Reset Life – Chapter 59

Chapter 59: A Brilliant Move? Was There Such a Thing? (4)

He reacted immediately. This is the part I can’t help but like about him, he clearly distinguishes between when and where to be serious.

Jay erased the smile from his face all at once, and despite his slightly flushed face due to the alcohol, spoke in an intelligent tone.

“What’s the matter?”

“Here. Find out where this is. And the time and route of the security patrol at dawn on the date written here. Also, the personalities of the patrol members in charge.”

“Until when?”

“Hmm, it’s 2 AM now, so within the next 10 hours.”

I handed him the paper I received from Artshever. Jay unfolded it and scanned it quickly. Then, he crossed his arms and thought for a moment before scratching his head.

“It’ll be a bit difficult. 10 hours is tight.”

“I’m pressed for time. The sooner, the better. I’ll give you dessert time along with lunch. 12 hours from now. You should start right away.”

“Heh. Damn. Cruel. Not even giving me time to sober up. You know that’s not righteous, right?”

“You’re not righteous anyway. So what?”

“Sigh, my life. How did I end up with a boss like this? Thanks to you, Old Man’s hair is turning white faster. Tsk. It can’t be helped. I should buy him some hair dye.”

Jay grumbled, but gulped down the ice water in one go. Then, he groaned as if he suddenly had a headache.

I turned my head away from the fool’s foolish act and looked at Lucy, who was making an amusing expression while scratching her chin.

“Alright. What’s my job? If there’s nothing, I’ll consume all the alcohol and women here.”

“Kyaa! Bold!”

“Oh my……I love this kind of guy!”

Maria and the other hostesses, completely smitten with him, screamed and squealed. I waved my hand to push away the high-pitched sounds floating in the air and asked him,

“Your specialty is ‘Space’, right?”

“How did you know?”

Of course, I knew. Before I died, if you didn’t know the ‘Ruler of Space’, you’d be asked if you came from across the Sair River.

I shrugged and gestured towards Jay.

Lucy said with a dissatisfied expression,

“That’s not enough.”

“Life is always lacking. It’s not an important story, right? Get to the point. Lend me your brain. You said mages are strong not just because of magic but also because of knowledge, right?”

“Hoo, that’s right. Since I agreed to cooperate, and I have to pay for the drinks and food. But there’s something I want to ask.”

“What is it?”

Lucy crossed her arms and straightened her back. The previously philandering macho man asked me in the manner of a ‘mage’,

“Are you confident?”

I grinned and tapped the table with my finger, saying,

“I’ve had that from the beginning.”

“Kh, you’re a smooth talker.”

Lucy’s eyes changed. It was the second time I saw that look in his eyes.

The truly serious look he had when he said he would avenge his acquaintance’s grudge.

I met his gaze confidently and said,

“Are you confident too?”

“Ah, of course. I can’t lose to just anyone.”

Lucy clenched his fist, showing his enthusiasm. Seeing his dependable – though not as a mage – appearance, I nodded involuntarily.

I said with a grin,

“Good. If we fail, I’ll deduct it from the alcohol bill.”

“Puhek?!”

Lucy collapsed with a truly pathetic sound.

Ah, that feels good.

Imperial Year 372, November 12th.

Aila moved her bishop with a sullen expression and said,

“It suddenly got cold. What happened this time?”

“Well, I don’t know. Everyone has their own things to do.”

I replied nonchalantly while moving my pawn with my phone, bringing it right in front of the bishop. Aila pondered the board for a moment, then moved her rook to check my bishop, which was preparing to cross the battlefield from the corner.

She said in a passing tone,

“Liar.”

“You too?”

“Huh? What?”

“Nothing. Never mind.”

A brief look of disdain flashed through her golden eyes. As always, both Aila and Levidian have very expressive eyes. When they put their emotions into them, it really feels like I am that kind of person.

Just as I was lost in thought, wondering if I should feel ashamed of myself, she said,

“After that muscular mage with the ridiculous nickname went out, everyone left. Ms. Namias, Ibi-unni, and Joey, as if they had planned it. And then you suddenly came to me wanting to play chess. Lately, it feels like I’m the only one being left out. Sniff.”

