Naruto Refuses Toad Contract

"I swear I will make them pay with everything I have. I will use my very own blood to sign the documents that will end them if I must!” To Champagne Gold, life was always like a fast-moving truck with no brakes and a drunk driver, one she couldn't avoid. At the age of five, she lost her parents in a helicopter crash. Life after that was one problem to another but she held on... until her grandfather passed away as well. With his death came the loss of her position of CEO and her hard-earned shares. As if that was not enough, she was served with divorce papers and the revelation of her husband's adultery with her cousin. Dealt with one too many blows, Champagne sought to end it all. Perhaps she could be reincarnated or whisked away to another world like the books she read before, but that was not to be. Instead, a mysterious man entered her life. "Rather than escape like a coward, I can give you the power and resources to carry out your revenge. I have but one condition―marry me.” Champagne held her lips between her teeth and took the offer. However, just when she believed her new life was going smoothly, she found out another painful secret. One more painful than any she had discovered before. She had undergone a uterus removal procedure and she didn't even know it. Now Champagne is more determined than ever to get revenge on everyone who wronged her. She would do and give everything to make them pay for taking away something so precious from her.

"In order to survive the future great war, we must take drastic measures. We need to summon warriors and train them before time runs out." Thus, millions of earthlings were reincarnated in an alien, medieval world governed by swords and magic to save its prophesied doom. Among those individuals, one's situation inexplicably deviated from the others. Thrust into a rotting house in a ghostly body, Adam found himself bound to a wailing baby. With a heavily damaged soul and the snarky remarks of a system, he began his years-long quest to recover his body. Armed with his mind, he'll educate the baby and slowly watch him turn into a good youth. However, he would have to make a choice: suffer as a ghost until he finds an alternative that might not exist, or possess his body and reincarnate. He was far from imagining how dangerous this world full of possibilities could be, prompting him to question everything he knew... Including himself and this world's intentionally blurred history. ********************************************** Discord server: https://discord.gg/ubzzKM5wfp Note: The MC is not a supporting character. He makes his own choice and decides where to go despite his condition. It's his story, not the baby's. Give it a chance because it's a great one I'm sure you'll enjoy it. ********************************************** What you can expect: -A living world with its own lore. -Each character has their own motivations and desires. -Moral grey story. -An MC who grows and learns little by little. -A long but epic quest.

In a high-stakes contract marriage, Serena and Alexander navigate unexpected love, dark secrets, and dangerous enemies, where every choice could seal their fate—or shatter their carefully constructed lives.

On Tokyo, Japan there’s a cold and serious professional assassin named Kage Ryunosuke. Everyday, he filled his life full of killings and bow towards the “Kage No Shakai” organization, which is an organization filled with many deadly assassins who works in the shadows of the society of Japan. Ryunosuke always been taught that to be an assassin, you have to kill your feelings. He feels that his life has no joy. Then one day, he watches a very famous idol of Japan called Sakura Aihara on TV. As he watches her performance on TV, he falls in love with her and that love becomes an obsession for him and slowly changes his life. He becomes her #1 fan. Since then, he feels that he become much more alive for the first time in his life. But suddenly, the head of the organization called him and assigned him to assassinate Sakura Aihara. He surprised and has no choice, but to accept the assignment. He starts to hesitate. Should he kill his beloved idol that changes his life or otherwise????? And why Sakura Aihara becomes the organization’s target??????????

