image [https://urogyn.sakura.ne.jp/images/2024-10-09chess1.png]

44) CHESS COMPETITION: OPHELIA'S STRAWBERRY MUNCHING TIME

Sophia sat down across from her next opponent, Ophelia, her mind sharp and her focus steady as she felt the subtle pull of the mist-like power deep within her. Strategies flowed through her thoughts like mathematical equations, while Ophelia's icy, expressionless gaze stayed locked on her. Ophelia's sleek updo, sharp features, and oversized earrings gave her a look like a witch from a dark fairy tale, her cold demeanor intensifying the air of mystery around her.

Throughout the match, Ophelia's hand seemed to be drawn repeatedly to her earrings, as if unconsciously signaling something more sinister. Reinhart, crouched at Sophia's feet, noticed the odd behavior. His nose twitched, and his sharp eyes narrowed as he focused on the glinting earrings. Something wasn’t right. Those weren't just accessories—they were magical tools.

With a quiet growl, Reinhart's eyes darted around the room. His gaze landed on a small hand mirror left on a nearby table. Without hesitation, he snatched it up in his mouth and raced to Sophia's side. Gently nudging her foot, he offered the mirror. Sophia glanced down and quickly understood his plan.

Keeping her movements subtle, she angled the mirror to reflect light onto Ophelia’s earrings. As the beam of light hit them, something shifted. Ophelia’s icy façade cracked for a moment, her eyes blinking in confusion as if she had suddenly lost control. Her calculated moves faltered.

Sophia seized the opportunity. Her mind cleared, and each move fell into place with perfect precision.

"20. Qf3 Nc4"

"30. axb3 Na3"

The disruption in Ophelia’s magic was evident. Her sharp, mechanical style softened, and Sophia’s calm and intuitive play took over. Every move led her closer to victory, her mind working through the game like a perfectly solved equation.

"41. Qf7 1-0."

With that final move, Ophelia sighed, her shoulders slumping. For the first time, a glimmer of emotion flickered across her face—her cold, witch-like demeanor replaced with the vulnerability of a normal girl. The power of the earrings had faded, and so had the unnatural control they had over her.

“That was an incredible game,” Sophia said, her voice gentle but firm. Ophelia nodded, still dazed, but offered a small, genuine smile in return. Luna, watching from the sidelines, rushed over with a pack of strawberries in hand. “Here, have these! You earned it,” she said, grinning.

Ophelia blinked in surprise, then took a strawberry, biting into it shyly. “Thank you,” she murmured softly. The sight of her, once so cold and distant, munching on a strawberry like a regular girl, warmed the hearts of the spectators. Laughter rippled through the crowd as they watched the lighthearted moment unfold.

Reinhart returned to Sophia's side, his tail wagging triumphantly. Sophia knelt down and handed the mirror back to him. “Thank you, Reinhart. You saved the day,” she whispered, her gratitude genuine.

Reinhart puffed out his chest, his tail wagging even faster. “Of course! I’m not just an ordinary dog, you know!” he said, pride filling his voice.

Ophelia, having regained her composure, bowed slightly to Sophia. “You were strong—really strong. I felt something… strange from you. A power,” she said quietly.

Sophia smiled, her eyes twinkling. “You’re strong too, Ophelia. Let’s keep doing our best.” She extended her hand, and Ophelia took it, her smile now fully bright.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

And so, with applause from both sides, the tense chess match ended in an unexpected moment of warmth. Sophia, Luna, and Ophelia sat together, eating strawberries, laughter and joy replacing the tension of battle. The chessboard, once a battlefield, now felt like a distant memory.

image [https://urogyn.sakura.ne.jp/images/2024-10-09chess1.png]

45) CHESS COMPETITION: RECHARGING WITH STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

"That was incredible, Sophia!"

"You totally nailed it!"

"Amazing work!"

Sophia's South College teammates surrounded her, their excitement bubbling over as they clapped her on the back and grasped her hands. Their eyes sparkled with admiration, and their voices were filled with energy as they showered her with praise.

In the corner of the room, a large table was overflowing with an array of decadent sweets. South College students had set it up to celebrate their victories, and the smell of freshly baked treats filled the air. There were Sophia’s favorites too: strawberry shortcake, chocolate tarts, and bright, colorful macarons. The sweet scent alone felt like a reward.

"Here, Sophia! Have some strawberry shortcake, it'll recharge you!" One of her friends handed her a plate, the delicate slice topped with ripe strawberries and a cloud of whipped cream.

"Thanks, but I’ll burst if I eat more!" she laughed, though she couldn’t resist taking a bite. The softness of the cake and the sweetness of the strawberries melted on her tongue, making her smile involuntarily.

"This is so good…" she said, blushing as she continued eating. The dessert gave her a brief moment of peace.

The celebration continued, but the weight of the final match loomed over them all. South College had claimed victory in the boat race, but North College had taken the polo event, bringing them to a deadlock. It all came down to the final chess competition, and Sophia was their last hope. As much as her friends tried to lift her spirits, there was a palpable tension beneath their joy.

"But the next opponent is…" someone said quietly, breaking the mood.

"Nyra," another student added with a sigh. Nyra, North College’s vice-captain, was feared for his fierce attacks and razor-sharp strategy. And even if Sophia managed to defeat him, she would still face the chess genius, Ardelbert von Ritterstein.

One of the South College teachers stepped forward, their tone calm but serious. "Sophia, you’ve been nothing short of remarkable. You’ve brought us this far. But if you feel you need to withdraw, there’s no shame in that. We’d all understand."

"That’s right, don’t push yourself too hard, Sophia!" Luna said, offering another slice of shortcake with a wide grin. "Have more cake—this one is even better than the last! Guaranteed!"

Sophia couldn’t help but smile. "Thanks, everyone," she said softly as she accepted the plate. The sugary sweetness eased the knots of anxiety within her, even if just for a moment.

But something still tugged at her heart. The weight of what was coming next pressed on her mind.

"The final match will take place in one week," the teacher continued. "Sophia, you’ve earned the right to choose. If you need to step back, no one will think less of you."

Sophia’s friends watched her, their faces a mix of hope and worry. They knew the battle ahead wasn’t just about chess—it was about everything the competition represented.

Taking a deep breath, Sophia thanked them all and left the room. She could still taste the sweetness of the shortcake, but the burden of the next challenge hung heavily on her shoulders.

"Sophia!" Luna caught up with her, carrying a basket full of shortcakes. "Take these with you to the waiting room. You need to keep your energy up!"

Sophia laughed, accepting the basket with a grateful nod. "You’re right, Luna. These cakes are definitely keeping me going."

At her feet, Reinhart the Chihuahua wagged his tail and looked up at her with a knowing gaze. He could sense the storm of emotions swirling inside her.

"I’ve got to win this, Reinhart," she murmured, more to herself than to him. "I need to face Ardy, to finally talk to him…"

Reinhart’s gaze sharpened as he replied, "I’ll be with you, but be careful. This Nyra isn’t just any opponent. He’s got something about him that doesn’t feel… human."

Sophia looked down at him, her resolve hardening. "I know it won’t be easy. But I have to win this. I need answers."

Reinhart wagged his tail more enthusiastically and barked with a playful grin, "That’s the spirit! And don’t forget—cake is your secret weapon. Energy comes from sweets!"

Sophia laughed, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I’ve got it. I’ll be ready for this. And I won’t forget to fuel up with these cakes!"