my breath, I took a shower, changed clothes and returned to my room. I wonder what’s on the menu today. What will Rudeus bring me today? I pushed the door open while having those thoughts in mind.
[Hmm….]
[What’s wrong? Your chances of winning are slim now. Surrender.]
However, Rudeus is nowhere to be found.
In his place are Zanoba and Perugius. Between them sits a table on which they are playing a game similar to chess. The chess pieces are well-crafted, such that minute details can be made out even at a distance. This set was probably taken from Perugius’ collection, or bought somewhere by Zanoba.
As for the state of the game, it seems like Zanoba is being outnumbered. Even without looking at the board, you can tell that Perugius is winning by looking at Sylvaril moving her wings with pride.
Come to think of it, this world also has a game like that.
How nostalgic.
Back in middle school, I was really into games like chess and shogi. I used to go to a dojo-like place in the neighbourhood to play from time to time. In fact, I won quite a lot of those games. I stopped all of that once I got into high school, though.
[Please wait a moment. In the Shirone Kingdom, we fight to the last man without surrender.]
[You do not have the makings of a ruler it seems. Even if you lose the war, you can rebuild the country as long as troops remain.]
[You mean there existed a country rebuilt with just surviving troops and a dead leader?]
[How ignorant, Zanoba Shirone. It is the very country you were born in. Your country descends from one that was annihilated in the war with Laplace.]
[I see… It is no wonder that the downfall of my country occurred in my generation.]
Leaving aside the contents of the conversation, I am more interested in what they were eating while playing their game of chess. Two slices of white bread cut in either squares or triangles, with something in between. From what I see, that something consists of green and yellow stuff. Regardless of what is put in between the two slices of bread, the name of the dish remains the same.
It’s sandwiches.
[Long time no see, Zanoba.]
[Ohh, Nanahoshi-dono! Good morning. It has really been a while.]
Zanoba has really gotten old as compared to the Zanoba I remember. Much of his hair has become white and his face is filled with wrinkles. He is now over 40 years old, from what I have heard. Zanoba is officially an old man now.
[So it’s not Rudeus today, huh.]
[Shishou1 has been busy recently, you see. Remember that incident?]
[Ahh…]
Some time ago, Rudeus consulted with me on a dreadfully serious topic.
It was regarding the elopement of Ars and Aisha.
As for what happened during his consultation, it’s so heavy for someone like me that I did not know what to say at all. All I could do was to give vague responses or keep quiet. He brought in donuts on that day, but I could not appreciate the taste at all. In the end, more than half of the donuts remained unconsumed. It seems that the issue is still unresolved.
[Even so, as you can see, Shishou has prepared food for everyone here. You should eat up too, Nanahoshi-dono.]
[…Itadakimasu]
I sat beside Zanoba. Although only a third of the sandwiches remain, there are still a variety of fillings to choose from. There’s one filled with Tamagoyaki2, some with what looks like smoked meat and grilled fish, as well as those with white filling – probably potato salad.
For now, I reached out and grabbed the Tamagoyaki sandwich.
It may have caught my interest because of its bright yellow and green colors, but it was also due to nostalgia. As my family did not make onigiri, my lunch boxes were often packed with sandwiches. Among them, there were always Tamagoyaki sandwiches.
Thick cuts of tamagoyaki and a lettuce-like vegetable are held between the bread slices. I held it with my bare hands and started nibbling the top part of the triangle. The inner side of the fluffy bread has gotten soft from the moisture. Biting into the lettuce-like layer, I feel a slight crunch as a subtle bitterness spreads in my mouth. As my teeth sink into the softly fried tamagoyaki layer, saltiness hits me with a slight hint of sweetness, balancing the bitter taste of the lettuce. A salty aftertaste is left in my mouth, intensifying my urge to take the next bite.
Just when I was about to take a second bite, the tamagoyaki slipped out of the bread and landed on my plate, possibly because it was too thick. I picked the tamagoyaki up with my fingers, returned it in between the bread and took my second bite. This may be bad table manners, but I don’t care. While wiping my fingers with a handkerchief, i took my third and fourth bite.