I don’t know why she said the last ‘sniff’ out loud, but anyway, she made a cute expression with her cheeks puffed out. Another thing Aila and Levidian have in common is that they show their cuteness in unexpected ways.

I moved my king to the left to prepare for the check that would come in three moves. Aila fixed her gaze on the chessboard with a serious expression again. While she was thinking about her move, I crossed my arms and said,

“It can’t be helped. I know you’re smart, and I know you have an unfathomable side, but I can’t help but doubt your actual combat ability. You don’t happen to have the eloquence to make your opponent want to commit suicide or have a heart attack, do you?”

“Sometimes I wish I had that ability. Then I could take my time and become the first Empress of the Empire. I wonder if an Empress can have multiple husbands? Ah, the Emperor is above all. I could create a harem filled with people to my liking. Ufufu.”

“Yeah, yeah. Give me a government position when that happens.”

“I’ll think about it. So impress me now. But speaking of actual combat ability, you mean fighting, right? Ms. Namias surprisingly gave you permission. Was Ms. Namias also a physical combat type?”

“She’s a High Priest. I explained the situation sufficiently, and she said it would be possible.”

“Hmm, I see. She’s someone who chases after the enemies of the church. It would be difficult without combat ability. She wouldn’t be trying to convert them through missionary work, would she? But who’s the opponent?”

She advanced her pawn. I pretended to be pondering the front lines, which were now in a tense power struggle, while thinking about other things.

Yesterday, Jay diligently gathered information without even properly sobering up, and after having lunch and dessert, he collapsed, according to Old Man.

Thanks to his mission accomplishment, which I’ll have to reward him for later, we have all the dawn patrol information for the nine blocks where we’re certain the culprit will appear today. And Lucy used some kind of magic in those blocks, spending the entire day yesterday. As a result, Lucy is also exhausted. It was hard to bring him home.

Even though it’s a magic that can only be used for one night, it’s the cornerstone of my plan. Fortunately, ‘Space’ is his specialty, so the work was finished relatively quickly. I’m really looking forward to 10 years from now.

The groundwork is almost done. Right now, the three people who are absent, making Aila feel left out, should be meeting with Old Man.

Levidian was reluctant to get involved with criminal organizations, but she agreed to catch the serial killer. I persuaded Joey by saying there would be no fighting, and I made Namias strongly aware of her responsibility.

I don’t know what Namias did, but it’s certain that it caused a disruption in Artshever’s plan. I told her that since the sparks flew to me, she should help put them out, and she nodded.

Anyway, I’m dying to know what happened without my knowledge. After this is over, I need to grab her and seriously ask about his identity. Remember that.

“Ms. Namias……has her reasons.”

I said, moving my rook. Aila took a light sip of her tea and said nonchalantly, looking at the chessboard,

“It’s Artshever, isn’t it? Is he also involved in the serial killings?”

“I wonder what I could possibly hide from you.”

“Sometimes I wonder what you could possibly hide. It’s all over your face. Oh my, my diligent Risel, should I pat your head?”

“No, thank you.”

Do I really have that habit? I looked at the girl with ash-gray hair who was imagining a gentle smile. It seems that it’s not that I have a habit, but rather that her insight is excellent.

In a way, Aila is as unfathomable as Artshever.

It’s said that women generally have a higher mental age than their physical age, but I’m currently about ten years older than my physical age. Seeing her keeping up with or even surpassing me, I wonder what she’s thinking.

“Do you think the masquerade ball will be held?”

“Take a guess.”

“Oh my, so it really depends on whether you catch the serial killer by tomorrow morning? If you can’t, you’ll send out the prepared apologies and gifts all at once?”

“Correct.”

“It’s close. You only have one chance. Doesn’t it clash with the Duke’s wishes?”

She moved her king forward. I thought for a moment, then pushed the pawn on the left end forward one square, confronting her pawn.

“Probably, if it gets out that I secretly went out and caught the killer, my father will be furious. There will be many reasons. First, for ignoring the public safety procedures, and for a minor being out at night. He’ll reprimand me, asking if I wanted to hold the masquerade ball that badly. Most likely, the weight will be on the third reason. It will seem like I’m being arrogant and seeking fame at a young age.”

