"Ye, are you awake?"
Hearing Kokomi's call from outside the door, Ye snapped out of his thoughts and went to open the door.
"Breakfast is ready."
Kokomi nodded slightly and said this.
Ye nodded indifferently: "Mm."
For some reason, Ye felt that Kokomi had been acting strange lately.
Ever since she rejected Ye's proposal last time, Kokomi had become odd.
But as for what exactly was strange, even Ye couldn't quite figure it out.
There were few things Ye couldn't understand, but Kokomi was definitely one of them.
From their first meeting, Kokomi had always been beyond Ye's expectations.
Of course, now Ye understood that during their first meeting, Kokomi must have been half-asleep, mistaking it for a dream, which was why she acted so unusually.
But even excluding that time, Kokomi was still very strange.
For example, now, even though she had been very resistant during their shared dreams, refusing to cooperate unless forced, after Ye stopped having shared dreams, she became more proactive, finding ways to get closer to him.
Could it be that because I stopped having shared dreams, she felt lonely and wanted to reconnect? Should I have a few more shared dreams to comfort her?
Or should I try proposing again?
Maybe this time she'll actually say yes.
But that doesn't make sense either.
She rejected my proposal so decisively last time, but the very next day her attitude changed. So what exactly does she mean?
Ye was truly baffled by Sangonomiya Kokomi, which was rare for him.
It must be said, as the strategist known for her ingenious plans, her actions were always unpredictable and surprising.
Could it be… that she just wants to surprise me, which is why she's acting so strangely?
If that's the case, then Ye had to admit, impressive.
Well, whether or not Kokomi's thoughts can be understood doesn't really matter. Let her do as she pleases.
For now, it's better to prepare properly.
It won't be long before the real confrontation with the Raiden Shogun.
When that time comes, that woman… that goddess will definitely go crazy trying to kill me, and Sen'emon certainly won't miss this golden opportunity. If I don't prepare properly, I might end up being sliced into pieces.
"Ye, do you know how to play shogi?"
During breakfast, hearing Kokomi's question, Ye looked up at her.
After thinking for a moment, he answered truthfully: "Yes, I've even been a Meijin before."
Although later, his disciple overthrew him. That ungrateful disciple.
"Meijin?"
"It's a title from another world's shogi."
"Does another world have shogi too?"
"Worlds always have similarities."
After all, fantasy worlds always have their origins.
"Is that so?"
Kokomi knew that Ye was from outside this world. She had never left this world, so what Ye said must be true, since she couldn't verify it.
Of course, she didn't think about verifying it. Such things weren't important.
"Do you want to play a game? We have some free time today."
"Sure, it's been a while since I've played."
However, while it was shogi, Inazuma's shogi was somewhat different from Earth's.
Well, the characters were different.
Looking at these shogi pieces with different characters, Ye couldn't help but feel a bit nostalgic.
Thinking about it, it had been so many years since he last touched this. The last time he played was… well, the last time.
For a moment, he felt quite nostalgic.
With this thought, Ye opened with a "Sankaku" formation.
He really didn't know the level of skill in this world, but judging by Kokomi's calm response, Inazuma must have its own set of strategies.
Of course, this wasn't important.
Playing shogi was just a way to relax. Kokomi's real goal was likely in the conversation that would follow.
Sure enough, after playing for a while, Kokomi suddenly spoke up: "Ye, the Traveler has arrived in Inazuma. Should we make contact? You said she's the key to the war."
"I've already made contact with her. Don't worry, we just need to wait patiently now."
"I see, that's good."
Kokomi already knew this, of course, as she had her own informants. She was fully aware of what Ye and the Traveler had done at Ritou.
However, this was just a way to start the conversation.
"The Traveler is our trump card against the Raiden Shogun. But what about Sen'emon? Should we try to lure her away before the final battle? That way, if we can end things quickly, we won't have to worry about Sen'emon's threat."
At this point, Kokomi's expression became slightly serious.
"But if we can't end things quickly, and Sen'emon returns, we might be completely wiped out."
"As for Sen'emon, don't worry. I'll handle her when the time comes."
"…Isn't that too dangerous?"
"Don't you believe in my strength?"
"No, it's just…"
Kokomi wasn't sure how strong the Supreme Bishop of Fontaine really was. After all, he wasn't famous for his strength, though there were rumors that he possessed power comparable to a god.
But those were just rumors. Very few people in this world had seen the Supreme Bishop in action, and you'd have to dig through centuries of history to find any records.
Sen'emon, on the other hand, was different. Her strength was something that struck fear into the hearts of the people of Inazuma.
From the day Sen'emon was born, her legend had been deafening in Inazuma. Kokomi even felt a deep-seated fear of her name.
But… since Ye said so, he must have some confidence, right?
Though she was still a bit worried, Kokomi didn't think the Supreme Bishop, known for his wisdom, would do something as foolish as seeking his own death. So she decided to let it go.
As Kokomi played shogi, she continued to search for topics, then casually inserted the question she really wanted to ask.
However, it was only seemingly casual. Kokomi also wanted Ye to realize that it wasn't truly unintentional.
"You've been alive for five hundred years and haven't met anyone you like?"
"Haven't you thought about getting married?"
"I've actually been thinking about finding a fiancé. But unfortunately… sigh…"
"Ye, do you think I should start considering my life's major events?"
Could Ye understand?
—Of course he could!!
Ye couldn't help but feel excited. How could he not understand such obvious hints?
Could it be that Kokomi has really changed her mind and wants to accept my proposal?
Is she hinting that she wants me to propose again?
Is this an illusion?
No, no, this definitely can't be an illusion.
The chance to end my single life is right in front of me!
In his excitement, Ye moved his piece and checkmated Kokomi, then without hesitation, proposed again:
"Kokomi, want to hook up tonight?"
"Clatter—!!"
Kokomi immediately swept the shogi board aside, stood up, and left.
Ye stared silently at the board: "…This is cheating!"
This woman is truly something else. She set me up just to reject me a third time?
Are you trying to unlock an achievement with me!?