Chapter 21: Trails Of Fire And Ice - Signs Of Disasters Behind Laughters (2)
The Kingdom of Alakarans, centred around the capital Oaergal, was known for its grandiose architecture and bustling markets. The castle, especially, was known for the grandiose marbles and gold that gleamed even at dawn, each written with a magic runes imprinted by the Great Hero Alice, a testament to the Hero's casual strength.
In the empty chamber of such a castle, a blonde, little girl in a robe kneeled down in front of a chessboard, as her brows furrowed with the hollowness of an impending defeat, defeat of which numbered in the thousands. In contrast, her opponent, the Majesty the Queen Elsara, only smirked with ease and lovingness, her eyes never left the board as the little girl's mind was racing faster than when she took a demon general's head in mach 15 speed.
Her fingernail scratched the royal carpet, the carpet now filled with marks of her frustration and helplessness, as she finally leaned back on her arms with a sigh, her gaze finally meeting the queen's knowing eyes.
"...now, the deal." The Queen's smiley tone was a knife's edge, as she leaned closer to the chessboard. "I won this game, so grant me the nakedness I desire, my-hero."
The little girl's eyes grew wide with horror, her cheeks redder than a dragon's flame, as she sputtered, "M-my majesty...this is unfair!"
Then she stomped her feet into standing up, her mana did well to be controlled within her turmoil, a patience instilled into her by her mentor. "You only competed with something you're good at! Try fighting! Or...sword-fighting! Isn't it more royal-like or something?"
"With a hero, that I must deny. Besides," a knowing glint spread across the queen's eyes as she admired the rare, flustered hero with her arrogance laid bare, "young Alice, do not forget it is you who proposed this to me first. It is natural to wish upon the same for a naughty heroine as one would a queen, is it not?"
A hitchy gasp stuck in the hero's throat. In the heat of moment, she forgot her pervertedness was also instilled into her by her mentor. "Well, I-I can't just—"
But their conversation was interrupted, as Alice felt a slight crack in the dimension, against the barrier of the room that was supposed to be shielded from the outside world. The chessboard rattled, the queen's eyes grew sharp as the mage's heart stilled.