After being betrayed by her fiancé and cousin on her wedding day, Zara, reborn with memories of past mistakes, vows to rewrite her destiny. Impulsively, she marries a stranger to keep her ex at bay, not realizing Snow is far from a mere call boy. Snow Zephyr, a wealthy CEO and alpha of the Ivory Crescent Pack, needs a contract wife to appease his father and secure his position. When a bold, determined woman proposes a marriage of convenience, Snow agrees, unaware of the chaos she will bring into his life. Zara's defiant choice provokes her parents' fury, leading to her being cast from the company and forcing her to find work elsewhere. She lands a job at Aurora Conglomerate Inc., only to discover that her new boss is Snow, the very man she married—and her ex's uncle. Sparks fly as their mutual attraction grows amidst the darkness of his family's secrets and looming threats. Zara’s strength and independence captivate Snow, who begins to see her as the potential Luna his pack needs. Together, they face vengeful ex-lovers, kidnapping plots, and deadly rivalries. As Zara's powers awaken, she must confront the reasons behind her family's disownment, the hidden clauses in her marriage contract, and her ultimate role in Snow’s world. When their marriage of convenience deepens into a genuine partnership, a new challenge emerges in the form of a fated mate. Will Zara fight the dangers that await or embrace her true destiny? **EXCERPT** "I... didn't want to be late for work. You seemed busy, so I thought I'd get a head start." Snow raised an eyebrow. "Really? Or is it because last night affected you so much that you couldn't stand being around me?" "Don't flatter yourself, Snow. You didn't affect me at all." He smirked, stepping closer. "Is that so?" His fingers brushed my chin, tilting my face up. My pulse quickened. "We're at work," I snapped, swatting his hand away. "This isn't professional." "You're my wife," he murmured. "You're supposed to obey me at all times." I bit back a retort, a hint of rebellion flaring within. Slowly, I stepped closer, letting my fingers graze his chest. His smirk wavered for a second when his wolf reacted and Snow bit his lips. "Careful, Boss," I purred seductively. "Don't hurt those lips. I'm sure plenty of girls would love to kiss them." Snow leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. "And you? Are you dying for a taste?" Caught off guard, I hesitated, then regained my composure as I looked him in the eyes. "Unlike other girls, I have strong resistance against—" I didn't get a chance to finish when Snow's lips crashed onto mine with a fierce kiss that left me breathless. *************** MATURE CONTENT Participating in the Viral Book Call Contest. Kindly Support Me!

[Warning: This novel features Mature Content 18+] Separating from her mother after 11 years brought out a lot of change in Ayana. Her cheerful self was gone, she was quieter and reversed. When she thought everything would change for the better, she was betrothed to a vampire. It was a political marriage. If that was not the worst, that man hated humans. The rumors said he killed humans just for pleasure. Just when Ayana thought she was ready, life gives her another surprise, her husband is a handsome swindler that likes to aggravate her with his sweet talk. He is an expert actor who likes to pretend his love for her. Can she resist her husband's charm and walk out of the marriage with an intact heart? Excerpt: “I will go first. I, Luca Winter, would assist and help Ayana Winter on her revenge plan and would never harm and hurt her. In return, I will ask for something Ayana Winter possesses and she had to give it to me willingly as the payment of my help.” Luca said casually. Ayana frowned as she looked at Luca. “Is it my father's journal?" Ayana said as she looked at the man, voicing her suspicion. Ayana noticed as the man's smile freeze for a millisecond. The man tried to act casual, but Ayana has got her answer. Ayana smiled as she finally got the response. The man was after her father’s mysterious journal. “I will give it to you if it is on my hand,” Ayana said still with a smile on her face, "and if not, you would have to ask for another thing with a similar value, take it or leave it." In her heart, Ayana promised to herself that she would never claim the book as hers, therefore Luca would never have a chance to claim it as his. She cannot believe the man, but she knew she needed his help if she wanted to make evident progress in her plan.

"Shying away from your wifely duties, little wife?" He questioned in a husky voice, lowering his face to hers. Ariel quickly turned her head away, "No, Mr. Chaz, you're misunderstanding me again," She voiced quietly. Aiden scoffed, not believing her. He looked down at his chest and found her slim hand still placed against it. "You're quite corny, Ariel. Saying you don't want me, yet you're hands are all over me," Aiden whispered in her ear. *** After overhearing her father and stepmother planning how they were going to marry her off in place of her Stepsister to the unsuccessful son of their debtor. That night, Ariel plans her run away, but that same night, Ariel mysteriously gets kidnapped. Waking up to discover she'd been kidnapped by the same people she was trying to run away from made her life seem like it had hit rock bottom. Now, she was going to be forced into a marriage with a man she didn't know and didn't love. But, would everything remain the same for her when she discovers that her new husband was the richest Billionaire in the country? Chaz Aiden was a successful billionaire with billions of businesses all over the world and zero interest in women, especially after his mother had divorced his father for a richer man. When his grandmother asked him to do him a favor by marrying the Hudson family's daughter, he knew it was for the sake of greed. He swore to make his new wife's life a living hell, making sure he reminded her that she would always be an object he purchased, contracted and never to be loved.

