Chapter 135
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 135
Chapter Title: Scene 135 Starvation
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Choose that one for me.
The prisoner Luna pointed at with her finger was transported cage and all, just as he was.
It was a bizarre sight.
The Imperial Guard knights were dragging the cage with the prisoner inside around the circular arena endlessly.
It was like watching one of those lazy Susans spinning around at a fancy Chinese restaurant.
All my emperor and I had to do was sit back and pick the prisoner we wanted.
Hmm...
I stared at one of the prisoners locked in his cage.
Character Profile
Name: Merlin
Age: 27
Occupation: Death Row Inmate
Trait: None
So far, every prisoners occupation had come up as Death Row Inmate, so it didnt seem like the emperor was lying.
I had no idea what crimes theyd committed, but just as I was inwardly marveling at how many death row inmates there were...
Please pick me!
One man in a cage shouted toward us.
Im a former mercenary! If you just give me the chance, I could kill every single one of these guys! Entrust it to me!
That caused a stir among the surrounding prisoners.
M-Me too! I could kill them all! Please pick me for the game!
I used to be a knight! If you pick me, Ill repay the favor!
From their reactions, I could guess what theyd been told before coming here.
Theyd probably heard that if they were chosen for this game, theyd be spared.
From their perspective, it was the same whether they died as pawns in a game or waited around to be executed, so of course they were desperate.
As the commotion grew, the Imperial Guard knights drew their swords and bellowed.
You bastards...! Who do you think youre shouting in front of?! Shut up!
Let them be.
Your Majesty...?!
I glanced over to see Luna chuckling to herself.
Isnt it amusing? Watching these bugs squirm to survive.
Your Majesty...
Ill specially permit you worms to speak. Entertain me. But do it one at a time, quietly. Or Ill cut your heads off.
The murmurs among the prisoners died down.
Terror appeared on their faces.
The emperors word alone could snuff out their lives like candles in the wind.
Hmm, good. Im pleased you bugs understand my words.
Nodding in satisfaction was the cruel empress, Luna Meikahel.
Like Tristan, she was a person missing something essential.
She was probably the type to calmly finish her meal and order dessert even if someone died right in front of her.
Well, itd be weirder if a personality born for revenge turned out normal.
You reap what you sowbeans from beans, red beans from red beans.
Just looking at Tristans unique trait showed what kind of person he was.
I crossed my legs the other way.
From now on, I had to select 10 death row inmates to face off against the 10 the emperor picked.
This game, dubbed Human Shogi, really did hinge on insight, just as shed said.
After all, it was a battle relying solely on the abilities of the prisoner pawns you chose.
That one...
Very well. Ill take him.
?! Th-thank you!
In that regard, the emperor seemed to have sharp eyes.
Shed picked out solid prisoners a step ahead of me. Even to my eyes, they had usable traits.
She didnt hesitate to select ones with good stamina or a talent for magic.
I do have a keen eye for people.
So it seems.
Which is why that one behind you is too good for the likes of you.
...?
Luna flicked her eyes toward the woman standing behind meHelga Wolfbert.
Id heard Gale had a daughter, but I didnt know she had talent like that.
Talent?
Yes. I can tell just by looking. Helga, was it? Shes truly strong. She has exceptional combat sense, backed by innate talent. I cant think of anyone besides Marco who could hold her off one-on-one.
A pretty accurate assessment.
Regardless of anything else, the judgment that she was strong was spot on.
Much as I hate to admit it, your insight rivals mine, which is why someone like her sticks by your side.
Luna subtly made me an offer.
If you die by my hand today, would you leave her in my care?
...Showing mercy, are you?
Exactly. I have no intention of sparing anyone who rebels against me, child or elder alike. But shes a waste to kill. Shes the most appealing of Gales children.
Talking like this already? Sounds like youre confident youll win.
Hey, you... Dont you get why Im saying this?
Luna said in disbelief.
While Ive been picking my pawns, you havent chosen a single one yet, have you?
Oh.
Now that I thought about it, she was right.
Id been spacing out, just staring at the prisoners.
Id wasted time without picking anyone.
But thanks to Pride, I shot back at her with a relaxed expression.
Are you worried about me?
Have you lost your mind?
Lunas face soured as she turned back to face the front.
Id bluffed hard, but as she said, I needed to start picking prisoners quickly.
Soon enough, Id cycle through all the prepared death row inmates at least once.
I sat in my usual arrogant posture, calmly surveying the prisoners.
But my eyes were moving busily.
Truth be told, if I had an excuse, it was that my standards were too high.
Id been holding out, expecting a named character among them, so I couldnt decide easily.
Who knew?
