Chapter 106
Chapter 106
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 106
Chapter Title: Triangular Chess Debut
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"Even moves like this are possible here?"
Bill nodded at the man's question. An hour had already passed. It had dragged on longer than expected.
Amid the back-and-forth of moves, Bill couldn't help but suspect the man. Was this guy really playing Triangular Chess for the first time?
"If it were me, I'd place the rook on b6."
"But putting it there would make expansion tough in the pawn exchanges."
The uncles who had been explaining the basic rules from behind the man were now observing and analyzing his plays.
Before they knew it, the left flank had expanded. A complete novice at Triangular Chess had weathered every assault on the base board and broadened the front line.
Of course, the game hadn't gotten difficult. If he'd really tried to win, it would have ended before move 30.
Believing the man's claim of being a beginner, he'd only made easy, guiding moves, and when the man erred, he'd let him take it back and replay.
Even so, to last this long—Bill took in the board's current position.
Moves 18, 27, and 76. Those three were brilliant plays no beginner could conceive.
He had sharp insight. Once he fully grasped the rules and got comfortable with the game, what astonishing moves would he make?
After deep thought, the man moved a piece. Another excellent play.
"I think occupying this line is a very good move. It restricts my pawns' mobility while eyeing expansion on the right flank as well."
Bill praised the move before pointing out its flaw.
"But it's also overly safe. From what I've seen so far, you've committed to defending the c-file as your line, basing all your plays on that."
"You're right."
The man replied.
"Reckless attacks lead to blunders, but pure defense won't win either. Here, it looks good to peel off a piece from the c-file line and apply pressure."
"I see. As you said, teacher, I prefer defensive moves. I value holding ground."
"Everyone has their own style. I'm not saying it's wrong—just that switching approaches like this can lead to all sorts of variations."
Another thirty minutes passed after that. The man's king was cornered. Bill called check, and the man laid his king down on the board.
"I lose."
"Good game."
"Was there a way out for me before it got this tight?"
"I'd have shifted my position to the expanded left flank."
"That would require prior preparation, and I didn't see a good option."
"Dragging it out this far is impressive enough. Are you sure this is really your first time at Triangular Chess?"
"Yes. First time today. I'd heard rumors before, though."
Bill was genuinely impressed.
"I'm no expert qualified to judge others, but with this kind of talent, you should play Triangular Chess regularly. Your skill will skyrocket in no time. You'd leave someone like me in the dust."
"Luck of a beginner. And thanks to your great guidance, teacher."
"Teacher? No way."
Bill ducked his head in embarrassment.
"Bill, hurry and review this one. It was fun enough that I want to see it again."
"I've got the notation recorded from the side, so we can replay from that."
As they cleared the pieces amid the bustle, the man stood up.
"I'll head out now."
"It'd be great if you stayed for the review."
Bill said with regret.
"Let's play again next time."
"Sure. Come back for sure."
The man politely declined the surrounding customers' invitations and stepped out of the shop. The old man who'd been keeping watch put on his hat and rose as well.
"Guess I'll go too. Bill, see you next time for a game."
"You're leaving?"
"That guy and I have business. If it wraps early, I'll swing back. Thanks for everything, boss."
The old man left the shop. Another customer took the empty seat. The place was soon buzzing with chess talk again.
As Bill sorted the pieces, he thought back to the man who'd sat across from him moments ago. What did he do for a living?
"Bill, start from here."
"Shall we?"
Bill pushed aside memories of the enjoyable match and focused on the review.
* * *
"You look healthy..."
"You've gotten awfully brazen."
The greeting was cut off before it finished. Lander gave an awkward smile and tried again.
"Is that so?"
"The gift? You didn't come empty-handed, I hope."
"I was rushing here and didn't think of it."
"What a waste of education."
Clicking his tongue, 'Jun' strode ahead, and Lander hurried after him.
"How's your back?"
"The one worrying about my health shows up now?"
"I've had various matters to attend to."
Jun stopped. He lifted his hat slightly and stared straight at him.
"Just testing you. I thought I'd never see you again, so I'm glad even like this."
He matched Jun's stride.
"It's been half a year since you left this place. They say time flies as you age, and it's true. Your funeral feels like yesterday."
"Already that long."
