Chapter 88

In this world, there was a board game called "War Chess," similar to shogi, janggi, or Western chess, where two players moved pieces representing soldiers.

At the window of the second floor of the Lamproug residence, Fiona looked down at the War Chess board on the table, moving a "Pawn" piece forward. No one was sitting across from her, and it seemed that Fiona was moving the pieces on the opposite side as well.

"Are you not going to ask someone to play with you?"

When I spoke, Fiona looked up and smiled at me.

"No one will sit in front of me anymore. They say I'm too strong for them. Do you know how to play War Chess, Seika-sama?"

"Only the basic movements of the pieces."

"Then you can play."

With that, Fiona reset the pieces to their initial positions. I sat across from her, but with a grim expression.

"If no one can play with you, there's no way a beginner like me can do it."

"Hehe. Of course, I'll let you have some pieces."

Fiona began removing pieces from her side of the board. She took away "Mages," "Sages," "Dragon Knights," and "Chariots," leaving only "Pawns," "Knights," and her "King."

"…Will the game still be playable if you remove so many pieces? In War Chess, you can't use the pieces you've taken, so I can just exchange one for one and win."

"Hehehe, that's true, in theory. But the victory condition in War Chess isn't the annihilation of the opponent… However, being able to use the pieces you've taken would be interesting. Maybe we could add that rule… Your move, Seika-sama."

I moved a "Pawn" forward and muttered.

"Since you're letting me, I guess the first player has the advantage… Is it okay? I don't have the skill to hold back, so I might really win."

"Hehe, go ahead. If you can. …By the way, since you say that, would you like to make a bet?"

"A bet?"

"Yes. The loser has to do one thing the winner asks."

"That's quite a harsh bet!?"

"Hehe. Of course, it's just a game, so you can refuse if it's something impossible. What do you think?"

"…Alright, I'll do it."

"Hehehe, I've got your word, Seika-sama."

"Scary…"

"Let me tell you, I will win."

Fiona moved her "Knight" while looking pleased.

"You might be surprised, but I'm actually quite strong at this."

"No… I'm not surprised."

I said.

"In politics, tactical insight is important, isn't it?"

"Well, that's an overestimation."

Fiona moved her "King."

"It's just a hobby. In the past, when I had no freedom, my entertainment was limited. Besides… my battlefield is not a place of blood and gore."

"Then where is your battlefield, as a politician?"

"Hehe…"

Fiona didn't answer my question but smiled while moving her piece.

"Seika-sama, what do you think is the strongest piece in this world?"

"…This isn't about War Chess, is it?"

"No, it isn't. Since we're here, why don't you point out where it is, if you can. It's fine if you can't."

"Alright."

I pointed at Fiona.

"If we're talking about this place… the strongest piece is me, and you, Fiona-sama. You control both the soldiers and the king from behind, and you can never be defeated on the battlefield. Politicians are the strongest pieces in this world."

"Hehe, what a pleasant answer, Seika-sama."

Fiona smiled brightly.

"Most people would probably say 'Dragon Knight' or 'King.' I was hoping for an answer like yours."

"Then, is that the correct answer?"

"The correct answer is unknown to anyone. But… my view is different."

"Then, which piece do you think is the strongest, Your Highness?"

"Hehe… the strongest in this world are the people here."

Fiona pointed behind her own side of the board, where there was nothing but the tabletop.

"There's nothing here now. But in reality, around the soldiers, the king, and the politicians, there are many people—the citizens of this country."

"The nameless masses are the strongest?"

"Yes."

Fiona nodded without hesitation, but I wasn't entirely convinced.

"Indeed, regimes can fall due to mass uprisings… but that's an exception. In most cases, the people are powerless and can only be taken from."

"Yes, that's true. But still, the people are the strongest."

Fiona smiled at my frown.

"Kings and politicians produce nothing. They just take the crops and resources produced by the people in the form of taxes. They are like fleas living off a host."

"Even as a princess, you say quite a lot."

"Hehe, fleas are not to be underestimated. They have incredible jumping power."

"It sounds like you're mocking them."

"Also, by sucking blood and spreading disease, they can torment hosts much larger than themselves. They might even be able to kill them. Just like how the people can to a king."

"…"

"However, hehe. Fleas can never kill their host. That option doesn't exist. Because… it would mean their own destruction. Fleas cannot live without a host."

"…"

"Without tax revenue, politicians cannot exist. Without supply lines, the military cannot be maintained. The people are our lifeline, our giant host. We cannot destroy them, never."

Fiona continued while taking my pieces.

"Moreover, they have immense power. The power of overwhelming numbers. If they could unite… the empire's army would be powerless against their sheer numbers. It's very difficult, but if their mood is soured, it could happen. As long as they have the attribute of being indestructible… do you understand, Seika-sama?"

I listened to Fiona's explanation.

"The people are an indestructible giant. Once they wake from their slumber and bare their fangs, we fleas would be powerless. They are the strongest pieces in this world."

This was a perspective I had never considered. In my past life, the people were just weak, taken by bandits and nobles, dying from hunger, cold, and epidemics, whether in Japan, Song, the Islamic world, or the West. But Fiona's argument made sense even in my past life.

Perhaps it was also a matter of the country's nature. In the Uldwight Empire, where the first emperor was a hero who rose from the people, there is still a ceremony in the capital's square where the people acknowledge the new emperor. As a ruler, the people cannot be ignored.

I said,

"That's why you… actively spread your presence among the people?"

"Yes. I don't have a 'King' or a 'Dragon Knight' in my hand. So, I use pieces that no one pays attention to. If they are the strongest, all the more so."