Xavier Harrington, a cold domineering billionaire whose company was at the brink of closing down all because he couldn't find a wife. He then resorts to paying any available lady he could find to act as his wife just until his troubles are over. His first attempt? The lady ran away with his billion dollars and he was determined to find her. However, Laura Collins who was running away from home stumbled on his guards who took her to him as the lady who ran away with his money when she had never met him. Running away from home, she encounters a billionaire who kidnapped her and wants her to sign a non-disclosure contract of living with him for two years. Will Laura accept Xavier's proposal to live with him for two years out of desperation of hiding from her family?? Will she refuse because she couldn't bear to live with someone who had kidnapped her and suddenly wanted to make her his wife when she knew nothing about him??

The Bootlicking Antagonist Wants to Survive, but Female Lead refuses to follow the plot One car accident and I’m transported into a city power fantasy as the villain. As long as I survive until the grand finale, I can return to the real world with hefty rewards. But! These stunning beauties don’t go to serve as the protagonist’s harem, they surround me every day. Are they not satisfied with how slowly I’m dying? Stop wearing stockings, stop wearing uniforms, what’s with all of you trying to seduce me? To find Long Aotian! Since destiny is in my hands, I might as well challenge the protagonist directly! Who’s the protagonist, damn it, who knows! My Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jodex7

“Your delusions grow stronger every day, Sky. Have you forgotten that being my wife is your job?” Ocean sneered, his voice was laced with disdain. “I…” Sniff Reminded of her situation, tears cascaded down her cheeks. Ocean's words were like poisonous daggers. Not only were they slicing her flesh into tiny filets, but they also corroded her heart with inexplicable pain. …. Love is a beautiful thing only when reciprocated. Sky Rivers secretly loved Ocean Woods for two years. When he proposed a contract marriage, she thought she stood a chance. Planning to win his heart with love, care, and devotion, Sky Rivers signed the papers. But it wasn't long before she realized that his heart was owned by his ex-girlfriend, Amanda Silver. His obsession with her was innate and unfathomable. To capture his heart, Sky would need more than love and care as her devotion was unappreciated.

Caught between the devil and the deep blue sea, what could possibly go wrong? Everything! This is the story of Ava Harley, a young student on a scholarship in one of the best higher institutions in the country. Off school hours, she worked part-time to take of herself and her little brother after the death of their parents. But an accidental encounter at her workplace marked the beginning of the spiraling events in her life which put her in the path of the heirs of two powerful rival families and their dramas. Live the tale, and tell the story.

She scoffs and say's "What kind of a psychopath licks someone else's siliva?" "And what kind of a psychopath spits on someone they literally just met"I respond looking up to her

Transmigrated into a novel she dropped was never on Qi Jianyi’s bucket list. She could still remember how she deleted the novel on her phone after reading the first 30 chapters of the book.  “A book full of bullshit.” She cursed before going to sleep.  Never in a million years would she have thought that one day, she would be pulled into a novel she hated. All Qi Jianyi could think of was trying to look for a way home while ignoring the plot of the novel.  But where does she start? No, does she really have the time to think about it after the appearance of an annoying man who keeps pestering her?  Qi Jianyi could not forget her first impression of that man. He was as cold as ice, but had a fiery temperament. Those beautiful eyes of his had once captured Qi Jianyi’s attention.  But the young miss of the Qi family was too busy looking for a way home. How could she have the time and energy to care about a certain young master?  However, Song Chengfeng would not stop appearing before her. He didn’t know why either. For the first time in his entire life, his mind and body were not in sync.  “Why bother with her?” He whispered coldly, yet his legs already walked towards the woman who was enjoying her life.  “Because I love you, Qi Jianyi! I didn’t even know I was capable of feeling this way, but I do. I love you! I love you so much that the thought of losing you terrifies me. It suffocates me. And yet… you’re not even mine.” - Song Chengfeng "Loving me only ruins you. So stop!" - Qi Jianyi

Maria Fernandez's world is shattered when her parents, desperate and drowning in debt, sell her into a contract marriage to Bruno Alfonzo, the ruthless heir of a notorious Mafia and drug lord family. Maria despises Bruno from the moment she meets him—his cold demeanor and dangerous reputation are enough to make her blood boil. She vows never to fall for a man as heartless as him. But as she navigates this dark new world of power, wealth, and violence, Maria begins to see a different side of Bruno—the intense protector hidden behind the mask of a merciless crime lord. Torn between her hatred and an undeniable attraction, Maria struggles with her feelings, even as secrets from both their pasts emerge, threatening to destroy everything. In this world, love could either be her salvation or her downfall. Will Maria fight her growing feelings, or will she surrender to the passion that binds them in ways she never imagined? Prepare for a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions in a world where love and danger are two sides of the same coin.

