Book 7: Chapter 11: Based on Chess (1/2)

I changed the name Roberto Vincere to Roberto Vinkel

After the first match, the student council hosted a simple buffet party that served as a social gathering exchange. Only representatives from each school, teachers, and student council members were allowed to participate. The students who had come to watch the game returned to their dormitories for lunch.

So as not to draw attention to herself, Monica stood in a corner of the hall scanning her surroundings. She saw Barney chatting and eating with fellow Minerva students. Though he showed no signs of trying to approach Monica, she could not afford to let her guard down. It was better to keep as much distance as possible.

While Monica had these thoughts in mind, Elliot and Benjamin approached her with plates of a light meal.

”I've seen your game record, Miss Norton.”

He sounded somewhat regretful.

After all, Monica was the only one who won the match against the House, while Elliot and Benjamin lost. I hope I didn't make things uncomfortable because I was the only one who won… as Monica thought while freaked out, Elliot looked into Monica's face at extremely close range and pressed his index finger between her forehead.

”Oh, looks like you've been holding back pretty much in the practice match we've done before.”

”N-Noooo, not at all, absolutely not!”

”Really, anyone who looked at this game record would think this match was like practicing a handicap game. What kind of match was that… Using new moves that defy traditional strategies, and in the last moment, you managed to achieve a complete reversal, I think this game has already gone into the history books of the chess world.”

”I-I don't think that would be…”

As she desperately tried to find an excuse while having her forehead pressed down, Benjamin gently reminded Elliot, ”Don't be too hard on your junior,” then continued with,

”A concerto can only be created when both performers are on par with each other, and only then can a beautiful composition be created. In this match, her opponent was extremely strong. That's why Miss Norton was able to show off her abilities to the fullest… In other words, the fact that she hasn't been able to show off her true abilities until now is due to our inability. Don't be too hard on yourself… Oh, if it were possible, I would have liked to see the moment this beautiful music was born with my own eyes, not on the board! I wish I could have seen it! Oh, God! Why was I chosen as a representative! I wish I could have been a spectator.”

Although Benjamin's words were an exaggeration, he was spot on. Her opponent, Roberto Winkel, was the strongest opponent Monica had ever faced, which allowed her to explore new moves.

It was a fun match, Monica thought absentmindedly when she saw someone approaching her.

Despite being younger than her, he has a large, toned physique, short black hair, and a sharp, fearless face—It was exactly the person they've been talked about, Monica's opponent, Roberto Winkel.

”Miss Monica Norton.”

When her name was called, Monica's shoulders jolted and she unconsciously hid behind Elliot and Benjamin.

Monica was extremely shy, especially when it came to large men like Roberto. Her uncle, who had once beaten her, had been a huge man, and that fear always haunted her.

To tell the truth, Nero in his humanoid form was also quite a tall man, which Monica found difficult to deal with. Monica was getting jittery, and Roberto took a standing position like a soldier and opened his mouth.

”I was very impressed with the match earlier.”

”Th-Thanks…”

”Therefore…”

Roberto opened his eyes with a snap and looked at Monica, who was trembling with fear.

”I want to make an engagement with you based on chess!”

A voice that resonated deeply from the bottom of his stomach, echoed throughout the hall.

Cyril spurted out his drink, while Neil exclaimed, ”An engagement?!” and Bridget gave him a cold look as if he were a fool who couldn't read the atmosphere.

Felix was still smiling with his usual calm smile—only, he was looking at Monica and the others with a certain amount of disquiet in his heart.

Elliot, who was closest to her, was speechless with his eyes and mouth open. Monica, like most people, was also flabbergasted.

In the midst of this delicate atmosphere, the first to open his mouth was Benjamin.