Chapter 58
The low hum of the Astral Train's engines provided a steady rhythm to the room, broken only by the occasional clink of ceramic against wood. Himeko took a slow sip of her tea, her crimson eyes fixed on the chessboard between her and Seele. The pieces were arranged in a tense midgame, white and black locked in a delicate balance of strategy and deception.
Across from her, Seele rested her chin on one hand, her other poised just above a knight, but hesitating. Her deep indigo eyes flicked between Himeko's pieces and her own, mapping out possibilities. She had started the match with a strong offense, pushing her queen forward early, but Himeko had countered with an impenetrable defense, making every move a test of patience.
Seele had expected a challenge—Himeko was not the kind to play anything lightly—but this match was something else. Every move she made was met with effortless counters, calculated and deliberate. It was as if Himeko had planned ten steps ahead before the first piece had even moved.
"You're thinking too hard," Himeko said, smiling as she swirled her tea. "A sharp mind needs to be decisive."
Seele scoffed lightly but didn't argue. Her fingers finally closed around the knight, moving it forward to challenge one of Himeko's bishops.
"Bold," Himeko remarked, setting her cup down. "But was it the right choice?"
Before Seele could respond, a sudden grunt and a loud thud echoed through the carriage.
Both turned their heads just in time to see March 7th stumble past the open door, arms wobbling under the weight of a large stack of boxes labeled "Kitchen Supplies."
"Don't mind me!" March huffed, struggling under the load. "Just... reorganizing! Pom said we needed better storage, and I volunteered!"
Seele and Himeko exchanged a glance before looking back at their game.
"Your move," Himeko said, as if nothing had happened.