Episode 60

“Rox! Everything is ready!”

Early the next morning, Ai came to my room. I didn’t even bother to visit yesterday because I thought it would turn out like this.

“It’s not going too far, what.”

“Nope. Nope. Sit down.”

“More than that, you come into my room so naturally.”

“The Rocks room has nothing but books, so it’s okay because it looks like an empty room.”

But do people still live there?

“But even if you prepare… … .”

Even the strict penalty points system of the Summer Turge Dormitory meant nothing to A-nim, the princess.

Weirane will find this very uncomfortable, but what can we do? That the housekeeper, Melida herself, is an institutional aristocrat.

“I knew that and brought Hira!”

Hira staggered and followed the child. Tada, Hira reached out and half-closed her eyes.

Did I sleep late? There was a hint of tiredness in his voice.

“Huh… … . Did you sleep well, Rox?”

“You’re having a lot of trouble, Hira.”

“it’s okay. It happens often.”

Looking at the heavy basket that Hira brought, it seems that she is thinking of putting on makeup properly.

It seems like he’s trying not to make eye contact because of yesterday.

it will be solved soon

“Rocks sit down too.”

“In addition?”

“I’m going to see His Majesty, and there’s nothing wrong with looking good.”

I thought I would finish earlier than the child, so I brought a chair and sat down first.

It was around the time Hira had just started cutting her bangs with scissors. I’m bored of being still.

“So, Your Highness, what is a marriage talk? I need to know a little bit to prepare an answer.”

pop.

In an instant, the screeching of scissors stopped.

The legs of the child who was swaying while sitting on the other side with a smile on his face also stopped.

what? time has stopped?

“Hondam, Lee Yo.”

Fortunately, time didn’t stop, Hira whispered softly. The child smiled shyly.

“Ahaha. that is.”

“Didn’t you say it was to compensate for the kidnapping case?”

“That’s not wrong either… … .”

“Yeah, you didn’t lie.”

square square.

The scissors moved again, but somehow they felt sharper than before.

I think I just cut off a bit too much. Are you looking at it right?

“Well, it’s not confirmed yet! Didn’t Obama just say he wanted to see The Rocks?”

“Wouldn’t it be clearer once you see it? You know that, too.”

“Yes. I think so.”

“If it was a wedding, there would have been plans with the Enpyrian royal family.”

“They canceled… … .”

“okay?”

Inside the quiet room again.

It became a strange atmosphere to intervene. In fact, I also want to throw in a word.

Hey, why won’t my doctor ask? Could this be important?

“I thought that would be the case from the time I tried to finalize my remarriage.”

“Oh, how was that? My father never contacted me.”

This is something I was curious about too.

The imperial family offered the condition that Yuxilla be incorporated into Aindarok, but Shilin Yuxilla did not accept it.

However, unless Coltman faces opposition, in order to exert influence in the center, he has no choice but to actually borrow Yuxilla’s prestige.

“The date has been set.”

“already?”

“They said that if you stay in debt for a long time, your dreams will be wild.”

“I’m a little sorry that you think it’s because of me.”

In the end, it seems that the remarriage is confirmed.

Debt is probably referring to Coltman sending a special lease to Yuxilla territory. It became a kind of transaction.

“However, since the Margrave refused the succession, both families will remain as they are. Only you two know how we intend to coordinate it.”

“I hope it doesn’t matter.”

This means that even if they remarry, the two families will continue to exist independently as they do now.

What kind of conversation took place between the two? It’s not that there isn’t such a form at all, but it’s not a preferred method because there is a succession problem.

Anyway, I hope this will end quietly. I think this is an external factor, but I don’t know when it will intervene in the episode and become a variable.

“Come on, brother. It’s done.”

“Is that it again?”

“I will have to do that at official events from now on, so I have to get used to it.”

Hira smiled and patted my shoulder. The child sat in the chair.

Ai-sama quietly avoided Hira’s gaze, as if she was sorry for not telling her about marriage.

“If it means strengthening solidarity within, Your Majesty’s choice would be absolutely right.”

“Am I going to be your son-in-law?”

“You know Rocks, right? That Aindarok used to be a royal family.”

“It’s just enough to know.”

The era of war when Rongrut was founded.

About 200 years ago, Aindarok was a royal family. If you go back generations, it’s about 10 generations above the rock screen, so it’s not too far off.

However, since all records bearing the symbolism of an independent nation have been erased, it is transmitted only by word of mouth.

“Now many people praise Aindarok, but politicians in the center still keep the north in check. The biggest reason is still its independence.”

“Even though no one really remembers that time.”

Aini also helped with a word.

Since the roots have been different from a long time ago, we cannot trust the North prematurely.

Isn’t it that more troops than necessary have been deployed on the northern wall? size should be reduced. support should be reduced.

The perception of the public and the treatment Aindarok actually received were completely opposite.

“I don’t know if it was the time when I was subjugated without any opposition. They are idiots who still doubt Aindarlock.”

The story of more than 100 years since the power of Aindarok in the north surpassed that of the Confederate Front.

