[Does this person have the same talents as I do? If so…]
Renner looked at Leon with anticipation.
She was tired of toying with insects and longed to find someone of the same caliber—someone who could truly communicate on her level.
Leon made her hope for that.
If he could accurately analyze her past schemes, could he understand her?
"The stories Your Highness just shared are very interesting. They seem simple, but they can be analyzed to reveal so many other narratives… Did you come up with them yourself, Your Highness?"
Renner asked Leon shyly.
Was it really you who saw through my plan? she wondered politely.
But Leon didn't answer directly. Even though he was sure, he had no solid proof. So he replied differently.
"Since you're attending this banquet, you must be aware of the recent disaster in Mondstadt."
"Of course I am…"
For the first time, Renner couldn't control her expression, and a look of obvious shock appeared on her face.
Of course she knew about it.
The Mondstadt disaster had been the catalyst for everything.
It was precisely because of that sudden dragon incident that major changes swept through Mondstadt: the downfall of House Lawrence, the invasion of three small neighboring kingdoms, and finally, the Magic Kingdom seizing a vast area of land.
Renner's eyes widened and cold sweat trickled down her forehead.
If that dragon incident wasn't a coincidence…
If this was all part of the prince's grand plan…
He hadn't just purged the kingdom of its cancer—he'd also used the opportunity to expand territory and boost his own reputation.
That was truly terrifying!
Renner's breathing quickened.
Her heart pounded.
Anyone capable of devising such a strategy had to be a genius like herself.
[If it truly wasn't a coincidence but a calculated scheme—it's hard to believe, but everything falls into place. And this prince would indeed be capable of pulling it off.]
Just a few seconds.
Assuming the event wasn't random but premeditated…
Renner had already guessed Leon's plan.
"…Your Highness Leon, you're far more unpredictable than I thought."
"Haha, I'm not sure what you mean."
Leon chuckled and declined to confirm anything.
Just like Renner had done earlier.
But that was enough.
It was still just speculation—there was no solid evidence.
But it would be easy to prove.
"Your Highness Leon, shall we play a game of chess?"
Renner smiled and extended the invitation.
"Oh? So direct."
"Sometimes something simple and direct is more effective than endless circling, don't you think?"
"Haha~ You're right."
With a snap of Leon's fingers,
A maid immediately brought out a chessboard.
Of course, chess hadn't existed in this world before—it had been introduced by Leon, with help from Gamma and Ningguang, a few years ago. Though rarely played by commoners, it had become quite popular among nobles and royalty.
"I really love this game. I'd like to know who invented it," Renner said, eyes sparkling.
At first, the game had merely helped her pass time. But eventually, she stopped playing it—she couldn't find a worthy opponent.
Leon smiled gently and picked up the black pieces.
"Ah, by the rules, black moves first, and that first move carries a slight advantage. Are you going to hand me the win, Your Highness?"
"No, because I prefer playing black myself. And… do you really want me to hold back?"
"Haha, then please, do your best, Your Highness."
Renner smiled and took the white pieces.
This was an IQ test.
A battle of wits to see if they were truly equals in intellect.
If one of them disappointed the other, interest would be lost instantly.
There was no room for luck in this game. In other words, it was all about strategy, courage, intelligence, learning ability, and adaptability.
Or simply a competition to see who could read their opponent's thoughts, predict their next move, and set the perfect trap.
But—
"Chess is just a simple game of right and wrong," Leon declared.
"I didn't expect it to go this far."
In just ten minutes, Renner was being crushed.
"Sorry, I'm much more familiar with this game than you are. And… there's a guaranteed way to win," Leon said.
"…There's a guaranteed way to win in chess? That's the first I've heard of it. Please share it with me later, Your Highness Leon," Renner replied, narrowing her eyes as she thought.
Leon shook his head.
A sure-win method does exist, but it requires mastering the 110th power of ten. That number essentially represents an infinite set of possible moves for every piece on the board.
Even if Renner were a genius, her brain would burn out trying to process even half of that.
That's still the ideal solution.
But humans make mistakes—and deliberately set traps…
"Well then, how about this trick?"
Renner smiled and pushed her Queen forward.
Leon couldn't help but let his eyes sparkle—his evaluation of her rose.
"If I take that bait you just threw, I'll gain a temporary advantage—but it'll also introduce chaos. That's a solid strategy."
"Haha, I didn't expect Your Highness to see through it so quickly," Renner laughed joyfully.
She hadn't had to use her brain like this in ages.
It felt like her rusty mind was finally working again.
Though it was just a game of chess…
It brought her immense satisfaction.
Her trap was noticed.
Her strategy predicted.
She was completely overwhelmed!
It was something that had never happened to her before—but Renner didn't feel fear. She felt thrilled.
[What will he do next? Will he take my piece? Will he let it go? Does he plan to merely gain an edge—or is he waiting for an even bigger opportunity? Ah, I can't wait to see!]
Renner was excited.
She had used her Queen as bait…
Trying to understand Leon's essence.
But Leon was never someone who could be predicted.
"As expected of you. That move made things more unpredictable, but… you still can't stop me."
"What? You're moving the King?!"
Leon picked up the King and advanced one square. It was just one space—but it brought an overwhelming shift in presence.
"If the King doesn't advance, how can his followers rally behind him?"
"…You've truly exceeded all my expectations."
What followed was a one-sided massacre.
After Leon moved the King,
The black pieces seemed to trumpet an all-out assault.
Every piece surged forward—completely suppressing Renner's. They captured all her pawns, bishops, and knights, one after the other—before finally checkmating her King.
The Queen she had used as bait survived to the end, untouched.
"I lost."
Though defeated, Renner wasn't the least bit disheartened.
"Well, that was a thrilling game. It's the first time anyone has ever pushed me that far."
"I'm honored to receive such praise, but I now have a request for Your Highness."
"Go ahead, just ask."
Leon picked up the King piece and toyed with it in his fingers.
"Then… may I be your wife?"
Renner's cheeks flushed softly, and she asked in a cheerful, hopeful tone.
---
(End of chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."