Se que ésto es una mierda.. . ¡Pero enserio! los personajes de Naruto no me pertenecen, los derechos a su respectivo dueño exepto los personajes creador por mi

Kyla Samuels, a beautiful, vibrant and ambitious young woman, gets a preposterous proposal from Lynn Damon, a wealthy and imposing director after a one-night stand between the both of them. What begins as a mere pleasure-satisfying encounter turns into an unexpected proposition: Lynn offers to pay Kyla to date him for just one month. Though initially infuriated and insulted by his audacious request, Kyla is drawn into a whirlwind of emotions, choices, and secrets that strike a change in their lives. Will something deep emerge from this chaotic Duo?

My first novel yaey (⁠ﾉ⁠◕⁠ヮ⁠◕⁠)⁠ﾉ⁠*⁠.⁠✧ ——— Furan Shi only wanted to be a cutie little princess. That's it. So when he died, nobody missed him. After his family and relatives, the next person to attend his funeral was his homeroom teacher and friends™, his murderer, and then a mysterious red-eyed crow. Said mysterious crow sucked his soul right out and offered him a better life than this. No, he still won't be a cutie princess, but he can be the next best thing after that. He was invited to transmigrate into different realities without any restrictions. It wasn't a Villain system, a Cannon fodder system... it doesn't belong to any category. Just experiencing the worlds should be enough to satisfy it. Furan Shi agreed with one condition. Filter: ‘Animal Characteristics’ System: Are you… sure about this? Furan Shi, pouting: Is that not possible..? System: … you're welcome to do as you like =͟͟͞͞(꒪ᗜ꒪‧̣̥̇) [Yes, this is a quick transmigration novel.] [Yes, this has bl, but the transmigrator would change genders in some worlds hence the gl tag please click away if you're not comfortable with this one.] [Yes, all cutesy cutie pie bc I have the big sad.] [Yes, the host is always a demihuman, more often than not part animal haha.] [No, the host isn't always an animal demihuman.] [And no, this isn't necessarily about furries. Eh, but I'm open to negotiations.. ╮(. ❛ ᴗ ❛.)╭] I do apologize in advance if this is not your cup of tea. I'm trying my best to make this as light-themed and fast-paced as possible for people like me who just wanted to relax, aka not much brain games... not much face slapping.. ehe..

Sherry Willows, an orphan, suddenly finds herself reincarnated into the body of an unknown actress who bears an uncanny resemblance to Rye Mavis's first love. This strange coincidence leads her into a contract relationship with the cold-hearted billionaire Rye, offering her a life of wealth and fame in exchange for being his lover. However, what begins as a mere transaction slowly transforms into a love neither of them expected. Beneath Rye's cold, masculine exterior lies a man craving innocence and joy. Colorful meals and DIY crafts bring them closer together. Sherry’s life evolves from one of lazy indulgence to caring for a man with a fragile heart. When their relationship is tested by Rye's mother and his past lover, Sherry and Rye must face challenges together. Will their love be strong enough to withstand all the obstacles they face?

Warning: This book contains mature content. About the story This story is a mysterious suspense and romance story about a girl who had a contract marriage with a mysterious but heartless billionaire in other for her to pay the debts of her father who was on sick bed. Watch how this story unfolds. Avery was a young girl who was used as a collateral to pay for the debts her father owed in form of a contract marriage to a mysterious but heartless billionaire who made her life a living hell not knowing he already fell in love with her at first sight.Will Avery accept his love and forgive him for all what he did ? " Who are you?" She asked calmly as tears kept rolling down her cheeks. Fear was evident in her voice. You don't need to know. The deep voice said and before she could fathom what he was about to do. He stabbed her. Avery was so shock as she felt the sharp piercing of the dagger thrust through her as blood flowed down her abdomen staining her pink dress. She fell to the ground as blood kept gushing out of her stabbed abdomen. James twisted the doorknob and entered inside only to see Avery on the floor. "I love you Avery. I am sorry for maltreating you. James said as he hugged her tightly. Am sorry for realizing late. He said as he held the dying girl in his hand."