Aindarok is still shedding blood and firmly defending the empire.

So, the emperor doesn’t like the current situation.

“The arranged marriage with Enfirian was to keep Riden in check. There is no need for that.”

“Thanks to the Rocks!”

Liden was clearly pointed out as behind the night raid and the abduction of Class A.

Liden was hit hard, and the need to keep it in check was reduced accordingly. Liden had lost his trust.

“Of course now.”

There is a point.

When there are no more external forces to check, it is a perfect time to strengthen internal solidarity.

Yuxilla and Aindarok are intertwined and the duchy is succeeded.

If the opponent is a duke, a sire is not enough, so the purpose is to tie the child von Rongrt with Aindarok.

Yeah, I get it.

“That, Rocks.”

Hira asked cautiously. It was a question that had to be asked.

“… … What are you going to do?”

“Of course I refuse.”

“How.”

“Why eh eh?”

In a short moment, relief and disappointment crossed my mind.

what are you doing

“I’m going to take some time to think about that. I need to talk to my father too.”

I have no choice but to refuse

There is enough room to make enemies simply by being pointed out as the child’s sire, and there is a high possibility that the royal family close to Summer Turge will call her at will.

“Hmph, Rocks hates me.”

“I’ll think about it again in five years.”

“I’ll be sold out then.”

“Oh, unfortunately.”

Right now, the continent faces a major crisis. There was a conversation we had yesterday, so Ai-nim wasn’t so squeamish.

No need to think too long anyway.

After all, the game will be over before that.

“It’s done, Your Highness.”

“Thank you, Hira.”

“Should we change our hair style later?”

“Have you been doing this since you were little? Because Obama likes this.”

“Because it was in the past. I think it would be nice to be a little more mature.”

“Ugh. I guess so.”

The child looked in the mirror while stroking her hair, which was tied up on both sides, and nodded in satisfaction.

“depart!”

shout lively

“Please be careful.”

“I’ll be back before dinner. What?”

Marriage talks are usually scheduled for lunch, which also serves as a meal, and the imperial family and summertime are an hour apart.

Still, Hira came down to the bottom of the tower to see him off.

When I came down to the parking lot, a considerable number of people were already waiting.

“majesty? still time… … .”

“Shh!”

Twenty knights and five guardian wizards.

It had been quite a while since monsters had been appearing inland, but it was too much for an hour’s distance, and even between the islands and Summer Turge.

“Tell them to go slowly. around!”

“Yes.”

It seems that Ai-nim brought me out much earlier than planned.

Other than that, I think I reduced my voice as much as possible.

“I heard everything, Your Highness.”

“oh.”

“Please don’t be late for the schedule.”

“Sure, then.”

It was the content to be delivered to the imperial family through the child, so the longer the time, the better.

“It’s the best horse carriage on the continent!”

Understated splendor.

Gold has always been the symbol of the Rongrute family, but the royal family’s carriages had a much higher proportion of white than gold.

Even so, it seemed that no one else would dare to follow its antique appearance.

“Nice, do you have a refrigerator?”

“Oh, how did you know?”

“… … there is?”

“Niel said he made a new one last week. I’m at the imperial court as a technical advisor right now, so I’ll meet you.”

“I guess so.”

I don’t really want to meet you.

Although he is related by blood to Rockstrin, he is a character who does not appear in the original work. If you leave it alone, it will take care of itself.

“I will depart.”

Boo.

The imperial wagon also made almost no noise, just like Aindarok’s.

The ride comfort was also incomparably smoother than that of wagons, and the interior was neat and satisfactory without unnecessary decorations.

Magic is also convenient.

“It will take three hours!”

“It seems to be the best, but the speed is slow.”

“What am I going to do in the meantime!”

… … I was ignored

“I have a desk.”

The seats inside the car were in the form of a small desk in the middle.

Maria had a separate seat in the front, and I looked like I was facing Ainim.

“I usually play chess with Maria here.”

“Actually, I don’t know chess. I haven’t even played one.”

“Wow, how sincere Rox is. Then what do you usually do when you rest?”

“When I rest… … .”

I’m a human too, so I take a break.

But I can’t tell you what to do. It’s been 6 months since I’ve lived here, but these are two if I’m going to take a break.

“I sleep or look at the stars.”

“These days, even a prince in a fairy tale won’t sell if he says that.”

“Haha, what if it’s true?”

I laughed awkwardly at the unnecessarily honest point. It’s not a lie.

“but. Oh, I remembered it while playing chess. Have you not seen Baeller? He said he came back with Rocks yesterday.”

“no.”

“Okay. It’s strange. So I was really bored yesterday.”

He said he was bored because he had no one to harass, and Baeller was right.

There was nothing better to talk about, so I decided to change the subject.

“Senpai, stop bothering me, and if it’s something worth spending time with… … .”

It is still morning, so the child is not awake.

Rather than getting straight to the point, we need something to turn our thoughts around in moderation. It would be nice to play.

“There is a play I made.”

