The game of chess

Chapter 21; The game of chess

"I heard from my royal guards that you wished to see me. Is something troubling you?" Queen Durgawati, seated on her throne, gazed at Ayush with an unreadable expression.

"Yes, Your Highness," Ayush nodded respectfully.

"Oh… then tell me your problem. Perhaps I can solve it." She smiled slightly as she spoke, her voice carrying a regal magnanimity while she lightly tapped the armrest of her throne.

Maintaining his composure, Ayush met Durgawati's gaze, pausing for a moment before speaking. Leaning forward slightly, he said, "Your Majesty, as you may already know from my mother, I am not inclined to accept a political marriage and alliance under these circumstances. However, I do not outright oppose it either. Before making a decision, I believe I must first understand the woman who will become my wife in the future."

"Oh… so from my perspective, it seems you do not fully trust my judgment." Queen Durgawati raised an eyebrow and asked Ayush.

Ayush shook his head, a small smile appearing on his face. "It is not a matter of trust, Your Majesty. It is about ensuring a strong foundation for the future. Marriage is not just an alliance between kingdoms; it is also a bond between the bride and groom, who must understand and accept each other."

Durgawati observed him carefully before turning her head slightly to glance at the young woman beside her. She then spoke, "Rajeshwari, step forward."

Leaning slightly against the armrest, she supported her cheek with one hand and continued, "Since you wish to meet her before making a decision, I have no objection."

The young woman beside Queen Durgawati—Rajeshwari—stepped forward gracefully.

"Greetings, Prince Ayush." Rajeshwari gave a slight bow in respect.

"Prince Ayush, I have heard much about you from Her Majesty," she continued. "Her Majesty says that you have the ambition to build your own empire, along with great intelligence and power. But words are merely words. I would like to see for myself whether they are true."

After that, she stepped forward, her beautiful eyes locked onto Ayush with a hint of curiosity. She carried herself with the grace of a princess, yet there was sharpness and intelligence in her gaze.

Ayush observed her carefully while secretly scanning her stats using the system's eyes.

Name: Rajeshwari Singh

Age: 17 years old

Love Interest: 50%

Mastery in:

• Chess (Master)

• Melee Combat (Skilled)

• Swordsmanship (Master)

Physical State: 9

Mental State: 10

Charm: 97 (Virgin)

While studying her stats, Ayush realized that a chess battle with her was inevitable if he wanted to test their intelligence against each other. Although he had some knowledge of chess, he was only familiar with Indian classical chess through memory, and he had never been particularly interested in such games.

As Rajeshwari stepped forward, Queen Durgawati introduced her. "Prince Ayush, this is my niece, Rajeshwari Singh."

Rajeshwari met Ayush's gaze and, without hesitation, asked, "Prince Ayush, why should I consider you worthy of an alliance with my kingdom?"

A sly smile appeared on Ayush's face as he thought of something before responding in the same tone. "That's an interesting question, Princess. But I also want to know—why should I consider you worthy of becoming my wife?"

Durgawati and Gaurav remained silent, merely observing the interaction. Neither of them wished to interfere, as this conversation would shape the future of both individuals.

Rajeshwari, upon hearing Ayush's response, smiled slightly as if she were looking at a fool. However, she replied confidently, "Prince Ayush, I am not the one seeking an alliance. You are the one who wishes for my family's support. If I am to be bound by this marriage, I need to know whether the man I am marrying is capable enough to shape history—or if he is merely chasing empty dreams."

Ayush chuckled softly at her words. He was not offended; rather, his evaluation of her rose slightly in his mind.

"Then how do you plan to test my capability?" he asked with an intrigued expression.

"Well, by the mind. A man who wishes to rule must prove that he can think ahead for the future. And for this, we must play the game of chess. Through this, your ability will be tested." Crossing her arms over her chest, she said to Ayush.

There was an unknown emotion in Ayush's eyes, then he nodded at her words.

Queen Durgawati clapped her hands lightly while signaling the servants.

"Bring the chessboard," she ordered.

