Reader’S Regeneration Life [EN]: Chapter 56

56―――――

The party was over.

Except for the first day and the day after the attack on the royal palace, Edgar IV had not continuously stayed in the party hall.

Instead, Prince Erader or Princess Vanessa took his place.

However, today, the last day of the party, especially with the envoy from Nudia present, was different.

Edgar IV toured the party hall, introducing the envoy from Nudia to his nobles, occasionally joking and laughing with the envoy, creating a rather amicable atmosphere.

‘The envoy can’t possibly be unaware that this party is being held to celebrate the victory in the war against Nudia.’

What political intentions are hidden beneath the surface?

Sion roughly guessed Edgar IV’s true feelings, but he couldn’t be certain.

Was it to accept the outstretched hand of reconciliation with the ‘victor’s’ magnanimity, or was it a gesture to acknowledge that they were quite a strong enemy?

“And this one here.

This young man is Sion Claussen.”

“Ah!

So this is the brilliant strategist from the Claussen March who made our army retreat without even fighting.”

The middle-aged man, the envoy from Nudia, bowed his head at Edgar IV’s introduction.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sion Claussen.

I am Adolf Ferrell from Nudia.”

“Nice to meet you, Adolf.

I am Sion Claussen.”

“…You’re really young.

To think that someone like you possesses such extraordinary strategies.”

‘He’s only twenty years old, so he’s definitely young. I was once twenty years old too, how regrettable… Ah, no re-enlistment,’ Adolf thought.

“It seems you have more to talk about with Sion than with me.”

“Your Majesty of Hispania, how could you say such a thing!”

“Hahaha!

A joke, a joke.

More importantly, shouldn’t you introduce the lady behind you?”

“Ah, that’s right.

How about it.

Shall I do it for you?

Or….”

“I will do it myself.”

A woman who looked sickly but had a gleam in her eyes stepped slightly forward.

Then, she slightly bowed and opened her mouth.

“I’m Ive.

It’s an honor to meet you, Sion Claussen.”

“…Ive?”

The reaction to the woman’s introduction came not from Sion, but from Marquis Joaquin, who was standing next to him.

Edgar IV burst into laughter as if he expected it.

“As expected of Marquis Joaquin.

You react immediately, don’t you?”

“Your Majesty.

Is that woman the one called the Chess King of Nudia?”

“That’s right.

I thought the King would be a man, but it turns out she’s such a young woman.”

“That’s….”

‘What is it? What is it? What is the Chess King, anyway?’ Sion wondered. ‘I know that chess is one of the healthy pastimes of the nobles in this world, but I’ve never heard the term Chess King before?’

“Hahaha!

The Marquis seems to be itching already.”

“Ahem.

I just like chess so much.

Miss Ive?

If you have time….”

“If you want to play a game of chess, I’m always welcome.”

The occasion for introducing the delegation suddenly turned into a chessboard.

In an instant, the places for the King, Prince, and Princess were rearranged, followed by a table, creating a place for those who would compete in chess.

Marquis Joaquin reacted as if he couldn’t contain his joy, chuckling.

“This is an honor.

To face the famous Chess King of Nudia.”

“You flatter me.”

Sion glanced around.

Almost all the nobles were showing curiosity and paying attention to the chess game between these two.

Even Marquis Volko was subtly watching, pretending not to be interested, which was quite a sight.

‘…I knew that chess was part of the nobles’ lifestyle, but I didn’t know it was to this extent.

And there was no mention in the original text that there was a chess master called the Chess King in Nudia.’

Of course, Sion had experience with chess too.

He’d played a few games of Go or chess when he had nothing to do.

From Sion’s point of view, both Marquis Joaquin and Ive were definitely top-tier players.

However, it seemed that Marquis Joaquin was not a master.

“Kkeueueueung….”

Exactly 10 minutes after starting the chess game, Marquis Joaquin couldn’t move his pieces immediately and only groaned.

He hadn’t lost many pieces, but chess is a game where losing just one or two pieces can be fatal.

Marquis Joaquin tried to break Ive’s castling [a defensive maneuver involving the King and Rook] but was caught in her move and lost momentum.

Even though Marquis Joaquin himself was a skilled player who rarely lost at chess.

On top of that, many nobles from his country, even the King, Prince, and Princess, were watching, so this situation was truly the worst of the worst.

But once he fell into a swamp, he couldn’t escape.

After Ive’s attack began, Marquis Joaquin eventually admitted defeat.

The strong player of Hispania was defeated by Nudia.

“Hmm.”

Edgar IV stroked his chin and groaned, and some nobles stepped forward.

If they could win against Ive in this situation, it would not only be defeating the Chess King of Nudia but also saving face in front of their King, so they thought it was the best opportunity.

‘…From my point of view, they’re just going to get completely crushed.’

If Marquis Joaquin lost like that, the others are doomed.

Soon after, Edgar IV had to watch as the nobles of Hispania were utterly defeated, body and soul.