Bread, lettuce and eggs.
Even with just three ingredients, this wonderful balance of flavor is achieved.
There’s also me being hungry from the physical activity, as I instantly finished eating the first sandwich.
[Still, it is quite unbelievable, what happened. Even wise people would act so rashly.]
[How is that unbelievable? That is human nature at work.]
With a snort, Perugius moved his chess piece.
Zanoba reacted with a “Ugh” to Perugius’ move, and reached out for a sandwich while staring at the chessboard.
[What do you mean by that?]
[Humans are the most foolish when they desire something. They fail to do something they are usually able to do, and they take the easiest and most irrational route. Don’t you remember such times, yourself?]
[Yes, I do.]
[As expected. This chessboard is the perfect demonstration of that. You left yourself defenceless, trying to take my king. You throw away your troops needlessly over and over again with those reckless attacks, all the while not realising that the king was just a bait.]
Perugius has an overwhelming advantage in the chess game.
Zanoba lost more than half of his army and is being surrounded by Perugius’ troops.
[Subsequently, after experiencing your defeat in this match, you would probably stop taking baits that are dangling right in front of you. Even if you are tempted by your desire, you would be able to control it. However, after a few matches, you would fall for the same trap again and choose the simplest way to attack. That is human nature, and humans are foolish.]
[So you are saying that no matter how smart one is, he will repeat the same foolish actions?]
[I don’t know about that. But for someone that always makes the optimal decision after considering the cost and benefits, which route she chooses when desire takes over… Wouldn’t that be a sight to behold?]
[I see, is that why Perugius-sama would not tell Shishou about Aisha’s whereabouts? If that is the case, pardon me as I would have no choice but to say that you have bad taste.]
[Hmph, I have no intentions of moving my subordinates for such a trifling matter.]
It seems like Rudeus had sought help from Perugius.
If only Perugius had swiftly found Aisha, I would not have felt so needlessly depressed…
[Though you say that, doesn’t Perugius-sama also have desires?]
[Hou?]
[Your obsession with Laplace, isn’t that in Perugius-sama’s own words, utter foolishness?]
[Zanoba, are you trying to say that I am a fool?]
[My apologies, that is not my intention…]
[Fine. You are right, I am foolish by nature. But Zanoba, a person can make wise decisions with full knowledge that they are foolish.]
Having an increasingly strong urge to let out a heavy sigh, I reached out for my next sandwich. Being wise or foolish… What a drag… If I think too much about what Perugius is talking about, I would definitely not be able to savor my sandwich.
[And even fools come in many varieties, for example―]
[Hey, how long are you guys gonna go on about that topic?]
When they heard that, both of them exchanged glances.
Zanoba adjusted his glasses while Perugius snorted in displeasure.
[My apologies, this isn’t something we talk about over good food. Perugius-sama, let’s leave it at that.]
[Hmph.]
The conversation ended and both of them returned to playing their game in silence.
I should also go back to having my meal.
Next, the ham sandwich.
It had a rectangular shape, made to fit the shape of the ham.
This is probably the Greyrat household’s homemade ham.
When I hold it in my hand, it can feel that the ham is covered in spices.
What was this called again… Yes, it’s pastrami.
The ham itself is cut thickly, giving it a juicy appearance.
Lifting up the bread a little, I can see that the inner sides of the bread and the lettuce are slathered in a brown-colored sauce. It looks incredibly delicious.
Without a second of delay, I opened my mouth wide and bit into it.
The bread felt a little harder compared to the previous ones. I feel the body of the ham and the crunchiness of the cucumber and lettuce, hitting my teeth with a nice resistance. If I were to describe the tamagoyaki sandwich as an experience of softness upon softness, then this sandwich would be an experience of denseness upon denseness.
On top of that, the sauce accentuates the meaty taste of the ham, stimulating my taste buds. The spicy taste in my mouth gets stronger with every bite.
[Looks like the spice used on the meat came from the Migurd Village in the Magic Continent…]
Just as I was thinking that aloud, Sylvaril came serving tea.