“Honestly, it is arrogant. The typical noble son wouldn’t go to such lengths to hold a ball. Of course, if you miss this opportunity, it will be impossible for you to hold a ball for the next three months. Even so, your current actions, to be honest, are not very noble-like.”

“Ah, there’s that reason too.”

I nodded seriously. The third reason I mentioned and the un-noble-like behavior. That’s what will anger my father.

Nevertheless, the ball will be held.

Since there’s no reason to stop it, my father won’t be able to do anything about it.

Aila raised her head for a moment and slowly began to count on her fingers.

“Hmm, let’s see. For some reason, the Duke and your brother see you as a thorn in their side. Even if they get angry at you or dislike you more, there’s no real loss. But the gains from catching the serial killer……would be quite substantial.”

I don’t know when she figured out the atmosphere in our house, but she slowly analyzed the situation. It’s also her specialty to be able to expand her thoughts with just a small clue.

“First, securing fame by holding the masquerade ball. You’ll probably gain enough fame to be a popular figure in social circles for the next year just by showing your face occasionally. And you’ll become a heroic figure who caught the serial killer, right? Even if you ignored the public safety procedures, people are enthusiastic about such heroic acts. No. It’s not even that much of an disregard. You’re a Knight, right? Strictly speaking, it’s a title you received from Azot, but even legally, there’s no problem with you acting as a Knight of your own country. The Knight of Peace stepped up for the well-being of the people. Your popularity will explode. Now, tell me honestly. You’re not just aiming for the noble social circles, are you?”

Wow, I was honestly surprised.

Anyone can follow the thought process of naturally moving from one clue to the next. But such natural situation analysis……Not just anyone can do that.

Why are there so many people around me that I can’t handle?

I’m no match for Levidian in swordsmanship, I can’t keep up with Aila in analytical skills that grasp the essence and approach the point, I’m behind Joey in strength, and as I learned yesterday, Lucy is the best at applying his abilities.

I released the tension from my shoulders and slumped down.

“Yes, that’s right. I started because of the masquerade ball, but after thinking about it, it’s more efficient than that. The real goal is the public’s support. The foundation of a ruler is ultimately the ruled, and a ruler who is considered worthy of respect by the ruled will rise to the top, even if they don’t like it. Leading the public’s support to this side is the biggest goal of this action.”

“As expected. That’s what’s excellent about you. You have the ability to make allies in any situation. If there’s nothing, you make time your ally. Anyway, you won’t be isolated in the future, no matter what the situation. That’s also amazing, so have confidence.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

She smiled brightly and focused on the chessboard again.

I’m just amazed by her eloquence in handling such a serious and important story lightly. I always think this, but she would be incredibly scary as an enemy.

“I have a good friend.”

“Right? So don’t leave me out next time.”

She smiled bashfully and nimbly moved her bishop, suddenly capturing my wandering pawn. And I, taking advantage of the gap created by the bishop’s movement, moved my knight, which had been lying in wait, and defeated her rook.

At the same time, I secured the checkmate position.

Aila was surprised, her golden eyes filled with astonishment.

“Aah?! What’s this-!”

“I told you. My specialty is the knight’s unpredictable movements.”

“Th, this! Thiiis!”

Aila nibbled on her thumb, concentrating on the chessboard. This kind of appearance is also cute.

I watched her with a leisurely expression.

The reason I play chess with her is partly a small consideration because she might feel left out, but actually, it’s to regain my senses. I haven’t played chess lately, so my senses have become dull.

You might think, what’s chess when you’re about to catch a serial killer? But in the world, there are things that are unrelated yet related.

Aila is quite good at chess, so I thought playing a game would help me regain my senses, and indeed it did.

With this, all preparations are complete. In addition, I was even able to enjoy a game to relieve tension.

As I took a couple of sips of tea, patiently waiting for Aila’s declaration of defeat, she suddenly smiled and said with a confident face,

“Alright. In this case, I have no choice but to use a brilliant move……”

“A brilliant move? Was there such a thing?”

I tilted my head and read the moves on the board. What brilliant move is there in a checkmate situation? No matter how I looked at it, all Aila had left was to surrender. Hmm, is there something I don’t know?

Aila said confidently,

“Take back one move!”

“……”

Hey. Are you the same kind as Damachi?

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