The sound of water reached James's ears as he looked at Rong with a calm face despite facing a great opponent. The look in in his eyes was filled with respect and curiosity because in his life except for a few elders, none managed to win against him in a match.
" Hmm, are you surprised to see a person like me has a mind that can rival you in a chess match?"
Rong smiled gently, moving the pawn forward to attack him. James didn't respond to her question because first of all this wasn't a simple chess. It was a magical chess that every piece had individual thoughts and beliefs like normal humans.
He didn't understand where she got this but he believed this had to do with his home.
" Your brother is a kind man who helped many around the world, including myself. I was rescued by your father and your brother helped me to clean the mess in my home. Although many saw this as a political move, in my eyes they were helping me out of kindness. That is why I remained in contact with your brother who helped us to establish an eastern guardian front where we were free to do good things without the supervision of the government and others. He saw East was as complicated as the west and sought to help us by giving us resources and a chance in your father's absence. It wasn't easy when we started. We had to face countless challenges to come here."
Her tone contained nostalgia for the past, recalling the vivid images of their start. She remembered the people were trying hard to survive here and she was the first one to join their cause because she believed it was the right thing.
" My father and brother are indeed geniuses. They are both kind and smart people who overcame many obstacles unlike a young inexperienced child like me, but do you know that I had to travel beyond this planet? I am not a child."
With determination in his voice, he moved the knight to the bishop which he slain easily.
" That doesn't mean you are wise. You may be an intelligent person, but you aren't wise."
Her slender finger gently pushed the rook to the pawn which she cornered. This move almost cost his board but he didn't give up in front of his adversary.
" Best defense is attack, lady. Check!"
The surprising turn of events caught her off guard and she opened her eyes wide. When she looked at the pattern, she saw he was moving his pieces in a precise manner that she wouldn't notice. He moved like a normal person but he hid his trails with bait.
" Checkmate, is it? You are a clever boy. Here take this."
She took out something from her back, handing him with a gentle face.
James scratched his head with embarrassment because he never imagined this would be this easy.
" Don't be proud. I thought your brother would be here, but you came due to a certain mistake."
Rong disheveled his hair whilst walking toward the shrine as she leaned on the wall.
" I am looking forward to meeting you again."
She spoke calmly as James waved his hand with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile in Kamar Taj
" No, Alexia!"
Wong resolutely shook his head, flipping the tome pages with impatience.
" But, uncle! How about this I will give you 1 bottle of father's wine and you will give me the map."
Alexia raised her finger, knowing Wong loved Arthur's wine due to its heavenly taste and fragrance.
" 3 bottles, I will also send you there."
Wong bargained with a heavy face, imagining the good things in Arthur's celery. To be honest, he doesn't drink that much but that wine was so special that he was dying to taste it after tasting once.
" 2 bottles and cheese. That is the best I can do. Otherwise, mama will scold me."
Alexia shrugged her shoulders with a defeated look, but she was smiling smugly inside of her head because she could get more wine if she explained it to her father and brother.
" Deal! Alexia, thankfully you took after your father."
Wong gloated brightly, thinking he got a good deal.