Her displeased expression might be because this spice came from the Magic Continent and was produced by the hands of a Magic Race.
Perugius’ subordinates do not take a liking to people from the Magic Race.
Maybe her displeased expression was because of what Zanoba said as a rebuttal to Perugius or even due to me ending their conversation prematurely.
[Is this okay?]
[“Even if its made by the Magic Race, an ingredient is still an ingredient, they are not the Magic Race itself.” was what the generous Perugius-sama said. Through Rudeus-sama, we hold some of this spice in the castle’s kitchen.]
Ultimately, Perugius prioritised his own desires and took the easier way out. This spice was purchased from the Migurd Village by Rudeus. In the end, his money is going right into the pockets of the Magic Race.
[…]
Anyways, I couldn’t care any less about that.
I took a sip of the red tea and gave a sigh of relief.
Let’s see, which one should I eat now?
The potato salad sandwich looks nice.
[Check. Surrender now, Zanoba.]
[Hmmm… Looks like I have nowhere to escape. I surrender.]
[If you had said that 20 moves earlier, your troops would not have died in vain.]
While talking, Zanoba added salt to his vegetable sandwich and ate it.
So you can eat it that way too. When I saw that, I start to crave the sandwich with the tomato-like vegetable filling.
[As expected of Perugius-sama, you are too strong. I cannot imagine myself winning.]
[That goes without saying. I have been playing this game for several hundreds of years. As if I would lose to humans who cannot even live past a hundred years.]
… No, let’s go with the other sandwich.
The menchi-katsu3 sandwich, which is the only other option left. Right, katsu sandwich it is. While I am still hungry, I want to eat something with more of a bite to it
[Nanahoshi, how about it? One match?]
[No thank you, I’m good.]
[I see. Not only did you cut our conversation off, you would also refuse to have a match with us.]
[No, that’s… ah…]
Just when I was about to reach out for the katsu sandwich, Perugius took it and bit into it. That was the last one.
[…]
If you looked at the sandwiches on the plate, four flavors of sandwiches were lined up together. In other words, there should have been four katsu sandwiches. They were placed closest to Perugius. There were four people in the room. Theoretically, if each person were to eat one type of sandwich each, I should have my share of that katsu sandwich… Sylvaril wasn’t even eating this time round…
[So Zanoba, shall we have a rematch? Or Sylvaril? You sometimes lose on purpose so I can’t really trust you…]
[I will do it. Please teach me the rules and how to move the pieces.]
Hearing me say that, Perugius broke into a wide grin. Seeing that expression, I finally understood. He probably ate my katsu sandwich predicting that I would do this. I pushed Zanoba aside and sat in front of the board, in full knowledge that I thoroughly fell for his ploy.
—
4 wins and 11 losses.
That’s my score for today.
More losses than wins.
At first I lost three games in a row, which allowed me to learn the rules and features of this game. As it seems like classic shogi tactics are often being employed, I used the double check and open check techniques like it was the most natural thing to do.
After the fourth match, I learned the trick to smoothly build an encirclement of the enemy. Winning became much easier, but I haven’t fully grasped how to attack properly, resulting in a fragmented offense. It ended up with me trying to fend off various offensive moves from Perugius.
While doing that, I attacked with shogi tactics similar to the Climbing Silver and the Fourth File Rook. Having these attacks in my arsenal, my scores with Perugius were about 50-50, with me winning the final match.
The moment Perugius lost the last match, his face was filled with frustration, despite having more wins than losses.
Losing four times to a beginner player like me must have damaged his pride as a perfectionist. Being able to see his twisted facial expression, I will leave aside my resentment of not being able to eat the katsu sandwich.
As game was ending, I finished up the remainder of the sandwiches. I had my fill today.
Satisfaction.
It is too bad that I couldn’t eat the katsu sandwich. I’ll request for it again next time.
[My apologies Nanahoshi-dono, it seems like I have done you a disservice today.]
As he was about to leave, Zanoba said that with an apologetic expression. I wonder what he is apologising for? We didn’t really talk today right? Ah, he was observing at the side the whole time I was playing the game with Perugius, occasionally giving me advice. We did talk.