“…”

The atmosphere, which was very harmonious until just now, became strangely cold.

‘Damn it, could it be that the Nudia bastards aimed for this?’

The reason why they included Ive, who is called the Chess King, in the delegation.

They must be upset about losing the war, so they sent her to get some petty revenge.

Not a negotiation, not a protest, but a simple game to deal with Hispania.

They crush every challenger and add the taunt, ‘You were quite skilled.’

If the Hispania side gets angry in this situation, it seems like they’re making a fuss over just a game, and if they just laugh it off, their pride will be scratched.

It might be the safest and most certain way for them, who lost the war, to make the Hispania side feel terrible.

“Hoo.”

After thoroughly crushing the challengers, Ive glanced around.

An unspoken provocation asking if there was anyone else who would step forward.

“…”

Pang, pang—.

Someone hits their chest as if frustrated.

Sion saw Vanessa looking like ‘This is not the picture I wanted.’

She looked like she would die of frustration if a quick cider transfusion wasn’t given.

At this point, those with any sense realize that it is better not to step forward.

If they lose again here, they might be treated as traitors, even as a joke.

Knowing that, Sion was trying to step back.

“Sion Claussen.”

When Ive called his name, Sion reflexively answered.

“Yes?”

“I want to experience the outstanding strategies you showed our Nudia side, albeit 부족하지만 [lacking], on this small chessboard.

Would you like to play a game with me?”

‘No. No, damn it! I don’t want to!’ Sion thought. ‘It wasn’t a strategy, it was just a trap that was openly set, and I barely know the ‘ch’ of chess! Even Marquis Joaquin, a veteran who likes chess so much and is also skilled, was completely 털렸는데 [defeated], the probability of Sion stepping forward and winning here was the same as getting into the civil service exam by 찍어서 [randomly guessing].’

Therefore, Sion was determined to resist no matter what, but the people around him showed no sign of helping him.

“Ah, come to think of it, don’t we have a hero?”

“Sion! Accept Nudia’s challenge!”

“Don’t be shy and go.”

‘You damn team killers!’ Sion thought. ‘What does a hero have to do with chess! I’m not accepting the challenge, I don’t want to accept it!’

Marquis Volko, why are you keep pushing me on the back?

Uh?

Before he knew it, Sion was already sitting opposite Ive.

Looking around, the nobles were already excited, saying that they had already won, Edgar IV, who had been uncomfortable until just now, was smiling contentedly, and Vanessa was staring at Sion with sparkling eyes.

It was like the reaction when a proven relief pitcher steps up in the 9th inning with the score tied 4:4, one out, and bases loaded.

‘…I’m screwed.’

There was no answer.

No matter how you look at it, this was hopeless.

But what was even more absurd was that he couldn’t back out or run away.

Sion, who was cursing inwardly, moved the pieces in an ‘oh well, whatever’ manner.

Hoping that a miracle might happen and he would have a great match against Ive!

‘…is a dream, no way.

Shibaltaeng [Damn it]!’

Defeat!

It felt like the word ‘red’ was unfolding in front of him.

Looking at the messed-up chessboard, all the nobles around him sighed.

Sion Claussen was more thoroughly and 시원하게털린 [soundly defeated] than any other noble.

“…”

Edgar IV closed his eyes.

As if he couldn’t bear to see this deplorable sight any longer.

‘My image is ruined.’

Just as he was about to get up, worrying about how to handle this, Ive, who was sitting opposite him, suddenly opened her mouth.

“Sion.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s play one more game.”

“…The victory or defeat has already been decided, Miss Ive.”

“To admit defeat without even playing properly.

Even though I’m just moving these pieces, and I’m still lacking in the most important tactics and strategies, you’re going too far.”

“Yes?”

What is this woman saying?

After 털어놓고 [defeating him], she suddenly says, ‘Why aren’t you doing it properly? One more time.’

Sion stared at Ive, wondering if this was another new kind of provocation.

Then, she silently organized the pieces and continued.

“I couldn’t believe it when I first heard the news.

Although you won the war, the opponent was a completely newly formed army.

That boldness of throwing a number to open the castle gate wide in front of such an army.

But the meticulousness hidden in that boldness, and the chilling sharpness like a knife.

I would never have been able to make such a move.”

“…”

“Is that all?

In that place, you replaced dozens of defensive weapons with just one lute.

With just one performance, you completely shattered the attacker’s will itself.”

‘No, I really don’t know anything. Go and argue with Zhuge Liang [a famous strategist from the Three Kingdoms period in Chinese history]!’ Sion thought.

“After showing such a spectacle, are you saying that you won’t step forward because this is just a meaningless game?

I would like to ask you to teach me.”

“…”

He felt like he wanted to grab his face and sigh right away.

How did the rumors about him become so distorted that he got such a reaction?

Sion pondered for a moment and glanced around.

The faces of those who had been discouraged by his defeat were bright again, as if nothing had happened.

He could almost hear them shouting, ‘I believed in you, Sion! I believed in you, damn it!’