If there were valuable named characters I could save, they might become reliable allies later on.
But nothing like that happened.
Of course not. A named character who shows up in the main story wouldnt be in a place like this facing death...
And right as I thought that, I spotted one.
A named character just like that.
Character Profile
Name: Lian
Age: ???
Occupation: ???
Trait: ???
With everything but the name obscured in the profile, it stood out even more.
I stared at the named character trapped in his cage.
He looked pathetic.
A body reduced to bones and skin lay there.
Amid prisoners all clamoring to be picked, he alone hadnt uttered a word.
He was just lying there facing away, as if the whole situation annoyed him.
With him like that, the Imperial Guard knight dragging his cage was hurrying along.
Meanwhile, Lunawhod already picked her 10looked bored and uninterested.
Thats when I spoke up.
Ill take that one.
The Imperial Guard knights froze.
Seeing the cage I pointed to, they grimaced in unison, as if by prior agreement.
Th-this one?
Thats right.
Lunas eyes narrowed as she looked at the prisoner Id chosen.
You... Did you drink before coming here?
I quit drinking. Hangovers suck.
...I dont care about that. Im just asking because your judgment today is utterly disappointing.
I get it.
Even I was second-guessing my choice after making it.
If it wasnt a namesake, I was starting to doubt if this was the Lian I knew.
Guess Id have to check in person.
Mind if I take a closer look?
What...?
Excuse me.
Wait?! Stop! I havent permitted it yet!
Then permit it. Ill be right back.
What? What nonsense is this...
Ignoring Luna as she sputtered in rage and confusion, I stood from my seat.
I felt Helga quickly catching up behind me as I walked to the cage.
The Imperial Guard knights hesitated and stepped back before my bold approach.
I addressed the withered figure inside the cage.
Whats your name?
......
No answer.
Not even a reaction.
Thats when Helga stepped forward.
Mind lending me that spear for a sec?
Huh? Uh, sure...
Helga took the spear from the guard and thrust it through the bars.
Of course, blunt end first.
Poke.
Hey. The counts calling you.
She kept jabbing his side with the blunt end, but no response.
At this point, I decided to try my last resort.
Pouring my boiling emotions into it.
Get up.
My Wrath finally got a reaction from him.
His trembling upper body rose.
The skeletal, emaciated frame turned toward me.
Through his disheveled hair, red eyes gleamed.
Those eyes stared straight at me.
.....
!.
....
Whats your crime?
......
But he just kept staringno answer, no matter how long I waited.
In the end, it was an Imperial Guard knight checking documents beside the cage who spoke.
Ah, found it. This ones Lian. habitual thief, already sentenced to death by starvation. Just waiting to die of hunger.
...So thats why hes so gaunt.
Yes. Probably doesnt even have the energy to respond.
Indeed... His execution was already underway.
That confirmed itthis was the Lian I knew.
Above all, his eyes matched the original description.
He was glaring at me with a body that couldnt even produce a voice.
I stroked the thick bars.
Do you want to live?
My finger touched a sharp edge of the crude bars, stinging me.
Or are you hungry?
His red eyes wavered.
I knew what he wanted.
Then fight for me.
I pulled my hand from the bars.
A drop of blood beaded where Id touched.
That was enough.
I turned sharply and returned to my seat.
Luna shot at me with utter disbelief.
...Does it look different up close?
Nothing.
Hmph. As expected. Ill specially give you another chancepick a different prisoner. Even you cant be that blind. What do you expect from a guy whos practically dead already?
But I shook my head.
No. Ive made my choice. No take-backs.
Unbelievable... Pity? Feeling sorry for him and wanting to save the poor thing?
Could be.
I gave a nonchalant reply and sipped the tea beside me.
I knew full well that would irk her authoritative nature even more.
Fine. I did give you a chance. Pick the remaining nine wisely and put on a game worthy of me.
No. I dont need to pick more.
...What?
One is enough.
Hah...
Luna finally lost her temper.
Have your eyes gone bad? Or do you think Im a joke?
Neither. My eyes are fine, and I dont think youre a joke.
Then take the game seriously!
I am serious.
Shed already taken all the prisoners with decent traits.
Any I picked from what was left had slim chances anyway.
By the way, if I win, what reward are you offering?
Reward?
Luna snorted at my words.
Hmph. This whole game was your idea, offering up your neck. And now you want a reward?
Games are for fun. Nothings as boring as a game without stakes.
You shameless bastard... Do you even grasp your situation? Its 1 versus 10. Theres no way I lose, and even if you win this unfair farce, it wont please me one bit.
You talk too much.
I set down my teacup.
Then, flashing a smile brimming with Pride, I asked her.
Are you afraid of me again?