Exhausted with you

Author note: this chapter is rather heavy on chess moves, for those unfamiliar with chess like me, just focus on the dialogues.

Please excuse my chess description haha, next chapter gets better

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The lady with the alias plum, in front of me, was so stumped that she immediately launch on the aggressive, eating my pawn on e5 with hers from f4. This leaves my king f6 in danger, so even if I would like to advance my pawn in a4 to promotion, I have no choice but to eat the pawn she placed there (e5).

Explanation from author: plum's pawn can eat the king. So Athaliah has no choice but to eat the pawn by placing her king in f6 to e5.

"Forgive me for wounding your feelings, it is, after all, the only analogy we both are sure to know." I finally place the cup on the table, maintaining eye contact with her beautiful amber eyes before sneaking a laugh into mine, my lips tugged into a mischievous grin "You do understand, don't you?"

This, little trick of mine causes her to go on the offensive. However, she has already made a mistake long ago. Even if her rook checkmates me, there is simply too many ways to dodge. This lady is not so good at holding her anger or being patient. I am glad for my provocation, letting my king take a step backward to the north, to e6. Now if she pursues my king, and lands on the spot I am previously in, my rook in e4 can in turn eat hers.

However, she is not at all completely without hope. Once she realizes her pieces were lacking, she decided to promote her pawn on the edge of the board. I played along and moved my pawn in the line to promotion too. Half because of the necessity. Half because of the mischief. She is so adorable in her straightforward temperament I couldn't help but tease. If it weren't for her haughtiness, I think we could be friends.

"Such rudeness!" The lady nearly erodes in anger before remembering where she currently is, and returning to her civilized mask, though her voice crack throughout her attempt at composure, "A pot should know better than call the kettle black. You have criticized my character so much, yet you seem to be the one in need. Must I also recommend you an etiquette teacher?"

I merely return a nonchalant smile to her provocation. I have already had enough of that. Now, I am more of an expert at making people lose theirs. One way or another. The board in front of us progresses and I promote my pawn to a queen. "And be like you? Excelling in the etiquette of corruption and bribes?"

Right after that, plum also reaches the other side and follows me by promoting her pawn into a queen. But it is already too late, as I immediately cornered her by moving my rook, checkmating her king in d3. If she doesn't address it, she is bound to lose. On the other hand, if she eats it up, I can in in turn defeat her by vertically moving my queen in a1.

In the end, she surrenders as the only way around it was to escape by moving her king around. I gain another layer of understanding, this lady is the type to understand her loses and cut her tail. If she wasn't always so hasty and angry, she would be a fearsome opponent indeed.

"No thank you, just you alone have been quite an eye-opener." Seeing her stand up in frustration, I follow suit and in one fluid motion bring her hand to my lips, in mimicry of a knight. Even knowing it'll likely turn her madder, I couldn't help it at sight of her spoiled lady aura. "My gratitude for the splendid game, my Lady."

The crowd all applaud in one very delayed exaggerated manner. Some of the people crying in the side and bashing their hands on the table. I assume they have lost a measurable sum of money. After all, who would have thought an unknown girl like me would win the match? I glance towards the other table where the match have long ended. The real match is finally just going to begin.

One peek at my competitor reveals him to be a mysterious man. Face all covered by a hood, in dire contrast to the gentlemen with exposed face and neck. Still I find myself intrigued, he is so much like a secret waiting to be revealed. Intriguing in the most obscure ways.

He stood tall, hovering over me. I take in him in silently. I do not think I want to open the seal to this unmeasurable depth and be be trapped in forever. So I was quite content to keep my information on a surface level and know him by his gold decorated black masquerade mask. The sand beige of his skin. And the surprising intensity of his stare.

Without hesitation, I sit at the grand table prepared for the two of us which was on the inner part of the teahouse. Though not because of the weather, but so everyone could get proper view for our competition. In contrast to my expectations, the skies were exceptionally bright today.

The bets in this teahouse are rather forgiving and placed per match, so many of the viewers were currently busy predicting the match and risking their money. I wasn't surprised when I heard the odds stacked against me. This time I didn't bother ordering tea, as I knew the opponent would be very hard to defeat.

An assumption I am right to make. It is a crushing way to defeat. Every move, every decision he made was so precise I got cornered. I calculate the match numerous times but I see no way to survive, the most I can delay being 12 moves. In a desperate fit and the yearning to stay a victor, I lay a trap by having my rook slide to d1, seemingly aiming for the bishop. One that if spotted could let him checkmate me in 13 moves. But is the only way that allows me to win if he falls for it.

I haven't had a defeat from anyone other than my mother ever since I was 13. That means for a total of 3 years. Even if I try to refute it, there is this pride in being able to beat generals, scholars and royals. Only God knew how much I wanted to win at that moment.

"Exhaustion catching up to your mind?" The man in front of my taunts. Something that he had no reason to do and I suppose is just his way of expressing confusion at my questionable move. I merely lift my eyebrow at him, and shrug my head as if I had no clue what he was talking about.

Seeing he has no intention of making his move, I merely call for the servant of the host and order a pitcher of wine, two glasses to be exact. One for me and one for the other. After all don't they say alcohol muddle the mind? I take both glasses and raise the one my right hand is holding to him as if in a salute.

"In all seriousness, I cannot see why you'd frame it as a horrid thing. I don't mind getting all exhausted with you, handsome."