‘…But chess is really not my thing.’

This is not a part that can be solved with clumsy acting or a face.

It’s a game where you have to win with skill, but how….

‘Uh.’

Something like lightning flashed through his head.

Suddenly, light began to appear in the dark tunnel.

“Are you really sure you won’t regret it, Miss Ive?”

The young man’s momentum suddenly changed.

The eyes, which had been filled with a gentle aura until just now, instantly emitted a terrifying light and flashed fiercely, even emitting a sharp energy that seemed to cut right away.

Ive swallowed hard without even realizing it.

“Yes, Sion.”

“Good.”

Sion Claussen, who had changed too much.

The nobles were excited, and Ive was nervous.

And Vanessa and Lucia were nervous that Sion might lose again.

In that silence, chess started again.

Soon after, Ive faced an unbelievable situation.

‘What is this?’

Sion’s queen ate her pawn.

Even while choosing to put the queen, the most important piece of chess, in a position where it would be eaten by her king, just to eat a pawn!

‘…Are you trying to break the castling?

But sacrificing the queen is too reckless of a decision.’

No matter what strategy you have, losing the queen will drastically weaken your power.

The queen was that important in chess, and capturing that queen was a shortcut to victory.

‘I don’t know what number you’re trying to use, but it won’t be easy.’

Ive moved the king and captured the queen.

Then, Sion moved the knight as if he had been waiting, checking with the bishop that had a path, and then double-checking with the knight again.

Since it was best to get out of the enemy’s offensive first, Ive advanced the king.

Ttak—.

Sion’s knight checks again.

Ive, who had no choice but to move forward again, moved the king one more space forward.

Although the castling was broken, victory was definitely hers if she could get out of this offensive.

“Check.”

Sion’s pawn moves to target Ive’s king.

Just as she was about to move the king, hesitating for a moment.

‘…Uh?’

A chilling sensation swept through Ive’s spine.

There is no path behind.

All she sees is the path forward, and ahead is the enemy’s camp, not her ally’s.

And she is just being sucked into it more and more.

“Check.

Check.”

Check by the bishop, move, check by the rook, move again.

‘W-What is this?’

The start was capturing the most powerful weapon, the queen.

The most important thing that is no exaggeration to say that if you catch it, you win, and if you get caught, you lose.

She took a step with the thought that if she caught only that, she could end the war and head for victory.

But what Ive faced was her king, trapped in enemy territory and unable to move, facing a miserable death, and herself.

“Checkmate.”

It was Sion who moved his king and stabbed the last dagger with the rook.

“…”

Ive stared blankly at the chessboard.

And even the audience lost their words.

Is this the sight that the man who had been miserably defeated by the Chess King of Nudia until just now could show?

It was unbelievable.

No matter how many times she looked, she couldn’t believe it.

“…It’s over.”

“…It’s over.”

Those words burst out of Sion and Ive’s mouths at the same time.

“Miss Ive.

Next….”

“It’s my complete defeat.

After seeing such terrifying numbers as just now, I don’t even have the courage to play chess anymore.

Thank you for broadening my 부족한 식견 [limited knowledge], Sion.

I will give up the remaining game.”

Ive stood up and bowed deeply.

She was trying hard to pretend to be okay, but now she was busy trying to control her trembling body.

Perfect number, perfect defeat.

She got goosebumps all over her body.

That man lightly crushed the arrogant name of Chess King.

As if she was still far away from being able to face him properly.

“We’re still 1:1.

Miss Ive.”

“…That’s true.”

“Let’s have the remaining match when you judge that you are ready and come back again.

How about it?”

Eyes that glowed with the same soft light as before, and a faint smile.

A beautiful young man who makes even the person looking at him smile, like a painting.

However, the strategies hidden inside, sharper than any 창칼 [spear or sword].

A death sentence that makes the opponent who has decided to pierce through unconditionally face death.

Lamenting that such a man is in Hispania, not Nudia, Ive 기 레스티온 [Ive Restion], the only daughter of Nudia’s rising star, the kingdom’s 재상 [Prime Minister], Ethelmogi Restion, opened her mouth.

“I will definitely do that.”

When Ive answered that way, applause poured out from all directions.

Everyone seemed to be 정신이 쏙 나가있었던 [completely captivated] by the 명경기 [masterful game] that Sion showed.

In particular, Marquis Joaquin, a chess mania, was happy like a child, and Edgar IV was also chuckling as if he was quite satisfied.

‘As expected, that man.’

‘As expected, that person.’

And Vanessa and Lucia, who were smiling and applauding with the same thoughts.

Sion, who showed a magical 명승부 [great victory], responded to their applause with a smile.

‘YouTube 만세! [Hooray for YouTube!] 만만세! [Hooray a million times!]’

Sion was praising the ‘red play button’ that suddenly played the chess 명경기 [famous game] video as a related 재생 [playback].

―――――――작품 후기―――――――

I’m going to go back to the hospital again.