Epilogue
EPILOGUE
I stare at a mirror inside a completely empty room.
“…… Pointless.”
Looking at my reflection, I think back over my story thus far.
The frail, average girl comes to be called Snow White, a princess who then goes on to be crowned Queen of Queens, an eternal title.
The rest of the world might call that a happy ending.
However, it’s all pointless to me. Winning or losing, a Repetition Draw, my story so far has been meaningless.
The Little Mermaid sacrificed her voice.
“Then, I’ll sacrifice so much more.”
Throwing out old clothes, I put my head through the collar of my new uniform and list the things I can do without.
Tears for crying when I’m sad.
A voice for whining when I’m frustrated.
Even the feet I would need to run away.
“Shogi is all I need. So long as I’ve got a brain that thinks and fingertips that can grasp the pieces.”
In exchange, I want one thing.
That’s–––strength.
I’m no Queen. I’m a challenger, now and forever. I’ve only forgotten that and tried to protect a little status and pride by running away.
Knowing my heart is that weak is infuriating.
“I want to be strong.”
I want overwhelming power.
I want a heart of ice, one that won’t flinch in the face of any challenge.
I want sharp senses, able to read to victory against any opponent.
I want the strength to play Shogi no matter how deep into despair I fall.
I want a spirit that will never break.
Becoming a princess means nothing to me.
There’s only one thing in this world I want to become.
“I want to be a professional Shogi player.”
My name is Ginko Sora.
First Queen of Queens
Women’s Throne
First-year high school student
And–––––––––newly inducted member of the Sub League 3-dan division