Anna is an innocent girl, and the only daughter of her parents. she just graduated from the college, and got a job at a luminous company. Anna living happily with parents but unfortunately her father collapsed and was taking to her hospital, They were asked to provide huge amounts of money for her father's surgery. her mother is just running small shop of cookie and Anna doesn't have such amounts and they no one to run for favors, suddenly she comes to think of borrowing the money from her boss. On the other side James the CEO of Civida international been engaged to Clara by contract and don't want to marriage between he and Clara. Later when Anna met him , he took the opportunity of Anna to offered a proposal of her to act as him wife for a year. Anna has no choice rather than to accept is offer in other to save her father's life. Anna has it in mind that after one year they go on their ways . But unfortunately destiny wasn't that way -------------------------

“Help me, please,” Bella pleaded, grasping his hands. His dark eyes, devoid of warmth, pierced through hers with an unsettling coldness. "Why should I mess with those goons to help you?" he asked callously. “I’ll do anything you say,” she said without thinking, desperate. “Just save me from them.” He demanded something that Bella had never anticipated even in her dreams. A contract marriage! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bella Dawn was already in distress to pay her step father’s debts. To add her misery, her mother was diagnosed with liver disease and needed immediate transplant. Where would she get that much money? Then, like a cruel twist of fate, she accidentally encountered a handsome man, Theodore Reid, the enigmatic CEO of Ace Group. Rumors said that he was a ruthless businessman with a heart as cold as ice. Yet, to Bella, he was kind, rescuing her from the clutches of those who sought to exploit her. She was grateful to him until he demanded something weird, shattering her pervious assumptions. He wanted to marry her. No He wanted a contract marriage. In exchange, he would take care of her mother's treatment and compensate her generously at the end of their arrangement. For Theodore, it was a solution born out of necessity, a means to appease his grandfather's demands for an heir while he searched for the one who had once saved him, his angel. Bella’s appearance reminded him of his savior. So, he offered her a contract marriage. It was a temporary solution to his grandfather’s demand to get an heir until he found his angel. With no other options left, Bella reluctantly agreed to the terms of the contract. But little did she know it would test her resolve and resilience like never before. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Remember one thing, never fall in love with me,” he said, cold and dangerous. Bella gulped, nervous. “What if I do?” A sliver of defiance, a foolish question escaped her lips. She was already attracted to his handsome appearance. He squeezed her jaw and hissed, “You will regret it.” “What if you started liking me?” she dared to ask. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "No chance," he scoffed. "You're not my type." Bella’s heart sank. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You can check my other books. Accidentally Married to Mr. Billionaire - Completed The Billionaire's Sick Wife - Completed Temptation of Billionaire's Secret Lover: A tale of love and revenge - Completed. My Ex-Husband Begged Me To Take Him Back - Ongoing, daily updated.

"She fell first, but he fell harder" Grace Chen’s life changed from being an illegitimate daughter of the Chen family to the top mafia’s girlfriend when she was offered a contract she couldn't refuse. “Once you sign the contract to be my girlfriend, then this house, the car, maids, and an entourage will be yours.” These were Raymond’s exact words before he handed the contract to her. She had been a punching bag to her stepmother and needed some excitement before her terminal disease finally killed her. Curious as to why he had chosen her of all people, she came to realize that he was fulfilling a promise he made to her mother. How was he related to her mother? She had to find out, no matter what it took. And being with Raymond meant being at risk; his enemies were more than his friends, and they all came for her, but he was always there to protect her. "Remember, Grace, you are there for the money; don't let yourself fall in love, and don't let him love you,” she reminded herself every day. She needed the money and power to avenge her stepfamily, who treated her like a slave.  What happens when Raymond finds out that the woman he vowed to protect has been mistreated all her life? And then he comes across her bucket list: B1: Get out of this hell of a house. B2: Let my stepmother beg me for mercy. B3: Make my dad choose me over Nora. “Boring,” he sneered, and he decided to rewrite her bucket list. B1: Get married to Raymond. B2: Have a baby with Raymond. B3: And, finally, let Raymond make your stepmother beg for mercy. Since he had vowed to protect her, he was going to help punish every person she planned to, and he made sure to protect her at all costs. But he soon finds himself drawn to her. That’s not the case for Grace; she believes she will die soon. Will he succeed in taming her and making her enemies pay, as he had promised Grace’s mom? or will she succeed in pushing him away and living her lonely life till the heavens call her? And what happens when Raymond finds out about her illness? Will there be a way? When Grace finds out about her mother’s connection with Raymond, things change direction. How could her mother have such a relationship with Raymond XU? Short reel scenes of this novel is found on TikTok, watch it and fantasize with me TikTok username: introvert4452

