Chapter 3
The Rise of Ōgi and the Mysterious Invitation

Mayoko continues her tale, her voice growing livelier, reflecting a busier, more dynamic period of her life.

My game first spread among the children of the village, she says, a smile of pride lighting her face. Then the adults began to take an interest in it. Merchants, craftsmen, even a few passing samurai would stop to watch our games.

She makes a sweeping gesture with her hand, as if to take in the full scope of her story. The game grew in popularity, spreading naturally to the neighbouring villages. Travellers who passed through our village left carrying the rules of ōgi with them. In some temples, they even began teaching the game to young disciples, believing that it sharpened the mind.

Her voice then takes on a more serious, almost solemn tone. One day, as I was teaching ōgi to a group of young people in the temple courtyard, something unexpected happened. The royal guard came to me. Mayoko pauses, leaving her audience hanging on her lips. They invited me to the castle.