Before entering the endgame, when Marquis Kito moved the queen, the atmosphere reached its peak. Although Marquis Kito had the advantage in winning percentage, Munt was skilled at inducing stalemates.

However, Marquis Kito cleverly played the game. After several moves, Munt finally extended his hand for a handshake.

I understand that gesture well.

“……!”

A new chess champion was born.

“……Marquis won, right? Isn’t that correct?”

“Yes, it was an excellent game.”

Viscount Penton smiled faintly as he watched the day admiringly, and applause followed from the people behind.

“Marquis, I believed you would do it!”

For nearly two decades, Marquis Kito, who had to stay in the shadow due to Munt’s overwhelming presence, finally claimed the throne.

His efforts and success brought joy and pleasure to many people. Even Munt acknowledged Marquis Kito’s victory, who had always looked down on his position.

‘Wow…….’

Before leaving the stage, Marquis Kito waved to the audience warmly.

Munt, known for having almost no expression and a face like armor, also smiled. Stepping back, he gave a dignified blessing to the new champion. Marquis Kito, the newly crowned champion, truly shone.

‘Impressive.’

I wondered if there was some magic imbued in the title of the champion.

“Please say a few words!”

“Marquis, how do you feel!”

“What did the champion say!”

As soon as the closed doors opened, reporters from various newspapers rushed to the Marquis. Marquis Kito calmly responded to the interview as if he were accustomed to it.

That night, all the newspapers unanimously stated that the final game played was a ceremony celebrating the birth of a new king, and there were two winners.

“Can I really be here?”

Really?

I said, looking around nervously.

Now, a day after the final game, I found myself back in the capital with the Penton family. I didn’t expect to sit in a restaurant in front of the palace.

This place was different from the usual restaurant atmosphere.

In the middle, pianos and string instruments were playing, and chefs came out personally to explain the ingredients, cooking methods, and how to eat each time the food came out.

“Of course, Reje. Don’t feel pressured.”

“Father is right! Since you and I are wearing the same color dress, we’ll definitely look like sisters!”

The Duke and Yune relieved my tension. Urick, sitting next to me, held my hand.

“Don’t feel uncomfortable, Reje.”

Urick whispered to me.

“But still.”

“It’s natural for you to be here. By the way, isn’t the atmosphere nice? Actually, the food here is quite good. Let’s come here together when you become an adult.”

“Wouldn’t it be expensive?”

“It’s okay. You won’t have to take out your wallet.”

Oh, that’s a relief.

Urick teased me, saying he would pay. The Duchess and Duke, sitting next to me, covered their mouths and laughed.

I was embarrassed, but Urick seemed unfazed. He explained the taste of the dishes laid out before us.

‘Coming to a place I’ve only heard rumors about…….’

I came for the first time, but I know what this place is. The restaurant “Lagras” located in front of the palace.

It was operated by top chefs, and not only the atmosphere but also the taste of the food was excellent, attracting wealthy nobles frequently.

But I learned about this restaurant not because of its reputation but because of the difficult reservations, with the jaw-dropping price of the dishes and the difficulty of getting a reservation, as if picking stars from the sky.

“Oh, there he comes.”

Duke Penton stood up from his seat. When I turned my head, I saw Marquis Kito approaching with leisurely steps. He hid his appearance with a hat and cloak.

It was our first meeting after the final game.

The Marquis had been so busy with delayed interviews, after-parties, champagne clubs with champions, and more that he couldn’t get a good night’s sleep.

“You did well, Penton.”
“My friend has finally become a champion, and I went through all this trouble to make a difficult reservation.

Duke Penton and Marquis Kito laughed and took their seats. Marquis Kito also looked around, as if it was his first time here, expressing admiration.

After a short glance, the Marquis looked at me sitting next to him. When I seemed surprised, he patted my head.

“How have you been, Reje?” With that one word, my heart melted, and the restrained feelings soared to the sky.

“I’ve been well…! But, there’s something I’m curious about. Can I ask?”

“Of course.”

“What have you been up to, Marquis? It was reported in the newspapers that you joined the Champion Club. How is it there?”

“Hmm… I was expecting more, but it’s not as grand as I thought. Champions gather in one room to talk or play chess, and that’s about it.”