Eliora's POV
Dawn's pale light filtered through the carriage window, casting shifting patterns across the leather seats. I sat beside Hina, her small form poised and elegant before me. An elf with snow-white hair, she possessed an otherworldly grace: the delicate swirl of her locks, the gentle curve of her light-blue eyes, and her pale-blue dress edged with white gloves made her seem like a living poem. Few elves could match her innate mana, but it was her serene composure that drew my admiration.
When Neron joined us, the carriage seemed to brighten. His gait, even at this tender age, carried the confidence of a seasoned noble. His dark-blue eyes held a sharp intelligence, and his black hair was neatly parted at the center. Dressed in a dark-blue suit tailored impeccably, complete with polished black shoes, he looked every bit the prince of legend.
As the carriage rolled toward Count Lion Aldrich's estate, Neron broke the silence:
"Mother, do we need to raise our rank as nobles? We are barons, but is it wise to become viscounts, then counts, and so on?"
I monitored my own expression before replying thoughtfully:
"Well, my son, what do you think? Is there harm in having more hands to manage our affairs?"
My words were gentle, yet beneath them lay the vast weight of politics and ambition. I dared not speak too candidly, for the path of ascension was fraught with rivalry.
---
Hina's POV
When the carriage gates swung open, I felt my heart flutter in my chest. Before me lay a grand courtyard: manicured hedges formed intricate patterns, and fountains whispered secrets of old. The mansion's columns soared, each carved with motifs of lions and vines. Guests, clad in the finest silks and velvets, greeted one another with measured bows.
A soft murmur reached my ear as Neron reminded me:
"You do remember what I told you to do here, Hina."
My throat constricted with fear, but I recalled the night in his chamber:
---
"Hina," he said, his voice soft like a whisper in the dark. "Would you do something small for me?"
"What is it?" I asked, wary.
He smiled faintly, then revealed a portrait. "During the party, I want you to accidentally spill your tea on this boy. He's the son of the host."
"But… why him?"
"Because he hurt you once, didn't he?" His tone remained calm, almost soothing. "This is your chance to stand up for yourself. And don't worry—I'll be there to protect you."
"I… I don't know. I'm scared, master."
He leaned in slightly, his eyes narrowing just a bit. "You trust me, don't you? You said you were mine. If you really mean that… then prove it."
"I do… but—"
"Then be brave—for me. Or will you always let fear decide who you are?"
Now, with trembling fingers, I lifted my porcelain cup, my eyes darting to the boy with black skin and graying hair—my destined target.
---
Neron's POV
I watched Hina approach Ivan Aldrich, the self-proclaimed "smartest child of the generation." His family's covert dealings funded the black market—an anomaly I intended to rectify. This act had two purposes: shatter Ivan's pride and cement Hina's devotion to me. She would become my unwavering blade.
Hina's teacup slipped, and steaming tea arced onto Ivan's pristine white suit.
"Sorry," she stammered.
Ivan's face twisted in rage:
"Are you a moron?" he yelled—and slapped her.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. I moved swiftly:
"What is going on here, Hina?"
She sniffed, voice trembling:
"Master—he struck me when I only meant to greet him."
"What is this behavior, Ivan Aldrich?" I asked coldly.
"Forgive me. I lost my temper there..."
Then I slapped him—the sound echoed through the hall.
"Oh my, it seems my hand slipped. I must ask for forgiveness."
I was smiling with joy, while he seemed to smile back—barely controlling his temper.
"I hope you will participate in the tournament of chess that is held tomorrow. I heard you're quite brilliant yourself, Neron Valmore."
"Such honor to hear this from the smartest in the same generation. I guess I will take part."
From an adult's point of view, it may have seemed like a child's squabble of sorts—but only a wise person could tell it wasn't. We both were containing our emotions and choosing the right words in our exchange.
"Then I will take my leave. Let's go, Hina," I said, holding her hand and dragging her away.
"Neron... is it? I will remember your name. You messed with the wrong guy. I will humiliate your whole family in the tournament," Ivan thought, silently.
---
Outside, in the garden's corner, I checked her cheek.
"Hina, are you okay?"
"I am fine... but can we go somewhere else?"
We both came outside the hall, and in the quiet garden, she started crying on my shoulder.
"I was scared, Master..." she sniffled.
"I'm sorry, Hina. I didn't expect him to slap you like that..."
Well, I guess she is a normal child after all.
Did I expect he might slap her?
Or rather... did I want him to slap her?
Yes. I wanted to see the reactions of both Ivan and Hina.
Now I understand Hina's personality—she is loyal to my word. She believes my word as absolute, but deep in her heart, she still wants affection from someone.
If I can make her depend on me more, then she will do anything necessary for my affection.
Beliefs built over a long time are hard to break.
Also... Ivan is innocent here. But I want to show his father—through this tournament—that his plan to make his son part of the Hero's party won't work.
Because I need to join them.
It is a crucial step in my big plan.
"Master... you're not going to leave me, right?" Hina asked, her eyes red from crying.
"Why would I? You're my sword. You need to be strong, Hina. And I will never lose a sword that is forged in the harshest environment."
---
The tea party ended by evening.
My mother took Hina home, but I stayed behind.
At first, my mother disagreed, but after my charming, innocent face... she gave in.
I was going to stay at the inn where all tournament participants were staying. The inn was managed by the Count himself, so everything was free.
I ate my fill, then went to bed. There was nothing to do now but wait until tomorrow.
Some participants watched me closely—well, I was invited by the Count's son himself, the last person we needed to defeat.
---
Why I Must Win
There is only one reason I must defeat him:
He's maintained his position in this tournament for two years.
If he wins again, he'll be selected as the strategist of the Hero's party.
That's something I cannot afford.
If I want to control the Hero's party to my advantage, I need to be their strategist.
Of course, the Hero's party hasn't been chosen yet. But the king is already gathering all future potential candidates.
There are rumors that the next Devil Emperor will be the strongest in history.
In thoughts of future plans and past regrets...
I don't remember when I fell asleep.
---
The Next Day – Tournament Day
I woke up and got ready for the big event.
I won't lie—I was nervous. I could predict the future, but not see it.
Uncertainty and the unexpected could happen anytime.
But I was prepared for the worst.
As I walked toward the tournament venue, it looked like a coliseum.
I guess it was a big event after all.
The coliseum had many seats, and in the center, one table with two chairs.
Above it floated a massive illusion magic display, showing the live match to all the spectators.
---
The first two participants played.
They seemed decent—but not enough to defeat Ivan.
Then came my match. I didn't know my opponent, nor did I care.
I started with a clumsy position. Every time he thought he was about to win, I made a move that dragged the game out.
I won—not with checkmate—but because the other player's time ran out.
This was intentional.
It was my way of saying:
"Take all the time you want. You still can't beat me."
---
Ivan's match followed.
He didn't underestimate his opponent. With a solid foundation, he began and ended the game in just two minutes.
The crowd cheered, amazed by his play.
But what I saw was different.
He made too many unnecessary moves.
Was it intentional? Or a mistake?
---
Then came my next match.
Again, I used the same tactic:
Started clumsy, took my sweet time, and forced my opponent to overthink.
I'd move in a way that let me take two or more pieces at once, creating complicated situations.
The other player wasted their time thinking.
Each player had ten minutes. If your time ran out, you lost by default.
With this rule, I could hide my true skill.
---
Then came Ivan's next match.
Again, he won in two minutes.
With two victories each, we both advanced to the quarterfinals.
The quarterfinals would be held tomorrow.
---
Now, I had some time to explore the estate... and try a thing or two.