[Sona's POV]
"Checkmate"
Sona's eyes widen in disbelief as Arthur declares "Checkmate." She couldn't believe what she was withholding—Even Tsumaki was in disbelief.
Her mind raced with lots of thoughts and emotions. How could this be possible? She had analyzed every move and calculated every possible outcome, yet Arthur managed to outsmart her.
Even though Arthur did make some unusual moves, she was 100% sure that till the very last moment the game was in her control.
From where did I lose the game? Sona though. She couldn't identify where she took the wrong step and fell right into Arthur's trap.
Since Arthur was a seer, she began to doubt that he used his power in this game to win against her overwhelmly.
As if reading her mind Arthur looked at her, smile, and said. "I didn't use any power."
To anyone else, losing a game of chess might seem like a minor setback, but for Sona, it was anything but.
You see, Sona had made a promise to herself long ago—a promise that she would only marry a man who was more intelligent than she was, someone who could defeat her in the game of chess.
It wasn't just about finding a partner; it was about finding an equal, someone who could challenge her mind and keep her on her toes.
Of course, Sona wasn't arrogant enough to think that she was the only genius in the world. But she never thought she would be defeated in chess without even knowing how she was defeated.
As she sat there, contemplating her defeat, Sona couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment. She had always prided herself on her strategic prowess, her ability to outthink her opponents and emerge victorious. But now, faced with defeat at the hands of Alexander, she couldn't help but question her own abilities.
For Sona, chess wasn't just a game; it was a test of intellect, a measure of her own intelligence and skill. And to be bested in this arena was a blow to her pride, a reminder that there were others out there who were just as capable, if not more so than she was.
But she needed to determine whether this win was luck or not.
With a determined glint in her eyes, Sona mustered the courage to ask Arthur for one more game. Despite the sting of her previous defeat, she couldn't shake the feeling that perhaps it was just a fluke, a stroke of luck on Arthur's part. She needed to know for sure if he truly was her intellectual equal, someone worthy of her respect and admiration.
"Would you care for another game of chess, Arthur?" Sona asked; her voice was steady, but she was nervous as if Arthur won the next round, it could determine a lot of things in her life.
Arthur looked at her with a small smile, his purple eyes glowing with a hint of amusement. "Of course, Sona," he replied.
Tsubaki set up the chessboard once again, Sona felt a renewed sense of determination wash over her. This time, she would give it her all, leaving nothing to chance.
And she is not going to trash talk like the previous game; her full concentration is on the board.
.
.
.
.
"Checkmate," Arthur said.
"Again," Sona said.
.
.
.
.
"Checkmate,"
"Again,"
.
.
.
"Checkmate,"
Sona leaned back in her chair, her breath catching. She looked at the board as if it had betrayed her. For the first time in years, she felt a lump form in her throat—not from sadness, but from the sheer weight of realizing that she had found someone whose intellect surpassed her own.
Tsubaki placed a hand on her shoulder, offering silent support, but Sona shrugged it off. She wasn't done yet.
"Again," she said, though her voice wavered slightly.
Arthur didn't move this time. Instead, he folded his hands and looked at her, "Sona, why do you insist on continuing? You've already proven yourself to be a brilliant strategist. There's no shame in losing."
"To you, maybe," she shot back, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "But for me, this isn't just a game. Chess is... it's everything. It's how I measure my decisions, my ability to lead, my worth. And if I can't even win here..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "I have to win."
Arthur leaned forward, his expression was blank, showing neither excitement nor happiness. "Chess is a reflection of strategy and intellect, yes. But it's also a game of humility. Sometimes, the greatest lesson isn't in victory but in recognizing when you've encountered someone who can teach you something new."
Sona's lips tightened. She hated how reasonable he seemed. But his words struck a chord.
For years, she had sought someone who could challenge her, who could push her beyond her limits. And now, sitting across from her, was someone who had done just that—not through force but through sheer skill.
"Sona, you're a genius. That much is obvious. But even geniuses have something to learn. If you'd like, I can show you the mistakes you made and how to counter them in the future."
Sona blinked, caught off guard. She expected arrogance or condescension, not an offer to teach her. For a moment, she hesitated, her pride warring with her desire to improve. Finally, she nodded.
"Fine," she said, her voice quieter now. "Show me."
Arthur smiled faintly, gesturing to the board. "Let's start with the first game. Your opening was solid, but you left your queen vulnerable three moves later. Here's what I would've done instead..."
As he began explaining, Sona listened intently, her frustration slowly giving way to admiration. For the first time in years, she felt like she was truly being challenged—and despite her initial anger, it felt exhilarating.
[Sir, she's growing more fond of you by the second,] Friday's voice chimed in Arthur's mind, [Careful, or you might end up in her heart.]
Arthur smirked internally. I suppose the overall outcome is good.
❌❌❌
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