Matthew Franklin wakes up in a new world as Park Jason Gabriel, the illegitimate son of a wealthy South Korean family. After his mother's death, he moves in with his paternal family, where he faces humiliation and the burden of his hidden status. At thirteen, he endures a difficult life until he leaves for the States, only to be forced back by his family. Now, he must take his older brother's place in an arranged marriage to Kim Seo-yeon, an heiress facing a crisis. Bound by tradition, the marriage is non-negotiable, requiring them to stay together for at least three years. Jason must navigate his new and unwanted life under these circumstances.

Do I have pretend to love for the rest of my life?

When an unassuming streamer beats the hardest boss in his favorite game, he expects cheers, loot, and fame. Instead, he’s ripped from the comfort of his chair and thrown into a galaxy on the brink of collapse. Armed only with his fickle game knowledge, he must navigate a world of superpowers, war-ravaged empires, and genocidal AI, all while trying to gather fragments of a lost golden age... Or perish trying.

When Elizabeth Hayes, a woman who loves art and music returns home to save her family's failing gallery,she never expects to find herself in the crosshairs of Xavier Coles,a billionaire known for his ruthless business acumen and cold demeanor. The Cole's family owns half of the businesses in New York City, and now, Xavier sights are set on Elizabeth's family asset. Desperate to save her family's legacy, Elizabeth confronts Xavier only to be surprised when he offers her an unextended deal: he will save her gallery but on one condition SHE MUST MARRY HIM. What will happen when she begins to see glimpse of the man behind the cold facade.

She was Dumped. He needed a bride. Jessica was to be married to her high school sweetheart and heartthrob Burke They decided to only go to the courthouse and do something small. Jessica gets dumped on her wedding day as Burke confesses to cheating on her. She is devastated. On the other hand, Xavier is the only grandson of the famous billionaire grandmaster. His grandfather who had been raising him since his parents died while he was still at a tender age is now nearing death. The grandfather wants his grandson to be married before he transfers ownership of the company to him. He doesn't care who the grandson marries, he just wants him to settle down. Xavier had contracted a wife to get married to him. The strange girl whom he had never seen before doesn't show up on the day of the wedding. Coincidentally, Jessica and Xavier happen to be together in the same courthouse at the same time. While Jessica overhears the conversation with Xavier over the phone she goes to propose marriage to him and then gets married to him. She was usually careful and thought about everything. She decided to do something spontaneous for the first time and it landed her into a marriage. She was going to get married either way. What happens when two people begin to spend time together? Does love really grow? Read on to find out the thrilling love story between Jessica and Xavier!

Valeria Moretti has perfected the art of leaving men speechless. A siren of unparalleled beauty and power, her empire casts a spell on the mortal men who work for her. CEOs, aristocrats, attorneys-they're all entranced, fighting to catch her eye, yet none are foolish enough to believe they'll have her heart. Adrian Blake, hired to help Valeria after a company scandal, initially brushes off her effect. But soon, he notices the constant male attention that surrounds her, stirring something fierce inside him. From the smitten executives to the wealthy men trailing after her at social events, the endless crowd of admirers drives him to desperation. He wants to be the only one, the one who breaks through her icy demeanor. Yet, as Aiden's jealousy grows, so does his obsession. He's willing to stake his career, his sanity, and maybe even his life to secure a place in her world. Unbeknownst to him, Valeria thrives off this attention-though she remains indifferent, even cold, toward her admirers. For her, they're tools in a game centuries old, none of them worthy of anything more than fleeting interest.