Chapter 646
And that final earth-shattering "drop," even he himself hadn't been able to predict it at all.
Without real ability, it would be absolutely impossible to complete such a reversal.
He secretly estimated that Natsume Chikage's strength was probably indeed above his and Tanabe Yuuto's.
However, judging from the game process, dealing with Asahina Akatsuki seemed to be a bit strenuous, and the two were probably on par.
Regardless, a win is a win.
Fukuda Si cleared his throat awkwardly and still spoke to congratulate:
"Cough... anyway, a win is a win. Let me congratulate you for now."
Tanabe Yuuto looked at Natsume Chikage, his mood complex, both with admiration for his strength and a trace of indescribable loss.
He said in a low voice:
"Congratulations... I really didn't expect that you could actually win."
Natsume Chikage nodded slightly to everyone and responded politely:
"Thank you all."
At this time, Asahina Akatsuki's cheeks were still slightly puffed, apparently not having fully walked out of the unwillingness of losing the game.
But thinking that she had already "confessed," she simply broke the jar and took the initiative to invite:
"Natsume-kun, your match is over, you should be free later?"
"Anyway, I've already asked for leave today... why don't we go out for a stroll together later? I know there's a good dessert shop nearby."
Tanabe Yuuto had already harbored the intention of matching the two, and immediately echoed upon hearing this:
"I think this proposal is good!"
However, before Natsume Chikage could answer, Furukawa Saio had already spread her arms and blocked in front of Natsume Chikage like a little guard.
She pouted her little mouth and refused with a firm tone:
"No!"
"Big brother already promised Saio, he's going to teach Saio shogi later!"
Furukawa Masahiro also stroked his beard and added with a kind smile:
"Yes, young friends, I'm really sorry. Natsume-kun promised my little granddaughter last night."
Asahina Akatsuki looked at Natsume Chikage in astonishment:
"Is... that so, Natsume-kun?"
Natsume Chikage nodded and confirmed:
"Mm, yes."
"I promised Saio last night."
Asahina Akatsuki and Tanabe Yuuto looked at each other, both seeing the helplessness in each other's eyes.
"Alright..."
"Then... there's really nothing we can do..."
Just at this moment, a cold and pleasant girl's voice came calmly from the side.
"Congratulations on your victory, Natsume-kun."
Natsume Chikage turned his head upon hearing the sound.
He saw Konoe Hitomi had quietly arrived at his side at some point.
There was no expression on her beautiful face, but those eyes were quietly watching him.
"Hitomi? Aren't you waiting for Orihime below?"
Konoe Hitomi shook her head gently, her voice steady:
"The young lady's match hasn't ended yet, no rush."
Natsume Chikage looked at the arena accordingly.
Indeed, except for his group, other matches were still in fierce progress.
The big screen showed the real-time status of each chess game.
And Asahina Akatsuki, upon seeing this Konoe Hitomi, whose appearance far surpassed her own and whose temperament was cold, standing so naturally beside Natsume Chikage, her body stiffened significantly.
Immediately, a trace of annoyance flashed across her face.
Just a little prettier, what's the big deal.
And she keeps a straight face all day, without any expression, she must be a very boring person.
A "virtuous wife" type like herself, who is smart and interesting and can also spar with him in shogi, is more suitable for Natsume-kun!
However, she also knew Konoe Hitomi's identity—the personal maid of Mido family's young lady, Mido Orihime.
Her status was extraordinary.
That was a true big family, even if it was just a maid, it was definitely not something an ordinary high school student like Natsume Chikage could easily climb up to.
Thinking of this, the sense of crisis in her heart weakened slightly.
And Tanabe Yuuto on the side, looking at the beautiful Konoe Hitomi, and then looking at Asahina Akatsuki, whom he secretly loved, couldn't help but worry secretly.
Akatsuki, you have to work hard!
Otherwise, Natsume-kun might really be attracted away by a super beautiful girl of this level!
Konoe Hitomi said to Natsume Chikage, Furukawa Saio, Furukawa Masahiro, and others:
"The young lady still has things to find you later, please follow me."
Natsume Chikage was puzzled:
"Find us, is there something?"
Furukawa Saio held his hand and said happily:
"Senior sister Mido is coming to play chess with us later!"
Furukawa Masahiro said with shame:
"Yes..."
Natsume Chikage's expression was strange, but now that he had promised Furukawa Masahiro, he had to guide Furukawa Saio later.
It seemed he could only follow.
Soon.
When several people arrived at the contestant seating area to wait.
It was also at this moment.
Inside the arena, the next winner to finish the match was born.
On the huge screen, the picture switched.
The voice of the male commentator Inoue Masazo sounded, with a rare caution and respect, announcing to the whole audience:
"The next winner has been produced!"
"She is the one known as the 'Empress' among female players—Contestant Mido Orihime!"
The screen focused on the playing table.
He saw Mido Orihime slowly stand up from the chess table.
She didn't even look at the opponent who had conceded in frustration, her expression was cold and calm, as if what had just ended was just an unimportant practice.
She took a step and left the arena directly.
At the exit of the passage, the host Sawada Rika, who had been waiting, didn't dare to step forward to interview this young lady with a powerful aura like she did with other contestants.
She just bowed respectfully and watched Mido Orihime walk past expressionlessly.
Mido Orihime walked out of the passage, raised those strange and deep eyes slightly, and scanned the scene.
Her gaze always seemed to be able to easily lock onto that Natsume Chikage, who had a clear outline and a peaceful aura, from those "distorted" flesh puppets in her eyes.
Without any hesitation, she walked towards the direction where Natsume Chikage was.
End of Chapter
