Today marks the third day since Tinai started frequenting Ichi Gyokushou's Shogi Hall. Since Ichi Gyokushou is absent today, I asked Asuka-san to assign Tinai to handle the reception desk (accounting/front desk duties).
「Why, why must I do something like this?」 (Tinai)
「Pay attention. Reception work is customer service that requires a business smile (a manufactured, friendly one). The world of Shogi is exactly the same; those who cannot master a business smile won't get job offers and will become disliked. Whatever you may be thinking internally, feign friendliness on the surface.」 (Ouki)
「... Even you, Teacher, are not skilled at manufactured laughter.」 (Tinai)
「That is also part of my self-promotion (a selling point). But the foundation is smiling and greeting people. Come on, smile. With a very wide smile.」 (Ouki)
「I told you I won't!」 (Tinai)
On days when Ichi Gyokushou is absent, the number of customers who prefer the Rook-side Static Rook [Furebisha] style decreases. Therefore, I will have Tinai practice customer service now. Since she is naturally kind, her admirers will dramatically increase once she masters the business smile. Since she has not joined the Apprentice League (Training Group), I will correct Tinai's manners and behavior here.
「This might not be necessary for Shogi itself. But listen, it is necessary for the world of Shogi. If sponsors withdraw because of your volatile behavior, that alone will harm the entire Shogi community. You must understand that this behavior stains my face, your master.」 (Ouki)
「... Fine, I understand. I'll do it then! I'll do my best to show you!」 (Tinai)
「Good. Alright, here is one adult customer. Come on, smile.」 (Ouki)
「Cough... I received ¥10,000. I will return ¥9,000 first. ... Five, six, seven, eight, nine. The remainder is ¥300. Thank you very much for your visit.」 (Tinai)
「Oh, you are better than I expected. Well, I will go take a bath then.」 (Ouki)
[Regarding behavioral etiquette, even if they are only temporary skills, they are better than nothing.] (Ai)
(It is not something that will result in a loss if she does it. Since it will not lead to a loss, but rather bring a gain, there is no reason to refrain from doing it. As for Tinai, Asuka-san and Akira-san will also look out for her, so it should be fine.)
[Nevertheless, the public's impression of a master employing an elementary school student must be the absolute worst.] (Ai)
(Shut up! I can tolerate some of her affectations (Tsundere tendencies) that lighten the mood, but I must correct the parts where she treads on people's sensitive areas, or my stomach won't be able to handle it.)
First, I tested Tinai's customer interaction myself, and I was surprised that she was capable of responding appropriately. Tinai is a girl who can accomplish things if she sets her mind to it. The problem is that she doesn't want to. Shogi training is essential, but the method for surviving in the Shogi world is also a necessity. Merely possessing gentleness (courtesy) will greatly change how easily she lives.
Regardless of how much she looks down on others internally, polishing the part that shows on the surface will raise her overall evaluation. This will reduce the likelihood of her being targeted in research circles and make it easier for her (Tinai) to obtain the latest information. Tinai's idea that "all players are enemies as long as you play Shogi, and there is no need for pleasantries" leaves her vulnerable to severe isolation.
Lost in these worldly thoughts, I entered the large bathtub, only to find Tinai's attendant entering as well. It was not Akira-san, but another man who always cautiously watched her from a distance, possessing a massive, muscular build.
... He is very intimidating, and the sheer volume of his muscles and scars is unsettling. Merely looking at his stature makes you realize he is a seasoned warrior. This person is a genuine Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) member, and that is truly terrifying.
There could only be one reason for a person like this to enter this bath. He must have wanted to speak with me.
