Chess Game (2)

Unexpected.

Someone had actually discovered that tennis ball just like Oreki.

Oreki was only looking because he was bored.

After all, the school leadership's speeches were just like machines, repeating the same few lines over and over.

They couldn't go a moment without their scripts.

If they strayed from them, they would immediately start spouting nonsense.

Things like "the watershed of life" or whatever...

Fooling others is one thing.

Don't fool yourself.

Oreki shook his head.

He had gotten sidetracked; he was supposed to be sizing up Kiyoko.

Good observational skills... and well-developed athletic nerves.

He reached a preliminary conclusion.

As for the rest, he would wait until after the match to have a proper chat with Kiyoko.

But Oreki, who had just been about to raise his hand to concede, stopped.

Because Kiyoko had already smashed the high lob back.

The speed was not to be underestimated.

If that hit him, it wouldn't just leave a mark; it would hurt for a good while, right?

Was this her revenge for earlier?

Oreki immediately countered.

Since she wanted to settle things between them, he would grant her wish.

Even though he was an energy-conservationist.

Oreki had never said his athletic ability was lacking.

He was just plain lazy.

The battle between the two grew increasingly intense.

Every time the tennis ball crossed the center line, it let out a fierce whistling sound.

"So amazing..."

Karuizawa Kei watched from afar, stunned.

She hadn't expected a tennis match could be this intense.

Even if she didn't know what was so intense about it...

It was just intense.

"Is this what you were talking about?"

Kamuro Masumi asked Sakayanagi.

Her impression of Oreki was rather vague.

That's how it is when you first meet someone.

Although he was quite handsome, his lazy demeanor still cost him quite a few points.

But Oreki himself didn't care.

As long as you have money, that's enough.

Appearance is just the icing on the cake.

Money is the foundation.

Without money, who would even look at you?

Besides, even if the kind of plot between a male and female lead in a light novel actually happened...

Living together would still require a significant amount of money.

Otherwise, it would be a real test of their relationship.

The reality is... many people cannot withstand that test.

Is it a case of the soil determining the crop?

Or is it that light novels only feature what is missing in reality?

Sakayanagi nodded.

She loved dealing with true geniuses.

That's right, true geniuses.

To Sakayanagi, those "geniuses" cultivated in the later stages were nothing more than laughable clowns.

"The outcome is decided..."

Sakayanagi looked toward Oreki.

She saw his final shot strike the net of the tennis court.

It got stuck.

This...

Should it be counted as a tie?

Or a draw?

Just as the president of the Tennis Club hesitated, a fierce north wind blew through.

It happened to blow from Oreki's direction toward Kiyoko.

The stuck tennis ball shifted.

It finally landed on the ground.

Oreki had won.

Although there was a bit of luck involved.

But luck is also a part of one's strength.

"A brilliant battle."

The president was the first to applaud.

Soon, some of the club members behind her followed suit.

"With the two of you joining... it seems the championship of the next tournament belongs to us."

She said, looking very pleased.

Last time, the Tennis Club only took third place.

It was a great pity.

Because the president's wish was to lead the members to win a tournament championship within these few years.

But she had failed the previous few times.

This year was the final chance.

She had almost given up, but who knew she would suddenly encounter two geniuses.

With a little training, they would surely shine brilliantly in the tournament.

The championship was practically in the bag.

"Sorry, I would like to apply to withdraw from the club."

Oreki shattered the president's fantasy.

As he spoke, he handed over his withdrawal application.

"Huh?"

The president could hardly believe her ears.

A withdrawal application?

Is this a joke?

Although within three days of joining, as long as one feels they are not suited for the club, they can submit a withdrawal application to the president.

But judging by his performance just now...

How could Oreki look like he wasn't suited for it?

Such a brilliant performance.

"Wait!"

The president hurriedly stopped Oreki.

She understood very well what young boys were thinking these days.

It was nothing more than being too self-centered.

"As long as you join, whoever you have your eye on, your senior will definitely help you. Besides, the girls in our Tennis Club aren't bad at all... if it really comes down to it..."

"I'm very sorry, I currently don't have..."

"You shouldn't speak so absolutely, look... hey! Junior!"

Oreki turned and left.

He didn't want to actually join the Tennis Club.

Wasting an hour every day playing tennis...

That was still too extravagant.

"Let's go."

Sakayanagi leaned on her cane and walked over to the motorcycle.

Kamuro Masumi nodded.

She had long since grown tired of watching.

It was just a tennis ball flying back and forth; Kamuro Masumi didn't understand what was so interesting about it.

She folded up her parasol, then rode the bike away with Sakayanagi.

The Chairman really is broad-minded...

Oreki muttered inwardly.

Letting his own daughter do whatever she pleased.

"It's already three o'clock."

Karuizawa Kei walked up to Oreki.

"Let's wait a little longer."

Oreki didn't intend to leave just yet.

There was one more thing he had to do.

And that was to have a word with Kiyoko.

Just in case, I should go probe for the truth.

Oreki thought cautiously.

--To be continue