If it’s not about not talking to me, then it must be regarding that topic.
[I should be the one apologising.]
I may have appeared a little irritable today, I shouldn’t have stopped their debate.
[If you have any message you want to leave to Shishou or anyone else, should I pass them on for you?]
[Let’s see… To Rudeus, I pray that his issue is resolved soon. Can you tell him that for me?]
[Understood. Well then, I will return again, next time with Shishou and Cliff-dono.]
Exchanging those words, I saw Zanoba off.
It was good that Zanoba came for me today.
There was a day where neither Rudeus nor Zanoba, not even Perugius came to visit me. I spent that day quietly in a daze, alone in my room. My mind wandered off and was filled with negative thoughts, making me needlessly depressed.
Compared to that, I would much rather be having conversations, even with the kinds of topics discussed today. Lately, I think I have come to better appreciate the value of having liveliness and company. It’s not like I absolutely need company, but with no one around, it feels lonely.
[Alright, please come again.]
I replied Zanoba, feeling thankful for his words.
However, while having a meal, I would prefer to talk about brighter topics.
With such thoughts, my eyelids grew heavier as I fell asleep.
—
Some translator notes:1. Master/Teacher in Japanese.
2. A type of fried egg, folded into a cuboid shape: Video link
3. Fried breaded patties with minced meat as the filling: Video link
Translator: flyingsakana
Editor/Proofreader: Jokoril
—
My name is Nanahoshi.
Nanahoshi Shizuka.
Due to some circumstances, I am currently running in the garden of Perugius’ Castle, Chaos Breaker. The cobblestone path circling the castle is definitely not easy to run on. Even so, I will keep running. That is because I need some exercise.
Recently, I have been running like this every single day. The castle is surrounded by this beautiful garden and its appearance changes every time I wake up. Different flowers bloom every month, resulting in a rotating assortment of colors. If I were to wake up every day instead of once every month, I would be able to fully appreciate this gradual change.
[Fuu…]
Three laps around the castle.
That takes up just about an hour. Of course, it’s not like I was continuously running for an hour, I don’t have the stamina for that. If I have to take small breaks, I will. Initially, I was plagued with muscle cramps due to my sedentary lifestyle, but lately, this level of activity rarely results in cramps or sores. This must be a result of my body becoming more physically fit through training. If I can train to become fit, then it logically follows that a lack of activity will make me fat.
Anyways, if I am running with this frequency, I shouldn’t be able to get too fat. Not that I am against getting fat. It’s just that I don’t want to be mistaken as someone else when I return home.
After catching my breath, I took a shower, changed clothes and returned to my room. I wonder what’s on the menu today. What will Rudeus bring me today? I pushed the door open while having those thoughts in mind.
[Hmm….]
[What’s wrong? Your chances of winning are slim now. Surrender.]
However, Rudeus is nowhere to be found.
In his place are Zanoba and Perugius. Between them sits a table on which they are playing a game similar to chess. The chess pieces are well-crafted, such that minute details can be made out even at a distance. This set was probably taken from Perugius’ collection, or bought somewhere by Zanoba.
As for the state of the game, it seems like Zanoba is being outnumbered. Even without looking at the board, you can tell that Perugius is winning by looking at Sylvaril moving her wings with pride.
Come to think of it, this world also has a game like that.
How nostalgic.
Back in middle school, I was really into games like chess and shogi. I used to go to a dojo-like place in the neighbourhood to play from time to time. In fact, I won quite a lot of those games. I stopped all of that once I got into high school, though.
[Please wait a moment. In the Shirone Kingdom, we fight to the last man without surrender.]
[You do not have the makings of a ruler it seems. Even if you lose the war, you can rebuild the country as long as troops remain.]
[You mean there existed a country rebuilt with just surviving troops and a dead leader?]
[How ignorant, Zanoba Shirone. It is the very country you were born in. Your country descends from one that was annihilated in the war with Laplace.]
[I see… It is no wonder that the downfall of my country occurred in my generation.]
