Chapter 50: The Game Called Military Science (2)
In one corner of the garden, a picnic spot was set up where people played chess, and even the dispatched soldiers had found chess boards and were enjoying themselves.
It seemed to be a trend among the castles servants as well.
As usual, Ray went to find Leiras room.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Iriel and Hopel.
His expression soured.
Its like a gaming addiction.
In this world, there were no games as such. Since there were many threats to life in daily life, people focused on training themselves rather than developing leisure activities.
Among them, the game chess introduced by Ray was unique.
There was nothing hindering about it, and since the rules were clear, there was no room for dispute over wins and losses.
The freedom to use various strategies and tactics was breathtaking, and there were countless ways to block them, making chess seem like a new kind of military science to them.
In other words, Ray had created a perfect military science textbook that anyone could enjoy.
Ray shook his head as he watched them.
But among them, there was a face he hadnt seen before.
It was Grand Duke Silos.
His mouth was agape.
Has he thrown his official duties aside for a game!
Even though he should be in his office, here he was, enjoying a game with four others.
Ray sighed as he looked at Leiras shoulder.
There was no sign of the blister now.
It seemed that she would recover fully if things continued like this.
He cleared his throat to make his presence known.
Hmm, ahem.
But nobody paid any attention to him.
Was this all the dignity a saint could command?
It was as if a local dog was barking.
Ray, who had less dignity than a neighborhood puppy, checked on Leiras condition once more before shaking his head and leaving the room.
Grand Duke Siloss castle had been conquered by chess.
In fact, Grand Duke Silos was marveling at the passage of time.
Leiras illness is getting better.
The treatment by the saintess was unlike his; it was a slow and difficult process, but there were no signs of relapse or worsening.
He had insisted that Leira needed his treatment rather than the saintesss, and he was proving his point.
A week had passed since he made that promise to the saintess.
He had prepared something special.
He gently touched the wrapped gift box and pondered.
In just a week, he healed Leira and invented chess. Despite his youth, he is not to be underestimated.
But he was aware that Ray must be unhappy with him.
How significant would that displeasure be for someone of his abilities to be overlooked?
What had been done could not be undone. However, it was possible to make amends with good deeds.
That was why he had prepared the gift.
In the past, his ancestor had rescued a dwarf from a life-threatening situation, and in return, the dwarf had given this as a gift.
The dwarf had put all his effort into making it, and after seeing the finished work, he had smiled and then passed away.
This was the best thing he could have created for his savior.
It wasnt a magical artifact, nor did it possess any special abilities, but it was a symbol of gratitude.
Receiving such a thing, even a saint would let go of his resentment.
A day had passed since the week. The Grand Duke summoned the holy man and the holy woman.
Upon being summoned, the two went to the audience chamber where the Grand Duke was waiting.
We have come at your summons.
Welcome, both of you.
As before, they exchanged ceremonial greetings, but perhaps due to the bond formed through chess, their greetings were not stiff but rather warm.
Grand Duke Silos said to Ray,
The reason I have called the two of you here is to discuss my daughter.
Is it about her illness? Ray wondered.
Raylahs illness has significantly improved.
Indeed.
Grand Duke Silos bowed his head to them.
I am truly grateful. As a father, it was extremely difficult to see my daughter ill I sincerely thank both of you for alleviating that pain.
Upon hearing this, Iriel smiled slightly.
I didnt do anything this time. It was all thanks to the healing of the holy man.
She emphasized the word healing.
Upon hearing this, Grand Duke Silos nodded.
That is true.
Thank you.
And I would like to apologize for my rude words and actions towards the holy man Will you allow me?
For the Grand Duke to apologize to me That is not fitting.
Ray, confident that he could fill at least five sheets of A4 paper listing the points he disliked about Grand Duke Silos, lied without hesitation.
Please do not reject my sentiments. Take this.
Saying this, he signaled for something.
As if prepared, a servant immediately appeared, carefully holding something.
Ray looked at the Grand Duke as the servant stood before him, politely offering something.
What is this?
This is a ring passed down in our Grand Dukedom since the time of the previous Grand Duke. We received it in exchange for saving the dwarves.
Upon hearing this, Ray gasped and waved his hand. Of course, his hand was firmly holding the ring box.
I cannot accept this!
This was practically a family heirloom of the Grand Duke. Was the Grand Duke in his right mind to offer such a thing!
Did he really want to see Rays mouth tear from ear to ear!
Even now, Ray was desperately holding back!
It is merely a sign of my apology. Please do not worry and accept it.