「... Princess Tinai has continued playing Shogi alone since the passing of her parents. Her happiest memories with her late parents were centered around the game of Shogi. Her situation was extremely distressing... and perhaps we were the ones who spoiled her too much.」
「... You spoiled her, then.」 (Ouki)
「That is why we are grateful to Master Ouki. Princess Tinai is now growing as a human being. The fact that Princess Tinai, who was entirely confined to her shell, is beginning to look at the outside world is due to Master Ouki's guidance. ... Therefore, we implore you to continue guiding Princess Tinai. This is a request from all of us.」
「Even if you hadn't said that, I will look after Tinai until she becomes a fully qualified professional Shogi player. I will continue to teach her everything I can as an elder, an experienced colleague, and her master.」
The mere sight of that massive muscular man bowing to me makes me shiver. Even if I reincarnated into another life, the foods I hate will still be hated, and the things I fear will still be frightening. Specifically, I am afraid of huge muscular, athletic types. I learned by experience that I, as a person, do not get along with them.
However, even so, I must embellish the conversation and conclude it smoothly. If I make a mistake in this choice, the result is death, or another form of death. Besides, I am excited to see how much Tinai develops, and to be honest, training the apprentice is enjoyable for me.
[Master, you are entirely a game brain, aren't you? By the way, an event starts today in 'Wut' (an electronic game).] (Ai)
(What? Really? ... Would it be bad if I left Tinai and went home? No, I probably can't do that. Fine, I will just stay up all night then.)
[You have the preliminary finals for the Gyokushou Championship tomorrow.] (Ai)
(Ouki): (Ah, I will pass on the Gyokushou Championship, because I won't be able to see the Ichi Gyokushou versus Ouki-Teitei (Emperor title) match. What convenient timing.)
[So, that's it. Which titles do you want to acquire, Master?] (Ai)
(I will acquire the Emperor Title (Ki-Teitei), rest assured.)
[Master, do you intend to win the deciding round for the Emperor Title contenders? You will acquire the Emperor Title (Ki-Teitei) right when the Master (Expert) gets his 99th title, which will make the 100th Ryuo-sen (Dragon-Emperor Tournament) even more exciting, won't it?] (Ai)
(... Ah. Well, I also want to acquire a title soon. Then, wouldn't the Ryuo-sen be exciting too if the battle were between achieving Eternal Seven Titles and betting on the 99th title?)
After considering everything in my completely selfish way, I left the bath and went to check on Tinai. That is when I saw a beautiful girl with a smile gracing her face. I felt relieved that she was able to handle customer service correctly, and the speed of her mastering the business smile was also commendable.
After asking Asuka-san to replace her at the reception desk, Tinai began playing multiple simultaneous games (against several opponents at once) with the hall's customers. Tables were arranged around Tinai, and she was surrounded by older men and elders. The scene might look suspicious at first glance, but the level of customers in this hall is very high compared to other Shogi parlors; perhaps because Ichi Gyokushou occasionally provides instructional lessons.
Nevertheless, these opponents are no match for Tinai, so I told her to continue winning with the goal of achieving complete victories. The strength of the customers at Ichi Gyokushou's hall ranges from the 1st to 4th amateur Dan level, despite the variation in their skills. An amateur 4th Dan player is often stronger than the lowest level of professional female players. Since this hall only consists of members of the Static Rook (Furebisha) party, this is perfect practice for facing the Mynavi Women's Open tournament.
... Most likely, the team pairings will change from the original narrative (of the story). Ai and Tinai might even face each other in the first round, and as long as the pairings are different from the original, there is no absolute guarantee that Tinai will win.
I have no choice but to instill in Tinai the ability to achieve victory regardless of the circumstances. I said I would make her an invincible professional Shogi player. Therefore, I implore you not to lose to any professional female Shogi player.
Ah, Sora-san is not a professional Shogi player, so it is acceptable if you lose to her. I want to believe that our standing is currently equal, but I haven't seen Sora-san's recent matches, so I cannot say anything for sure. In any case, we have more than six months until the Queen Title tournament. The other side will grow too, but Tinai's growth rate will be greater, and capturing the Queen Title might be possible.
....
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