Leaving aside the contents of the conversation, I am more interested in what they were eating while playing their game of chess. Two slices of white bread cut in either squares or triangles, with something in between. From what I see, that something consists of green and yellow stuff. Regardless of what is put in between the two slices of bread, the name of the dish remains the same.
It’s sandwiches.
[Long time no see, Zanoba.]
[Ohh, Nanahoshi-dono! Good morning. It has really been a while.]
Zanoba has really gotten old as compared to the Zanoba I remember. Much of his hair has become white and his face is filled with wrinkles. He is now over 40 years old, from what I have heard. Zanoba is officially an old man now.
[So it’s not Rudeus today, huh.]
[Shishou1 has been busy recently, you see. Remember that incident?]
[Ahh…]
Some time ago, Rudeus consulted with me on a dreadfully serious topic.
It was regarding the elopement of Ars and Aisha.
As for what happened during his consultation, it’s so heavy for someone like me that I did not know what to say at all. All I could do was to give vague responses or keep quiet. He brought in donuts on that day, but I could not appreciate the taste at all. In the end, more than half of the donuts remained unconsumed. It seems that the issue is still unresolved.
[Even so, as you can see, Shishou has prepared food for everyone here. You should eat up too, Nanahoshi-dono.]
[…Itadakimasu]
I sat beside Zanoba. Although only a third of the sandwiches remain, there are still a variety of fillings to choose from. There’s one filled with Tamagoyaki2, some with what looks like smoked meat and grilled fish, as well as those with white filling – probably potato salad.
For now, I reached out and grabbed the Tamagoyaki sandwich.
It may have caught my interest because of its bright yellow and green colors, but it was also due to nostalgia. As my family did not make onigiri, my lunch boxes were often packed with sandwiches. Among them, there were always Tamagoyaki sandwiches.
Thick cuts of tamagoyaki and a lettuce-like vegetable are held between the bread slices. I held it with my bare hands and started nibbling the top part of the triangle. The inner side of the fluffy bread has gotten soft from the moisture. Biting into the lettuce-like layer, I feel a slight crunch as a subtle bitterness spreads in my mouth. As my teeth sink into the softly fried tamagoyaki layer, saltiness hits me with a slight hint of sweetness, balancing the bitter taste of the lettuce. A salty aftertaste is left in my mouth, intensifying my urge to take the next bite.
Just when I was about to take a second bite, the tamagoyaki slipped out of the bread and landed on my plate, possibly because it was too thick. I picked the tamagoyaki up with my fingers, returned it in between the bread and took my second bite. This may be bad table manners, but I don’t care. While wiping my fingers with a handkerchief, i took my third and fourth bite.
Bread, lettuce and eggs.
Even with just three ingredients, this wonderful balance of flavor is achieved.
There’s also me being hungry from the physical activity, as I instantly finished eating the first sandwich.
[Still, it is quite unbelievable, what happened. Even wise people would act so rashly.]
[How is that unbelievable? That is human nature at work.]
With a snort, Perugius moved his chess piece.
Zanoba reacted with a “Ugh” to Perugius’ move, and reached out for a sandwich while staring at the chessboard.
[What do you mean by that?]
[Humans are the most foolish when they desire something. They fail to do something they are usually able to do, and they take the easiest and most irrational route. Don’t you remember such times, yourself?]
[Yes, I do.]
[As expected. This chessboard is the perfect demonstration of that. You left yourself defenceless, trying to take my king. You throw away your troops needlessly over and over again with those reckless attacks, all the while not realising that the king was just a bait.]
Perugius has an overwhelming advantage in the chess game.
Zanoba lost more than half of his army and is being surrounded by Perugius’ troops.
[Subsequently, after experiencing your defeat in this match, you would probably stop taking baits that are dangling right in front of you. Even if you are tempted by your desire, you would be able to control it. However, after a few matches, you would fall for the same trap again and choose the simplest way to attack. That is human nature, and humans are foolish.]
[So you are saying that no matter how smart one is, he will repeat the same foolish actions?]