At Grand Duke Silos words, Ray accepted the ring box.
He knew that further refusal of the Grand Dukes offer would lead to unwanted situations.
It would be impolite to refuse the Grand Dukes offer to the end. I will gratefully accept it.
His words flowed smoothly.
May I open it?
Of course, go ahead.
With the Grand Dukes permission, Ray opened the box, and inside, a small, shining ring caught his eye.
Was this the beauty of this world? Was this merely a piece of jewelry?
As light fell upon it, the ring displayed a multitude of stunning angles, radiating a white light, akin to the color of his hair.
It was a highly gratifying gift. Or perhaps, a bribe.
Ray was not ignorant of the implicit message to forget past offenses and to view the Grand Duke favorably in the future.
But since such an item was presented, he was inclined to regard the Grand Duke favorably. Why wouldnt he? His goodwill had not merely increased but overflowed.
He slipped the ring onto his finger.
The ring slid on smoothly, and shortly after, it adjusted its size to fit his finger perfectly.
Wow, this is incredible.
Grand Duke Silos laughed heartily at the sincerely expressed admiration.
Nevertheless, it must be extraordinary since a dwarf crafted it.
If the dwarf knew how this ring was created and its backstory, he would be astounded.
But the Grand Duke didnt share that tale.
It might be overwhelming from the recipients standpoint.
Ray gazed at the ring and pondered,
However, I cant wear it during surgery
He felt a twinge of regret about that aspect, but there was nothing he could do.
Wearing the ring could endanger the patients life during surgery.
Ray bowed his head to Grand Duke Silos in appreciation.
I have accepted a generous gift. I will wear it with gratitude.
Hehehe. On the contrary, the saint wearing it would make the dwarf who crafted it proud.
After the formal greetings concluded, the Grand Duke thanked him once more for healing his daughter.
Not stopping there, he pledged financial support for their journey to the Holy Kingdom.
Today would be their final day staying in the Grand Dukes castle.
After finishing the conversation with the Grand Duke in the audience chamber, Ray returned to the guest room with Iriel.
After conversing with Iriel, he was preparing to wash up when he heard a knock on the door.
Knock- Knock-
I truly detest that sound.
Why?
The person who made the knocking sound tilted their head in confusion.
Ignoring them, Ray opened the door, and Hopel and Leira stood there.
Ray gave them a puzzled look as they stood in his room.
Whats going on?
Upon being questioned, Leira responded.
We heard that you two are leaving tomorrow.
Thats right. Were off to the Holy Kingdom now.
It was quite late even then.
The Holy Kingdom was probably red-eyed, waiting for the saint who had not shown up even for the baptism ceremony.
Hopel then spoke.
I thoroughly enjoyed your visit. It was an honor to meet the saint and the holy lady, representing the Duchy.
No, well It wasnt that much
Ray scratched his head.
Iriel also smiled.
I also enjoyed it. I hope we can decide the winner next time we meet.
Through Iriels words, it was known that their wars always ended in a draw after their first duel.
He has a competitive spirit.
Ray thought inwardly.
Hopel also smiled.
Hahaha. Ill strive harder.
Likewise.
As they were talking, Hopel got to the main point.
And the reason I came today is
Hopel carefully brought up the topic.
If we had known about the saints earlier, we could have had better days. I regret that and know its rude, but I came to ask. Would you mind spending your last night with us?
At his words, Iriel looked at Ray.
It meant that it depended on his decision.
Leira also looked at Ray with a sincere gaze.
It was a gaze that Ray, who had received the baptism, found burdensome.
There was no way he could refuse such a gaze. Plus, there was no reason to refuse.
He nodded.
Okay.
Hopel and Leira smiled brightly.
Thank you. We have a garden behind our castle. Shall we spend the night there? Is that okay with you?
Its fine.
Thinking about it, it had been a while since he had enjoyed the night sky outside.
The idea of spending the night in the garden struck him as quite romantic, so he felt moved.
Hopel and Leira, who claimed they had something to prepare, departed first.
Iriel gave a soft smile.
Hehehe.
Ray questioned her.
Whats so amusing?
Theyre throwing us a farewell party. Isnt that delightful?
For Iriel, who had spent most of her life immersed in the politics and responsibilities of the Holy Kingdom, this joy was overwhelming.
Compared to the political world, where she constantly had to display flawless logic and even dismiss her family with coldness, the current situation, though awkward, was warm and pleasant.
Iriel, who was experiencing these subtle emotions, was slowly transforming.
The initial version of her no longer existed here.
Seeing this, Ray also broke into a grin.
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