"Do you know how to play chess, Arthur?" Sona asked as she continued looking at the already moved chess piece.
Is she trying to get an upper hand on our conversation or something? Arthur thought to himself.
Even if Arthur may not seem like it, he is still a king who has been ruling Nazarick for thousands of years, so of course he knows some of the basic tactics used in negotiating and such.
But he has no idea why Sona is using that against him. The only thing that stands out about him is that he is from Nazarick. He introduced himself as Seer. He healed Issei and made a deal with Rias.
..... Now that he thinks about it, that's already enough for a scrutiny.
"A bit," he replied.
But Friday is master at it. And she was the one who brought chess to this world. Arthur said the second half to himself. But I am a master at bullshitting.
Sona looked at him for a moment, then gestured toward the chessboard. "Then why don't we play while we talk? A friendly match, nothing more."
Arthur considered her offer, then nodded. "Very well. Let's see what I can learn about you through this game."
"Friday play for me," Arthur said to Friday.
[Right away, sir. Should I destroy her confidence while I am on it?]
"No. And please don't pull any pranks, Friday."
[I will try, Sir.]
Arthur made the first move of the game for the white pieces. He was playing it like he meant it, all quiet and deliberate. Sona moved without hesitation, which is what you would expect from a real chess master, and then she just laid it on the board. It was clear that this was more than just a fun game.
"Though, I must admit, I always found chess is more about understanding your opponent than just moving pieces. What about you, President? Are you trying to gauge me through this little game of yours?"
Sona's lips formed a beautiful smile hearing this, though she still didn't lose focus from the board. "I agree with your thoughts, Arthur. Chess reveals a great deal about a person: their patience, their way of thinking, an most importantly, their understanding about the balance between aggression and defence."
Sona murmured to herself, "But I hate the fact that such a wonderful game was invented by someone such as Ancient One."
But her voice was loud enough for Arthur to hear.
"It seems you dislike Ancient One."
"Oh, Did I say that out loud?" Sona asked him.
"You did." Arthur verbally confirmed as he moved his rook to H-5.
Seeing that Arthur didn't have much of an emotional change, Sona became surprised, as from what she heard, subordinates of Ancient One didn't let such remarks about their master go easily.
"You're quite composed," she said, moving her knight to E-5. "I expected a stronger reaction, considering who we're discussing."
"Why would I react strongly? You're entitled to your opinions, President. And do you know, about a hundred thousand years ago, Anicent One made a wish so that everyone gets free will. So there is nothing wrong about it but since I am curious, I will ask, Do you hate Ancient One?"
[Obviously, sir, You did steal her sister.]
"Please focus on the game, Friday," Arthur said to Friday.
"Yes," Sona said to him quickly.
Oh fuck.
"Can I ask why?"
"Do you know, Serafall? One of Anicient One's wives." Sona said. She gives some pressure to the second half of her sentence.
Of course, I know her. she is my wife after all, but why are you dragging her 'title'—One of Anicient One's wives—to this?
"Serafall Leviathan, one of the Maou, correct? Of course, I've heard of her." Arthur continued with his persona reply.
"Serafall isn't just a Maou or a political figure to me. She is my older sister. If it wasn't for some dumb politics, my sister wouldn't become a trophy in that scumbag Harem."
[I like her, sir.]
"Of course you do. All of this is a lie, and we need to clear that."
[Truth hurt, Sir, but you need to accept that.] Friday teased him in her monotone.
"Fuck you, Friday."
[Same to you, sir.]
Arthur then faced Sona; he was determined to know why Sona thinks that. Arthur was 100% sure that he treats all of his wife with care and respect. Their interest was first on his list of priorities.
He would destroy the world if anyone of them was in danger of some sort. Because Arthur... No, Ancient One firmly believes that if you make someone your lover, then you should also be responsible for their well-being and happiness till the end.
"A trophy in his harem? Why do you think that?" Arthur finally give some reaction in his face.
"Why do I think that? Because I've read how these 'arrangements' are made during the civil war. Serafall and Grayfia didn't choose to be part of Nazarick. They were forced into it due to the politics of the underworld and the overwhelming power of the Ancient One. Don't try to deny that, Arthur." Sona said she still continues to play chess.
"Forced? That quite the assumption, President. Serafall chose her path willingly during the civil war of Underwold, as do all those who align with Nazarick. No one under my—" He caught himself, "under Ancient One's protection was there without there consent."
[Sir, You do know that she trying to manipulating you into saying everything she needs to know, right?] Friday said the obvious.
"Oh, I know that. I am also testing her to see her limit. When Serafall said that her sister was a genius, I wasn't expecting this much. If she is given the right training, she could give Renner a run for her money."
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