Fiona smiled softly.

"Right now, it's just a feint. But in the distant future… all politicians will flatter the people. One day, in every country, the people will hold the power of the throne."

"The people holding the power of the throne? No way."

"Hehe, is it so strange? The greatest power should be in the hands of the strongest. Like water flowing to the lowest point, it will surely come. A world where the people choose their rulers and hold them accountable."

Seeing Fiona speak like a dreamy girl, I thought,

"Indeed, this princess is a politician."

Even without backing or real power. Even if she is still a young girl.

There are dynamics and landscapes that I cannot see, but she can.

I said quietly,

"Surely, even with your foresight, you can't see that far into the future, can you?"

"Perhaps. Grail, perhaps."

I nodded, and Fiona said in a surprisingly relieved tone,

"I must thank you. I've been struggling with how to talk to you, Seika-sama."

"So, it's true, then?"

"Hehe."

Fiona played with the pieces she had removed from the board.

"When I was young, I didn't understand what this power was. The futures I saw and the memories that came with them were all possibilities that could change with the slightest breeze. I realized the nature of these daydreams when I understood that there was a storm-like flow of fate that couldn't be changed by a mere breeze. And when I learned who my mother was, it became a certainty, and at the same time… I understood the meaning of my birth."

"The meaning of your birth? To use your foresight for the empire's benefit?"

"Hehehe… No, that's not it."

Fiona said with a wistful smile.

"Life has no meaning, Seika-sama."

To my silence, Fiona continued,

"The future is fleeting and easily changed. The flow of fate is just the most likely future. Life has no meaning given by heaven… When I realized this, I decided to live as I pleased. Not to be quietly confined, but to live by my own will, independent of anyone's plans."

When I remained silent, Fiona said with a grin after her turn,

"It seems you're at a disadvantage. Do you want to continue, Seika-sama?"

"…I won't give up until the end. The number of pieces is still even."

"Hehe, how splendid. But this board is actually a seven-move checkmate."

"…I resign. By the way, how do you checkmate from here?"

"Hehehe, if this happens…"

Fiona's slender white fingers moved the pieces. It seemed to be a real checkmate, and I exhaled heavily.

"Complete defeat. You're really strong, Your Highness."

"Hehehe… Don't you think it's unfair to have foresight of the future?"

"That's not a power you can use so conveniently."

I said,

"Even if you could see the future, War Chess is a game where all the piece positions and movements are public. Anyone can predict the future if they try. Foresight has nothing to do with War Chess. I think you are undoubtedly strong at this game."

"Hehe, I'm glad to hear that from you, Seika-sama."

Fiona said with a smile.

"But if I could… I wish you would say that I wouldn't do such a cheap trick."

"Ha, I can't say that. I can't yet rule out that you have a different, more devious side."

"…Then, how can I gain your trust?"

I fell silent for a moment.

Despite her smile, Fiona's tone and expression conveyed seriousness.

This might not be about me personally, but about how to gain allies in politics. I should have responded more seriously from the start… I thought and said in a serious tone,

"In general… it's said that being honest and showing your weaknesses is good."

"Honesty and weaknesses, you say."

"Trust the other person first and open up to them. If you do, they will naturally open up to you… so they say. Of course, it's difficult for someone in your position."

"Umm…"

Fiona frowned and groaned.

"Alright, I understand. Then… here I go?"

"…? Yes."

"I'm afraid of pigeons."

"Huh? Pigeons…? Why? Do you have a bad memory?"

"No, not really… but I'm just scared. Especially their eyes. Have you ever seen a pigeon's eyes up close?"

"Probably not…"

"Then you should if you get the chance. They have red whites and small black pupils, and they're completely round. You can't tell what they're thinking. They're like abnormal beings. I think pigeons have no soul. They're close to insects. When I was young, I used to cry a lot when I saw pigeons outside the window."

"Quite a story. I've never met someone who fears pigeons so much."

"Also, when I was young, I was afraid of stews."

"Stews? The dish? Did you dislike it?"

"No, I liked it. But I was afraid of it. Especially in winter, in a room with a fireplace."

"What do you mean…?"

"I learned that stews use wheat one day."

"Ah, yes."

"I knew that bread is made from wheat, even as a child."

"Yes…"

"Bread is made by baking wheat. When you eat a stew, you have wheat in your stomach, right? So… if you get too close to the fireplace, the wheat in your stomach will puff up and turn into bread, and it will overflow from your mouth."

"Ahahaha! What? Are you serious?"

"I am. So, as a child, I would run to a cold room and hide under a blanket after eating stew, confusing my attendants."

"Ahahaha!"

I laughed.

I couldn't help it, really.

"Ugh, hehe, I, I'm sorry. I'm sure you were seriously troubled… hehehe"

"Laughing at a royal family member is a terrible crime, Seika-sama. It's sad…"

"No, no, no! Any loyal subject would laugh at that!"

"Hehe, is that so? It feels very good. No one has ever laughed at my personal stories before… Ah, right. There's one more. This is more of an honest statement than a weakness."

Fiona spoke calmly with a gentle smile.

"I… to put it simply, want to help."

"Help?"

"Imagine a child playing in a meadow. But there's a large hole nearby, and the child doesn't notice it. If left alone, the child will eventually fall in… I want to help. I'm the only one who notices the hole, and it's something only I can do."

I thought for a moment and spoke.

"Is that child the empire?"

"I'm sorry, I can't tell you more. It might change the future unexpectedly."

"Meeting Ami was part of that?"

"That… yes, you can think