Soon, at her command, the chessboard was brought by the servants.

A polished wooden chessboard, inlaid with black and ivory pieces, was placed on a low marble table between Ayush and Rajeshwari.

Soon, the pieces were laid out, each carved with intricate details.

Ayush sat down first, adjusting himself into a relaxed posture. Rajeshwari followed and sat in front of him. Ayush took a glance at her beauty and momentarily paused.

Meanwhile, Ayush started to recall everything he had learned from his two lifetimes. Fortunately, his mind had been enhanced with the potion, allowing him to predict Rajeshwari's moves and counter them.

Rajeshwari looked carefully at the board and then at Ayush. "As you are my guest, I will permit you to make the first move."

Ayush chuckled quietly. "Is this a clever choice, or are you attempting to assess my initial method?"

She smiled slightly but said nothing.

Ayush took a traditional yet effective opening position, moving his first pawn forward.

Rajeshwari responded swiftly, pushing her own pawn ahead with skillful finger movements.

Both sides were careful in their first moves, examining each other's strategy. But as the game went on, it became evident that Rajeshwari was no ordinary opponent. She played calmly, waiting for Ayush to overreach before launching precise counterattacks.

Ayush, on the other hand, used a methodical yet aggressive approach, moving forward tactically and with a well-thought-out plan in an effort to take control of the board right away.

With the exception of the occasional sound of chess pieces being moved or taken, the room fell silent. Queen Durgawati watched curiously, periodically sipping from a golden cup.

After a quarter of an hour, Rajeshwari leaned back slightly. "Prince Ayush, you're a talented person. You have the assurance of someone who is accustomed to winning when you play."

Ayush grinned. "And you play with the patience of someone used to outlasting her opponents."

She shifted her queen and launched a surprise offensive, endangering Ayush's knight.

Ayush's eyes narrowed slightly. "That was a hazardous but daring move. Are you gauging my response?"

Rajeshwari tilted her head. "A ruler needs to take measured risks. Do you not agree?"

After giving his options considerable thought, Ayush answered, "Yes. However, deciding which risks to take and which to avoid is crucial." He shifted his bishop, thwarting her assault while laying the groundwork for a potential threat.

A smile of amusement curved Rajeshwari's lips. "I understand. You would rather forgo minor benefits in favor of long-term rewards."

Ayush laughed. "It is how wars are won, Princess."

Rajeshwari made a bold move as the game neared its climax, pushing her rook forward with force. Ayush, however, had been anticipating this.

He promptly moved his queen. "Check."

When Rajeshwari realized she had been lured into an uncomfortable situation, her once-confident demeanor gradually weakened. She looked at the board, searching for a way out. However, no matter her perspective, Ayush had led her into a trap.

She leaned back and sighed after a moment. "I see. You saw my move coming from the beginning."

Ayush gave a nod. "You did well, Princess. However, anticipating your opponent's intentions is half the battle in both politics and warfare."

After examining him for a considerable amount of time, Rajeshwari eventually smiled slightly. "Prince Ayush, I must say that you have impressed me. You possess a strategist's intellect; you are more than just words."

Ayush bowed slightly. "And you are a formidable opponent. I see why Queen Durgawati thinks so highly of you."

After silently observing, Queen Durgawati finally spoke. "We appear to have come to a decision. What do you think, Rajeshwari?"

Turning to her aunt, Rajeshwari replied, "He is worthy."

Ayush raised an eyebrow. "Does that mean you accept the marriage alliance?"

Rajeshwari smiled slightly. "I accept the possibility of it. However, I have one condition."

Ayush leaned forward. "And what is that?"

She met his eyes confidently. "Give me one year. If, after that time, we both still agree, then I will marry you."

Ayush had no problem with this because he himself was young and had no time to divert his attention to anything other than building his power first. Even if Rajeshwari hadn't mentioned it, he would have brought up the matter himself because, above all, he wanted to become worthy of Rajeshwari first before marrying her.

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[Happy Holi Guys]