Chapter 133
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 133
Chapter Title: Human Shogi
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The day I had promised with the Emperor finally arrived.
Upon reaching the imperial palace, I was immediately escorted by the Imperial Guard to where the Emperor awaited.
No, calling it an escort was a bit of a stretch.
Hey. Im not going to eat you, so can you back off a little?
The Imperial Guard knights maintained their formation surrounding me and Helga as we walked, scrutinizing our every move.
It went without saying that their hands rested on their sword hilts, ready to draw at any moment.
Hello? Didnt you hear me? Lets walk with some space between us.
......
Oh, are you mute or something?
......Follow quietly.
The middle-aged man who appeared to be the highest-ranking knight among our escorts finally spoke.
His expression, like that of the other knights, was thick with tension.
They were on edge with Tristanthe greatest threat to the imperial familyright beside them, after all.
Helga let out a scoff, as if their display was utterly ridiculous.
If I may offer one piece of advice... Isnt it a bit pathetic to radiate killing intent so openly? Thats something only amateurs do.
You insolent wench... Did you just call me an amateur?
The man glared at Helga with a voice laced with fury.
But Helga, still suppressing her laughter, replied.
Ahaha... Who was rude first? Our Count is here today as an honored guest, and you dare show that kind of killing intent in front of him?
That kind of? You dare insult an imperial knight?
Then what? You gonna draw your sword or something?
The man froze as he reached for his hilt.
Think about it with that thick skull of yours. Why do you think I brought the Count here all alone, to a place swarming with Imperial Guards?
At some point, the sharp heel of her high heel had pinned the tip of his sword hilt precisely.
Its probably because Im confident I can do it. The moment you draw that sword, Im confident I can turn your head into a burst tomato.
Urk...
If you cant hide your killing intent, then just tuck tail and piss off. Dont bare your teeth from the start.
Her words were brutally cold, the polar opposite of her smiling face. The men, feeling the overwhelming gap in skill, lost all will to fight on the spot.
I spoke up.
Helga. Thats enough.
Yes. My apologies.
With those words, Helga obediently backed down, but the knights began walking several steps farther away than before.
The killing intent directed at me had vanished entirely, leaving them only with the humiliation of being bested by Helga.
For a moment, I thought Helga had handled it perfectly.
I hadnt paid it much mind, but their attitude toward me had indeed been rude.
If Helga hadnt stepped in, they would have continued looking down on me and the Ruelverta Count family.
I felt a surge of appreciation for Helga, whom Id always seen as just recklessly bold.
Aww. The moon looks so pretty tonight, Count.
No... Maybe she just turns into an idiot around me.
We walked down a long corridor that stretched from the imperial palace to somewhere unknown.
This time, the meeting place with the Emperor wasnt the audience chamber.
It was whatever venue the Emperor had prepared for this event.
I had no idea what game awaited. Only that my life hung in the balance was abundantly clear.
Yet, ridiculously enough, I hadnt felt much worry up to this point.
Whether it was due to my trait Pride or not, I simply couldnt imagine losing.
As we walked, the end of the corridor came into view.
The moment we stepped into the blinding light, a girls voice rang out.
I was starting to think my neck would snap from craning it so long.
As my eyes adjusted to the bright light, I realized what this place was.
It was a circular arena, modeled after the Roman Colosseum.
It resembled the arena beneath Meikahel University, but on a much smaller scale.
And in the uppermost seat of the stands, a girl with an arrogant expression stared down at me.
Then lets get started.
The Night Empress Luna said with a smile.
Human Shogi.
This game isnt complicated.
Luna pointed to the beast cages prepared at one corner of the Colosseum.
Pick humans to serve as your shogi pieces. Arm them and have them fight. Thats all.
Inside, humans shackled one to a cage awaited.
The difference between human shogi and magic shogi is simple. Unlike magic shogi, which uses pieces made from mana-form stones, human shogi uses living people as the pieces.
This was the game Luna had prepared.
Hmph. What do you think?
A cruel game using living humans.
It would no doubt devolve into a bloodbath that would make one want to look away.
The reason Luna chose this game was to show the Count the imperial familys power.
Her restoration of imperial authority had come through such brutal spectacles.
Fear was the easiest way to demonstrate authority, after all.
Moreover, her opponent was Tristan Ruelverta, a man as utterly depraved as she was.
Of course, it might fall short of instilling true fear in him. But at least she wouldnt be dismissed.
How about it? Do you like the game Ive prepared?
Luna leisurely awaited his reaction.
At last, Tristan spoke.
Bad taste.
What...?
His words defied Lunas expectations.
Seeing the incredulous look on his face, something boiled up inside her.
Ha... You, are you seriously trying to lecture me on the value of life?
Luna clicked her tongue.
Dont worry. All the pieces are death row inmates. Oh, then human shogi isnt quite accurate. Theyre more like tools beneath human dignity.
As Luna explained, those selected as pieces were all heinous criminals.
Utter scum among scum, ones who could be executed without issue.
...
...
So why are you looking at me like that?
Do you want to call me a tyrant? You, Tristan?
Lunas face soured.
But Tristan shook his head.
Thats not the issue Im pointing out. Im talking about efficiency.
Efficiency...?
Yeah. I agree they should be treated as tools. But wouldnt it be better to see them as money-making tools?
Tristan said, eyeing the prisoners.
Theyre the kind you can use for at least 20 to 30 years. Even the finest machines dont last that long. It feels a bit wasteful to use them up on entertainment like this.
So youre the one with truly bad taste.
It was the mindset befitting the head of the Ruelverta family, which had amassed the empires greatest fortune.
Humans were nothing more than means to generate wealth, after all.
Ha... Whatever. Sit wherever and lets start.
Luna shook her head and took a seat.
The spot she chose was the prime viewing position in this Colosseum, with the best sightlines for the matches.
And the seat Tristan took was...
Hey.
...?
You dare sit next to me?
Tristan sat right beside Luna, tilting his head as if he couldnt comprehend.
Is there a reason I cant?
There are plenty of reasons. How can a mere vassal presume to sit in the same place as me?
Were equals during the game, arent we?
What?? Equals? Have you lost your mind?
Or... are you saying you dont intend to play a game on equal footing with me?
Huh...?
Was this man truly insane?
If Luna had wanted, she could have chosen any game heavily in her favor.
But an Emperor who did that would lack dignity. She had prepared a fair game.
Yet this man was scraping at her nerves over something he didnt even understand.
Luna swallowed her anger and said.
Dont get cocky. Be grateful Ive stooped to your level.
Indeed, Im grateful youve matched my exalted station.
Fine. Think whatever you want. Do whatever you want. Youll lose this game and die by my hand anyway.
Luna snapped her fingers, and the Imperial Guard knights below the arena sprang into action.
You pick first.
She said confidently.
Lets see what kind of eye you have for selecting good pieces.