"Life is a game like any other—except the stakes and consequences are undeniably real."
– A War Hero
After the meal, I did not immediately head to Richard's office. The quantity of food the spirits had insisted I consume required time to settle. They had pushed a second, even larger serving on me, though I left part of it unfinished. This sparked a small, good-natured squabble among the spirits over who would finish it. I pretended not to notice.
I settled on the couch and began watching a movie that turned out to be horror. Some spirits decided my hair was too short and grew it to waist length, then set about playing with it. A few braided sections; others shrank themselves to tiny size and played hide-and-seek within the strands, while bird-shaped spirits perched on my head, chirping cheerfully. When I politely asked if I could cut it later, an eerie silence followed. I took that as a firm no.
For a few seconds, the spirits remained perfectly still, then resumed their play as if nothing had happened.
When the movie ended, I dressed simply—white shirt, dark trousers, polished shoes—and picked up my cane, leaving a shadow link anchored in my room for future convenience. I made my way to reception and found Jules on duty. I enquired about the unfamiliar receptionist from the previous day; he explained it was his wife covering for him and accepted my apology with a casual wave.
He gave me a confused look when I asked for Richard's location. "Why didn't you just ask him?"
It honestly hadn't occurred to me. I offered a small, sheepish smile. Jules sighed, placed a "Be Back Soon" note on the desk, and motioned for me to follow.
He led me down a hallway opposite the exorcist quarters. When we reached the door, Jules knocked, muttered something grumpy under his breath, and left. The door opened on its own, revealing a surprisingly spacious hallway lined with maids and butlers quietly cleaning.
An elderly woman in a crisp butler uniform appeared at my side with refined grace.
"Greetings, sir. You are looking for Master Richard, I presume?" she said, offering a deep, elegant bow. Despite her age, she carried herself with noticeable strength.
"Yes," I replied. "I was invited. Please lead the way."
She straightened with a polite smile. "Right this way, sir."
I followed, quietly surprised by the scale. This was no ordinary dorm room—it resembled the hallway of a modest mansion. What did one need with so much space?
The lady led me up a flight of stairs to another door, gave a peculiar rhythmic knock, and waited. She nodded once, opened the door, and gestured for me to enter.
Inside was a well-appointed living room with comfortable couches, armchairs, and walls lined with neatly arranged books. Richard sat in a robe while a male butler carefully arranged his hair into a neat bun. A maid entered, pushing a cart laden with food.
Richard waved a hand; the butler finished and stepped back as the maid arranged dishes on a side table. Another servant set up a chessboard between us. When everything was ready, both staff bowed and quietly exited, closing the door behind them.
"I hope you are familiar with chess," Richard said, spearing a piece of bacon with his fork.
I smiled pleasantly. "Of course." I did not mention that I had learnt the rules from Water and Ice.
Richard moved first with the white pieces. I responded calmly. He took another bite of bacon and advanced his knight. I studied the board and moved my own knight forward. He seemed to approve, eating scrambled eggs as he countered.
"So, how are you feeling, Richard?" I asked, making another move.
"Quite well, thank you," he replied, unusually formal. "Though I must ask—who helped me?"
"I don't know what you mean," I said, capturing a pawn.
He ate more bacon and eggs, then moved his second knight. "I remember being trapped in that dark, suffocating place, consumed by an overwhelming hunger. The next thing I knew, I heard the most beautiful melody. When I opened my eyes, I was lying on the pavement with cool air on my face and those wicked thoughts gone. A female voice—undoubtedly not human—said it was thanks for taking care of 'our dear'. I later realised you were the only one left behind. That being was tied to you. So, I'll ask again: who helped me?"
I remained silent, gazing at the board. I moved another piece; Richard countered swiftly. We continued in quiet tension, the only sounds the soft clack of pieces and Richard's occasional chewing.
I had no issue revealing the existence of spirits, but I was reluctant to disclose my personal connection to them. If the fae treated such matters with caution, humans would likely do the same.
When only a few pieces remained, I decided to answer. After all, I was not bound to this organisation, and with the spirits' support, I was freer than ever.
"To answer your question, Richard," I said, moving my knight, "it was the same beings who lengthened my hair, braided it so intricately, filled my room with the scent of flowers, and prepared my breakfast this morning."
Richard's eyes narrowed as he studied the board, not yet seeing the trap.
"These beings are called spirits," I continued calmly. "And I believe that is what we call checkmate."
I gave him a pleasant smile as my knight delivered the final blow. Richard looked down, then back at me. And for a moment—
He said nothing.