[I don’t know about that. But for someone that always makes the optimal decision after considering the cost and benefits, which route she chooses when desire takes over… Wouldn’t that be a sight to behold?]
[I see, is that why Perugius-sama would not tell Shishou about Aisha’s whereabouts? If that is the case, pardon me as I would have no choice but to say that you have bad taste.]
[Hmph, I have no intentions of moving my subordinates for such a trifling matter.]
It seems like Rudeus had sought help from Perugius.
If only Perugius had swiftly found Aisha, I would not have felt so needlessly depressed…
[Though you say that, doesn’t Perugius-sama also have desires?]
[Hou?]
[Your obsession with Laplace, isn’t that in Perugius-sama’s own words, utter foolishness?]
[Zanoba, are you trying to say that I am a fool?]
[My apologies, that is not my intention…]
[Fine. You are right, I am foolish by nature. But Zanoba, a person can make wise decisions with full knowledge that they are foolish.]
Having an increasingly strong urge to let out a heavy sigh, I reached out for my next sandwich. Being wise or foolish… What a drag… If I think too much about what Perugius is talking about, I would definitely not be able to savor my sandwich.
[And even fools come in many varieties, for example―]
[Hey, how long are you guys gonna go on about that topic?]
When they heard that, both of them exchanged glances.
Zanoba adjusted his glasses while Perugius snorted in displeasure.
[My apologies, this isn’t something we talk about over good food. Perugius-sama, let’s leave it at that.]
[Hmph.]
The conversation ended and both of them returned to playing their game in silence.
I should also go back to having my meal.
Next, the ham sandwich.
It had a rectangular shape, made to fit the shape of the ham.
This is probably the Greyrat household’s homemade ham.
When I hold it in my hand, it can feel that the ham is covered in spices.
What was this called again… Yes, it’s pastrami.
The ham itself is cut thickly, giving it a juicy appearance.
Lifting up the bread a little, I can see that the inner sides of the bread and the lettuce are slathered in a brown-colored sauce. It looks incredibly delicious.
Without a second of delay, I opened my mouth wide and bit into it.
The bread felt a little harder compared to the previous ones. I feel the body of the ham and the crunchiness of the cucumber and lettuce, hitting my teeth with a nice resistance. If I were to describe the tamagoyaki sandwich as an experience of softness upon softness, then this sandwich would be an experience of denseness upon denseness.
On top of that, the sauce accentuates the meaty taste of the ham, stimulating my taste buds. The spicy taste in my mouth gets stronger with every bite.
[Looks like the spice used on the meat came from the Migurd Village in the Magic Continent…]
Just as I was thinking that aloud, Sylvaril came serving tea.
Her displeased expression might be because this spice came from the Magic Continent and was produced by the hands of a Magic Race.
Perugius’ subordinates do not take a liking to people from the Magic Race.
Maybe her displeased expression was because of what Zanoba said as a rebuttal to Perugius or even due to me ending their conversation prematurely.
[Is this okay?]
[“Even if its made by the Magic Race, an ingredient is still an ingredient, they are not the Magic Race itself.” was what the generous Perugius-sama said. Through Rudeus-sama, we hold some of this spice in the castle’s kitchen.]
Ultimately, Perugius prioritised his own desires and took the easier way out. This spice was purchased from the Migurd Village by Rudeus. In the end, his money is going right into the pockets of the Magic Race.
[…]
Anyways, I couldn’t care any less about that.
I took a sip of the red tea and gave a sigh of relief.
Let’s see, which one should I eat now?
The potato salad sandwich looks nice.
[Check. Surrender now, Zanoba.]
[Hmmm… Looks like I have nowhere to escape. I surrender.]
[If you had said that 20 moves earlier, your troops would not have died in vain.]
While talking, Zanoba added salt to his vegetable sandwich and ate it.
So you can eat it that way too. When I saw that, I start to crave the sandwich with the tomato-like vegetable filling.
[As expected of Perugius-sama, you are too strong. I cannot imagine myself winning.]
[That goes without saying. I have been playing this game for several hundreds of years. As if I would lose to humans who cannot even live past a hundred years.]