Jun covered his mouth with a handkerchief and coughed. Lander glanced around and said,
"Shall we go inside?"
"My stamina isn't what it used to be. A bit of chill, and I'm coughing."
Jun pulled a flask from his coat. Still at it, Lander thought, intercepting the flask midway to Jun's mouth.
"You little—"
"You need to cut back on this too."
"I forgot. You were one of the two rude pups who blocked my hobbies. At least Ardhen nags without getting physical like you."
"If the Grand Duke had listened, I wouldn't have to do this."
"You vanish and leave me bored, then pop up to steal my flask. What a disagreeable fellow."
Frowning, Jun resumed walking. Lander pocketed the palm-sized flask and followed.
"What's your name now? Still going by Hurs?"
"Lander."
"You could've just stuck with Hurs. Who's going to recognize you?"
"You're right. Unnecessary worry."
Jun raised a finger. A straight road stretched ahead, lined with statues. He pointed to one.
"How's it feel seeing your own statue up close?"
"Tall and stately."
"Better looking than the real thing. The beard's intricately carved. Eyes are sharp, nose isn't too thick. Even I, who's seen your mug endlessly, wouldn't link it to you."
"The Emperor did a fine job."
"The public never met the real Hurs. Come on. The photo down below is even funnier."
Beneath the towering statue was a photo of him. He stared long at the vividly colored image.
"Doesn't resemble me at all."
"It's even more cleverly altered than the statue. I hear Ardhen approved it personally. Imagine the effort for a photo this dissimilar."
"Must've used a stand-in. The face shape's somewhat similar, though?"
"Having two eyes and two nostrils is the closest match."
A fur-clad man and woman approached the statue. They gently stroked the side of the pedestal in prayer. After they left, a group of kids came up, rubbed the same spot, and went back the way they'd come.
"What's everyone doing?"
Lander examined the pedestal while asking. The touched areas gleamed smooth.
"What else? Praying for luck. They say a dead hero's aura works wonders."
"Whose aura is that, exactly? Not mine, that's for sure."
"Why not die once before they get disappointed? You look like you could crawl out of a grave."
"I'll try if the chance comes."
They walked along the road flanked by statues on both sides. At the end of the straight path loomed the Emperor's palace. Snow on the spires sparkled brightly.
"Miss that place?"
"It's the people more than the place."
Jun gripped his cane with both hands and gazed up at the sky.
"Naria loved snow. Went wild like a kid on snowy days."
"She really did."
"Work?"
"Wrapped up for the most part. Buried her effects in her hometown too."
"For the most part. Doesn't sound like you at all."
Jun nodded toward a spot. A shop wafting savory oil scents.
They sat in the corner, and the owner brought drinks and food without taking orders.
"I'm happy and glad to see you, but uneasy too. Your return means there's good reason."
"I heard on the way. Some big incident."
"About Silder?"
"Yes."
"What's that to you?"
"Naria's involved."
"Not welcome news."
The Grand Duke removed his hat. He smoothed back his thinning hair and let out a long sigh. Lander felt deep remorse for troubling him.
"You've grasped the full situation?"
"I'm following the leads I have."
"I heard heavy hitters headed to Silder territory. Wondered what had Ardhen on edge—turns out it's you."
"I wanted to handle it quietly if possible. But I couldn't."
"That's you—always toeing the line, no matter what."
Lander took a sip of water. Always toeing the line—that crushed his chest.
"Your face tells me what you're thinking. And why you came to me."
"You've always shown the right path, Grand Duke."
"Me? You're dead wrong there. Never happened. It was all your choices."
The Grand Duke's gaze drifted out the window.
"I've wanted to tell you someday. No, always. But seeing you with Naria changed my mind. Figured you two didn't need my paltry advice—you'd be fine together."
Like the old lesson days, Lander laid out his troubles plainly to Jun.
"I thought I knew myself perfectly. But no. I'm a fool worse than a child, unable to handle even my own emotions. Couldn't cry when I should, couldn't rage when needed. I just didn't notice the flaw because Naria was there."
"A flaw. You could see it that way."
"So I wanted to ask you, Grand Duke. What should I do?"
Jun, who'd listened, slowly shook his head.
"That's not it. Your question's off. No question needed in the first place. What you need to do is just declare it."
(To be continued)