"I lost, and I lost miserably."
Sakayanagi Arisu savored the match they had just played, her heart swirling with complicated emotions.
She might seem calm now, but when she'd just lost, her expression had been awful. She'd even begun seriously doubting herself.
Wait, really? Wasn't she a genius?
How could a genius lose so badly?
"I practically lost my dignity along with the game."
When it came to chess, Sakayanagi Arisu could tell that Makoto Nishikado was only a little better than she was.
If she and Makoto Nishikado played ten games, she would probably win four and lose six.
But to Sakayanagi Arisu, even losing terribly at Go would only count as a minor defeat.
Chess had been a minor defeat too, yet in reality, she'd been utterly crushed.
Go was Makoto Nishikado's specialty. Chess, on the other hand, should have been hers.
To lose so miserably in the field she was most proud of would have consumed anyone else with resentment.
But even Sakayanagi Arisu found it strange: she quickly broke free of her resentment.
It was incredible. At that very moment, all she felt was satisfaction.
The corners of her mouth lifted against her will. Her smile grew wider and wider, until it turned into a string of clear, ringing laughter.
"Sakayanagi, are you okay?"
Kamuro Masumi was starting to get scared.
She was laughing—that was the Nika Conquest.
The naturally evil little princess of Sakayanagi had lost so badly, and she could still laugh?
Was this really not just laughing in anger?
Kamuro Masumi was already wondering how many children Sakayanagi Arisu would have to eat today before she calmed down.
Sakayanagi Arisu ignored Kamuro Masumi, keeping her eyes fixed on Makoto Nishikado, unable to look away. Her gaze was full of admiration.
"Makoto, you're an unparalleled genius."
"Next time, when we face off on the stage of class competition, please give it everything you've got against me, too."
With that, Sakayanagi Arisu stood and bowed to Makoto Nishikado.
For the first time, she realized that when she met a genius far greater than herself, the emotion that welled up inside her was joy.
She even hoped that Makoto Nishikado would keep beating her forever, never giving her a chance to catch up.
She wanted to see the limits of talent, too.
That was something she had always pursued.
"I just know how to play Go. I'm hardly unparalleled."
Makoto Nishikado shook his head, not particularly pleased with himself.
In his previous life, the widely renowned nine-crown champion had been a bit of an eccentric online, too.
He simply liked Go, so he'd studied it a little more than other things.
As for talent, without his cheat, he could still beat Sakayanagi Arisu—but only at Go.
He wouldn't be able to beat her so thoroughly that she questioned her entire existence.
"As for your challenge in the class competition, I welcome it anytime."
"But it would be best not to involve anyone else. Just you and me."
Makoto Nishikado had no intention of avoiding Sakayanagi Arisu's challenge.
The little princess could take a loss, and playing Go with her was a pleasure. Seeing the large haul of emotion points he'd gained made it even better.
"Is it because there's someone in Class B you care about?"
Sakayanagi Arisu suddenly turned her head, her gaze landing on Yuki Himeno, who was some distance away.
She still wore what seemed to be a gentle smile, but Yuki Himeno felt as though a bucket of ice water had been poured over her. A chilling sense of danger washed over her instantly.
Was this Class A's leader a runaway princess from an icy kingdom?
"That's not why. I just hope our match can stay pure."
Makoto Nishikado stood up and moved in front of Yuki Himeno.
He couldn't let anyone bully his little sidekick.
"Good. I don't want anyone else interfering in our contest, either."
Sakayanagi Arisu looked away, and Makoto Nishikado smiled as he stood to see her off.
After waving goodbye to Makoto Nishikado, Sakayanagi Arisu left with Kamuro Masumi.
All the way back, Kamuro Masumi worried about Sakayanagi Arisu's state of mind.
But Sakayanagi Arisu seemed absorbed in thought, as if savoring something, and Kamuro Masumi couldn't bring herself to interrupt.
She knew Sakayanagi Arisu's temper too well. If she interrupted her now, the consequences would be disastrous.
Before entering the dorm, Sakayanagi Arisu stopped and turned to look at Kamuro Masumi.
"When it comes to dates, where do you like to go?"
Since she had lost, Sakayanagi Arisu would naturally honor their agreement.
Next, she and Kamuro Masumi would have to find some free time to go on a date with Makoto Nishikado.
The thought was rather exciting.
"...Wait, why are you asking me that, too?!"
Kamuro Masumi felt like she'd heard that question before.
There was something else, too.
Even now, she still didn't understand why she had to be punished alongside them when Makoto Nishikado and Sakayanagi Arisu had made the wager.
For a moment, Kamuro Masumi even felt a little envious of Yuki Himeno.
Look at her boss, then look at you!
"Masumi, do you have a problem with me? Feel free to say it directly."
Sakayanagi Arisu asked amiably.
"I wouldn't dare, but I don't have any experience with that, either."
Kamuro Masumi snorted.
She listened to Sakayanagi Arisu, but that didn't mean she listened to everything.
"Then go back and think about it. When we have class the day after tomorrow, I'll need you to run an errand for me."
Sakayanagi Arisu nodded and explained what she wanted.
Before you continue