… No, let’s go with the other sandwich.
The menchi-katsu3 sandwich, which is the only other option left. Right, katsu sandwich it is. While I am still hungry, I want to eat something with more of a bite to it
[Nanahoshi, how about it? One match?]
[No thank you, I’m good.]
[I see. Not only did you cut our conversation off, you would also refuse to have a match with us.]
[No, that’s… ah…]
Just when I was about to reach out for the katsu sandwich, Perugius took it and bit into it. That was the last one.
[…]
If you looked at the sandwiches on the plate, four flavors of sandwiches were lined up together. In other words, there should have been four katsu sandwiches. They were placed closest to Perugius. There were four people in the room. Theoretically, if each person were to eat one type of sandwich each, I should have my share of that katsu sandwich… Sylvaril wasn’t even eating this time round…
[So Zanoba, shall we have a rematch? Or Sylvaril? You sometimes lose on purpose so I can’t really trust you…]
[I will do it. Please teach me the rules and how to move the pieces.]
Hearing me say that, Perugius broke into a wide grin. Seeing that expression, I finally understood. He probably ate my katsu sandwich predicting that I would do this. I pushed Zanoba aside and sat in front of the board, in full knowledge that I thoroughly fell for his ploy.
—
4 wins and 11 losses.
That’s my score for today.
More losses than wins.
At first I lost three games in a row, which allowed me to learn the rules and features of this game. As it seems like classic shogi tactics are often being employed, I used the double check and open check techniques like it was the most natural thing to do.
After the fourth match, I learned the trick to smoothly build an encirclement of the enemy. Winning became much easier, but I haven’t fully grasped how to attack properly, resulting in a fragmented offense. It ended up with me trying to fend off various offensive moves from Perugius.
While doing that, I attacked with shogi tactics similar to the Climbing Silver and the Fourth File Rook. Having these attacks in my arsenal, my scores with Perugius were about 50-50, with me winning the final match.
The moment Perugius lost the last match, his face was filled with frustration, despite having more wins than losses.
Losing four times to a beginner player like me must have damaged his pride as a perfectionist. Being able to see his twisted facial expression, I will leave aside my resentment of not being able to eat the katsu sandwich.
As game was ending, I finished up the remainder of the sandwiches. I had my fill today.
Satisfaction.
It is too bad that I couldn’t eat the katsu sandwich. I’ll request for it again next time.
[My apologies Nanahoshi-dono, it seems like I have done you a disservice today.]
As he was about to leave, Zanoba said that with an apologetic expression. I wonder what he is apologising for? We didn’t really talk today right? Ah, he was observing at the side the whole time I was playing the game with Perugius, occasionally giving me advice. We did talk.
If it’s not about not talking to me, then it must be regarding that topic.
[I should be the one apologising.]
I may have appeared a little irritable today, I shouldn’t have stopped their debate.
[If you have any message you want to leave to Shishou or anyone else, should I pass them on for you?]
[Let’s see… To Rudeus, I pray that his issue is resolved soon. Can you tell him that for me?]
[Understood. Well then, I will return again, next time with Shishou and Cliff-dono.]
Exchanging those words, I saw Zanoba off.
It was good that Zanoba came for me today.
There was a day where neither Rudeus nor Zanoba, not even Perugius came to visit me. I spent that day quietly in a daze, alone in my room. My mind wandered off and was filled with negative thoughts, making me needlessly depressed.
Compared to that, I would much rather be having conversations, even with the kinds of topics discussed today. Lately, I think I have come to better appreciate the value of having liveliness and company. It’s not like I absolutely need company, but with no one around, it feels lonely.
[Alright, please come again.]
I replied Zanoba, feeling thankful for his words.
However, while having a meal, I would prefer to talk about brighter topics.
With such thoughts, my eyelids grew heavier as I fell asleep.
—
Some translator notes:1. Master/Teacher in Japanese.
2. A type of fried egg, folded into a cuboid shape: Video link
3. Fried breaded patties with minced meat as the filling: Video link