“A game made by Rocks?”

“In chess, the pieces themselves are precious, and it is inconvenient to have to make a separate board. Dice have a bad reputation among nobles, saying they are low-grade.”

“What is it, what is it?”

Ai’s eyes sparkled and he expressed great interest.

I prepared in advance for this time. I took out a piece of paper and two bottles from my bosom.

The bottle contained only a heap of black and white stones.

“Is it like a chessboard?”

“It is wider than that.”

15×15 squares.

It is double compared to the chessboard, which is only 8×8.

Still, it didn’t take up much space, so it could be spread out on a small desk in the wagon.

“Write this in words.”

“Is it just a stone?”

“It’s a black stone and a white stone. You can easily get it anywhere.”

I opened a small bottle and took out a black stone.

“This way, you can place a stone where the lines meet, not on the square. Black and white place the stones in order.”

“Can I do this?”

“Yes. And the side with five in a row wins. Simple, right?”

“Hmm.”

Right. Right. Right.

Ai-nim, who lightly put down the stone a few times in order, raised his eyebrows. It was just when I was playing my 10th move.

“Rox, it’s so advantageous to put this first!”

“you’re right.”

“Do you think you will lose unconditionally at this rate?”

“So I add some rules. There are a few moves that are forbidden only to Black who puts them first.”

Renju Rule (連珠).

Removed all stones from the board and showed examples of prohibited 3-3, 4-4, and Jangmok.

In my school days, I went to competitions and won awards, but I don’t know if my senses are still alive.

“All of these moves cannot be played by black.”

“Is this fair?”

“Actually, black still has the advantage. It’s much simpler than chess, but it’s an unfair game when it’s a match between masters.”

The rules are relatively simple, so if you’re a child, you’ll be able to quickly master them and come up with a winning formula.

“If someone like Her Highness catches black, I will lose 100 out of 100 matches. If I were black, it might be similar. Shall we try it?”

“great.”

start of the country.

The first game ended with my victory in 29 moves.

The second edition has 43 moves.

The third edition has 73 moves.

When the fourth edition came… … .

“I have nowhere else to go, Rocks.”

“Yes.”

tie.

Except for a few spaces, black and white stones filled the board. Even if all the remaining spaces are filled, 5 lines are not created.

Theoretically, it is possible, but it is very difficult to see in practice.

Of course, this happened because I, a black stone, couldn’t do it. Black would have won if they had really played their best moves.

Ai’s eyes lit up.

“This is fun!”

“It’s simpler than chess, but in that you still have to use your brain, there’s nothing wrong with spreading it. Do dice cost money… … .”

“Do one more round.”

“Maybe.”

His amber eyes scanned the filled intaglio board terrifyingly quickly. Perhaps doing a revival.

where did i get it wrong

Could it have been better than that?

At the stage of thinking about it, concave is more fun than most entertainment. When preparing for the competition, I would open my notebook and leave the concave alone all day.

“Don’t look at me this time.”

“You knew.”

“27 moves, 53 moves. The Rocks could have had an advantage, but I put it in a strange place.”

“Because black is in a position to win.”

“Are there any fairer rules?”

To the child with a rather serious expression, I was willing to offer a fair stage.

“Yes. It’s cumbersome, so normal people won’t do it.”

“I’ll do it with that.”

“The first move may be placed in the center, the subsequent second move on the square adjacent to it, and the third move on two squares of the first move.”

“Then there are only 26 shapes?”

“you’re right. After that… … .”

In just five games, I was able to use the opening rules used only in international professional matches. Until 2015, this was the international rule. After that, I don’t know.

“I understand. Start right away.”

“It sounds like Your Highness.”

Anyway, I always looked for related videos.

With the overwhelming number of trials created by professional knights and artificial intelligence over the years, I remember all the known things about how to win in some molds.

‘Although cowardly.’

that good is good

I won’t lose easily, so I’ll be able to entertain you for a while. There will be no such thing as a kid who will get tired of it soon.

Has it been two hours like that?

“Locks.”

“Tell me.”

“I hate you.”

Took.

5 previous defeats.

Ainim threw a stone at me after losing 5 matches in black and white.

An angry, tear-stained face glared at me.

“I hate you!”

“Have you arrived?”

“Void! I didn’t know that well, so when I go back, stick with me again!”

“Ah, if you do it too often, your head hurts. When we get back, let’s talk comfortably.”

“That’s good too! I still hate you.”

“I told you not to look at it.”

I got off the wagon first and helped the child who came after me. The color of the dress was darker today.

“Hmmmm, Rocks doesn’t know the way, so I’ll have to guide you even if I hate it.”

“I’m sorry.”

Because Ainim didn’t let go of her hand, they walked through the garden side by side. The brightly bloomed petals faded little by little.

summer comes to an end

“But don’t hate me too much.”

“yes? Nope! It’s a joke. There’s no way you hate Rocks.”

Ai replied in amazement.

The courage to be hated is overflowing. I said, walking slowly.

“Not now. anytime.”

So it was meaningless.