A Second Defeat

"Who gave me that nickname?"

"Does Kitagawa-kun really not know? That title has been circulating on the school forum for quite a while now."

"The so-called 'Peak of Advanced Nurturing' refers to the man who stands at the summit of this school—in charm, in wisdom, in physical ability."

"This really puts me in a spot~ How could I possibly live up to that?"

Kitagawa Kai set down his water glass, letting out a light sigh that could have been helplessness or teasing.

"Still, standing at the summit and all—that's not far off. For now, let's play chess first."

"Kitagawa-kun, please."

Sakayanagi Arisu said softly, placing the black pieces in front of herself, meeting the gaze of Kitagawa Kai seated across from her.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The moment Kitagawa Kai's words fell, an intangible shift in the room's atmosphere occurred.

Kamuro Masumi glanced at the two of them, then finally sat lightly on the bed, leaning against Kitagawa Kai's shoulder, her eyes fixed unblinkingly.

She had moved to that spot herself, like a cat finding a comfortable position beside a familiar person.

With the advantage of the first move, the opening rhythm was entirely in Kitagawa Kai's hands, launching a storm-like offensive.

The sound of pieces falling came thick and fast; in just over a dozen moves, the board was already woven into a complex battle.

"Kitagawa-kun, your attack today is quite sharp, isn't it?"

Amid the banter, Sakayanagi Arisu lost another rook.

That black rook was lifted gently by Kitagawa Kai's slender fingers and placed at the edge of the board.

Losing the rook meant losing a crucial pillar of defense on one side, meaning the likelihood of losing the game was rapidly increasing.

But Sakayanagi Arisu's expression showed no change at all; she even let out a soft laugh.

"However, an attack that's too sharp sometimes reveals your intentions."

"I just want to win quickly." Kitagawa Kai replied calmly, his fingers already picking up the next piece and placing it swiftly.

Another dozen or so moves passed, and the game entered its white-hot phase.

Sakayanagi Arisu's pace had noticeably slowed, each move accompanied by a long period of thought.

"Kai, was that condition you mentioned for real?" Kamuro Masumi suddenly asked in a very, very soft whisper, raising a finger to secretly poke Kitagawa Kai's side.

Kitagawa Kai glanced at Sakayanagi across from him, tilted his head slightly, his lips almost brushing her earlobe, and replied slowly in a volume only she could hear:

"Of course it's real. Don't you think... wearing that on her would be quite the contrast?"

Kamuro Masumi's brain almost instantly conjured up that image.

The eternally elegant and composed girl, changed into a black-and-white maid uniform, a lace headband, layered skirts, a white apron...

And then, softly and sweetly, calling out to Kitagawa Kai...

That image was too vivid, the impact too strong.

"That's assuming you win. If you lose, you'll probably end up working for Sakayanagi with me—that would be a real drag."

Kamuro Masumi deliberately wrinkled her nose, making a bitter face.

"That little faith in me?"

"It's not a lack of faith, it's just that Sakayanagi looks like she's really good at chess."

"Tch, you underestimate your man. I could beat her with one hand."

"What 'man'..."

Just then, the sound of a piece falling came from across the table.

Tap.

Crisp, steady, carrying a presence that couldn't be ignored.

Kitagawa Kai gave it a casual glance, then lightly lifted his own piece and dropped it swiftly, as fast as instinct.

Tap.

The game continued, like a play whose ending was already written, merely unfolding step by step.

A few more moves in, Kitagawa Kai's hand sealed off Sakayanagi Arisu's weak point.

That move came suddenly, yet felt inevitable.

The placement of the white piece was so exquisite that even Kamuro Masumi's breath caught.

She didn't understand chess, but she understood atmosphere—the moment Kitagawa Kai placed his piece, Sakayanagi Arisu's expression showed clear shock for the first time.

Sakayanagi's eyes widened slightly, something flickering rapidly in the depths of her pupils as she searched for the last thread of survival.

But those flickers lasted only two seconds.

Then, everything settled into stillness.

Sakayanagi Arisu let out a soft breath, so light it was almost a sigh, yet carrying a certain release, as if dust had finally settled.

"It seems I've lost again."

[Ding!]

[Sakayanagi Arisu Affection Level +5, current Affection Level 45 (Curiosity)]

A system notification tone, audible only to Kitagawa Kai, rang deep within his mind.

"Sakayanagi, you've improved a lot. You've already made things a bit tricky for me." His expression remained composed.

Sakayanagi Arisu took a sip of water. "Even while I was thinking, Kitagawa-kun still had the leisure to chat and laugh with Kamuro-san."

"Playing chess is playing chess," Kitagawa Kai's tone stayed calm. "Talking is talking. They don't conflict."

For a moment, she found it hard to accept that even going all out, she only managed to make her opponent feel a bit challenged.

Sakayanagi Arisu quietly watched him, something settling deep within her violet eyes.

This man was terrifyingly strong.

"I've learned much. Well then." Sakayanagi Arisu gave a slight bow, her posture flawless. "Let's call it a night here. My body doesn't allow me to stay up late. Thank you for the game, Kitagawa-kun."

Her gaze politely swept over Kitagawa Kai's calm face, then naturally shifted to Kamuro Masumi, who was still leaning against his shoulder.

"Kamuro-san, will you come with me? Or are you looking forward to what happens next?"

Staying meant the room would be left with just her and Kitagawa Kai. At the thought, Kamuro Masumi shot up abruptly, her movements hurried, carrying a hint of embarrassed irritation at having her thoughts seen through.

"I'll go back with you. What if you fall over on the way?"

Sakayanagi Arisu nodded cooperatively, her voice soft. "Kamuro-san is so thoughtful. I'll trouble you then."

"Good night, Kitagawa-kun." Sakayanagi Arisu bid a graceful farewell to the room, then added as if suddenly remembering something, "About the maid outfit, I'll prepare it."

"Good night, Sakayanagi."

Already halfway out into the hallway, Kamuro Masumi muttered in a very small, hurried voice, "Good night, Kai."

The room fell silent once more.

Kitagawa Kai leaned back against the headboard, not immediately picking up the mystery novel. His gaze swept over the system panel only he could see.

[Personal Information]

[Name: Kitagawa Kai]

[Stamina: 7 (Energetic, strong endurance)]

[Intelligence: 7 (Genius)]

[Charm: 8 (Eye-catching)]

[Items: Universal Video Recorder]

[Abilities: Affinity, Master-Level Chess Skill, Narrator, Shoulder Throw, Master-Level Painting, Wilderness Survival Expert, Master-Level Combat]

[Beautiful Girl Encyclopedia]

[Yamamura Miki (40)]

[Sakayanagi Arisu (45)]

[Ichinose Honami (57)]

[Kamuro Masumi (72)]

[Horikita Suzune (40)]

[Shiina Hiyori (40)]