The quest to victory

Disclaimer: This novel is roughly inspired by the renaissance period and Age of Enlightenment (around the 16th-17th century). The timeline doesn't strictly follow Europe. And many creative liberties are taken. Hence the appearance of tea houses at this early age.

Also, edit on outfit in chapter 14.

_______________________

The shop was festive despite its monochromatic colorization, the only source of color being the Madder Strammel red velarium. Despite the early hour, there were a bunch of people gathered under its protection, though it has yet to be an hour of fierce sunlight and rain fortunately is shy of showing its face today.

Author note:(1. Madder strammel is a shade of red. 2. - velarium is the predecessor of awnings.)

I stand amazed at the commotion. Something I was not used to. Life in the kingdom of Olena was much more conservative and shops were restricted to markets, stalls, and salons which were mainly restricted to those invited. However, several years ago, a drink called tea reached the hands of the Vranid empire, the nobles loved it so much that a merchant decided to create a teahouse in the capital which albeit its initial controversiality became popular due to the chances of meeting someone they had no means to on a daily basis or were not allowed to because of their factions.

High-ranking nobles would come as a way of entertainment and a change of air. Whilst the lower one to scurry power. Some to meet distinguished poets and intellectuals or compete in chess and literary exchanges. Here, a chess board, paper, and violin -an instrument that I have only heard of- are always present. And tournaments for chess, poetry, intellectual thoughts as well as music are held every so often. Thus, this became the source of amusement alongside the more cultured version of gambling.

In other terms, it became the guilty pleasure of the nobles.

"Join! Join! The competition is starting in 30 minutes! Sign up and compete as a potential champion for the prize of traveling the always-crowded Lila-draum river in silent solitude for free! Bring up to three people, with royal permission to close off the river, no other boats guaranteed! Not a chess player? No problem, join in the fun and raise your bets!"

Much of the people gathered seemingly are gamblers with the intention of swindling the other of money, but a fair amount of participants were seen. Interestingly enough, there is only one category, with male and female participants mixed. I went to the reception table where they are recording the participant's name.

Regardless of the lowness of the chance someone would recognize the surname of our small kingdom, I still sign up with the pseudonym name, Aliah. It's better to remain under a veil of mystery. A notion that the host agrees with as the organizer hands me a mask after confirming my participation. Though, it is most likely that the competition itself remains pure and untainted by social pressure as nobles too might join in the fray.

The mask is a white masquerade mask with lace on the rim and an organza silk flower on the upper right side. The golden engravings added on the upper right side of the left eye shining beautifully and bringing focus to the eyes. Contrastingly, a net resembling lace was added to the bottom part of the mask to cover the mouth and bring away attention. But the most beautiful part is the flying flower petals attached at the back side of the left mask through the usage of golden wires, making it look like petals were flying near my hair.

I look around and discover that most female participants were given masks with veils whilst male participants had the standard masquerade masks. However, as if to color code us, everyone received their own color and I alone wore white.

The host was cordial enough to serve us desserts which consisted of a surprising variety. However, I didn't dwell on the food for too long, instead checking out the board in front of me. At a grand total, of 16 participants were in the competition, with 8 blocks in a single elimination system where the loser without a second chance is eliminated. The victors from the 8 blocks will then be regrouped into 4 blocks and so on until only 1 block is left and the final match takes place.

Fortunately, the players are allowed to drink during the match, so the tea I ordered will not be discarded. Interestingly, alcoholic beverages are not barred, meaning my opponents may very well be drunkards and half-conscious people.

The first and second opponents I faced were subpar at best. They were skilled but not so until sweat filled my face. This could be because I had been trained in chess ever since I was young and had defeated pretty much everyone within the kingdom, including the king and even my mother, Lady Vilma. Though I still suffered from losses half the times I match with her.

It was not until the third that I experience a problem. My opponent- a fearsome lady as indicated by the high ponytail on the right side of her head that was styled into one spiral. A hard-to-keep hairstyle that showed her tenacity. Though her strategy was consolidated by so much more than endurance. We were quite literally neck to neck, with my pieces one pawn more than her army that consists of one king, one rook, and three pawns. Contrary to our masks, I was playing black and she white.

I say that, but I was confident enough to win. With the pieces present, I reign superior to hers. Strategically too, I am in a better position. Realizing this, the lady decided to move the battlefield into verbal attacks, dropping the pretense of civility. Maybe, because we were both clothed in disguise by the masquerade mask. "How about dropping the match for two fashionable gowns from our finest seamstress- Mistress Patrizia? I see that your outfit is in dire need of repair."

I look down at my high-collared dress and the trumpet sleeves that extend farther than my fingers. In a society that has begun to value cleavages and the seductive invitation of sleeveless hands, I do look fairly outdated. On a normal basis, I would take this insult humbly, but, this is a game and I intend to win.

So, I merely leaned back on the seat and drank another sip of hibiscus tea. Taking all the time in the world, to answer her question. Before coming up with a witty counter-attack. For once, I am grateful this mask hinders her from recognizing me. Though, my hair and eye color might be a give away. Raven hair is after all very rare.

"I'm insulted, you view me so cheaply. Not all things can be bought with money, my Lady. That much can be seen from your lack of integrity."