Theolis set aside his inner helplessness, looked at Velin, and asked, "Moon Knight, would you be willing to play a game of chess against my fa... Phoebus?"
"Sure." Velin nodded. "However, I don't think the outcome of the game should be tied to this matter. So I can first play a game with Minister Phoebus behind you, then discuss the leasing of the border region between Zhili King's Zone and Harmonia Hunting Zone with Your Majesty. What do you think?"
"I agree," Theolis replied with a nod.
"Your Majesty, then please prepare a venue for us."
"Of course."
Before long, several mermaid maids brought over everything they needed.
The blond merman walked to the left side of the low table and made an inviting gesture, signaling for Velin to sit first.
Velin did not stand on ceremony. He went straight to the opposite side and sat down.
After the blond merman took his seat, Theolis looked at them both and said, "Begin."
"Moon Knight, please go first."
"All right."
Velin picked up a chess piece and placed it down.
Seeing where the piece landed, a trace of astonishment flashed across the blond merman's face. The piece in his hand remained suspended for a long while.
"What's wrong?" Velin asked curiously.
Hearing Velin's words, the blond merman pointed to a spot on the board and tentatively said, "Moon Knight, I feel it would be more appropriate for your first piece to go here?"
Following his finger, Velin carefully recalled watching his uncle-in-law play chess with Kyle. No matter which side went first, their opening move really had been in the direction the blond merman indicated.
"Thank you for the reminder."
"You're welcome."
Only after Velin moved his piece did the blond merman make his move.
When the second piece fell, the