Chapter 57: Battle of Wits
Haruto sat alone in the grandeur of his throne room, his focus fixed on the Gungi board laid before him. The empty room echoed the subtle clinking of the Gungi pieces as he moved them around, trying different strategies, reenacting his previous matches against Komugi. His eyes were devoid of emotion, but his mind was a battlefield, calculating and contemplating.
Weeks had passed since his first game against Komugi, yet victory seemed elusive, the Gungi board a cruel reminder of his unfulfilled triumph. The memory of his every defeat at her hands hung heavy in the silence of the throne room. Yet, within him, the fire of determination to beat her at the game was unquenched.
As he rearranged the Gungi pieces one more time, the large doors of the throne room creaked open. His gaze shifted momentarily from the Gungi board to the source of the interruption.
Canary stepped into the room, her footsteps resonating with the echo of formality. She was a loyal servant, her demeanor a reflection of her undying dedication.
"The newly appointed Vice-Chairman of the Hunter Association, Pariston Hill is here for a formal visit," she announced, her voice steady.
Pariston Hill. A cunning smile, ostentatious suits, a man known for his underhanded tactics, and now, the Vice-Chairman of the Hunter Association. A smirk tugged at Haruto's lips. This promised to be interesting.
"Show him in," Haruto commanded, not taking his eyes off the Gungi board.
The doors opened wider, and Pariston Hill stepped into the throne room. His dark blond hair perfectly styled, his luxurious suit impeccable. His brown eyes scanned the room, landing on Haruto. The smile on his face, charming and wide, did not reach his eyes.
Haruto looked up from his Gungi board, meeting Pariston's gaze. "Vice-Chairman Hill," he greeted, his tone carrying a faint hint of mockery. "To what do I owe this visit?"
Pariston's smile widened, a spark of amusement lighting his eyes. "Your Highness," he began, "I thought it would be appropriate to personally extend my greetings to you after my recent appointment."
Haruto simply nodded, silently beckoning him to continue.
"Moreover," Pariston continued, "the Hunter Association is always eager to establish good relations with potential allies. Your Kingdom, after all, holds significant potential."
His words were honey-dipped, but Haruto saw past his sweet exterior. He was a snake, weaving a web of intrigue and deceit. But Haruto was no prey to be ensnared. He was the predator.
"I see," Haruto replied, his voice as cold as ice. "However, Vice-Chairman Hill, you must understand that my Kingdom doesn't seek allies. Allies imply the need for support, and as you must have noticed, I am self-sufficient."
Pariston's smile didn't falter at Haruto's words, but his eyes sparkled with an interest that was almost predatory. "An interesting perspective, Your Highness," Pariston began, crossing his arms, his tone smooth as silk. "But even the mightiest of empires have allies. They lend credibility and strength."
"Credibility?" Haruto's voice was a cold laugh, echoing ominously in the quiet room. "Do you think my kingdom seeks validation? From the likes of the Hunter Association or anyone else?"
Pariston chuckled lightly, the sound muffled by his gloved hands. "Not validation, Your Highness. Perhaps 'recognition' would be a more appropriate term?"
"Recognition, then," Haruto echoed, leaning back on his throne, his gaze unyielding. "And tell me, Vice-Chairman Hill, what does the Hunter Association have to offer that I don't already possess?"
Pariston's smile widened, his gaze sparkling with intrigue. "Well," he mused, "recognition from the Hunter Association brings with it various benefits - resources, protection, international standing, and let's not forget, a network of influential people."
Haruto stared at him for a moment, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Protection?" he repeated, his tone edged with icy amusement. "Are you suggesting that my kingdom requires protection from external threats?"
Pariston shrugged, the picture of nonchalance. "The world is unpredictable, Your Highness. It never hurts to be prepared."
"But it does hurt," Haruto countered, his gaze hardening, "to underestimate one's own abilities. To rely on external aid when one is capable of self-defense is not preparation, it's a demonstration of weakness."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Pariston's smile dimmed ever so slightly, but his gaze held its predatory gleam.
"You've misunderstood, Your Highness," he clarified, his voice calm and composed. "It's not about weakness. It's about strategic advantage. Allies can offer support in unexpected situations."
"I don't concern myself with 'unexpected situations,' Vice-Chairman Hill," Haruto retorted, his voice echoing in the vast room. "I simply eliminate them."
Pariston chuckled lightly, not the least bit taken aback. "A remarkable strategy, Your Highness," he said, his tone dripping with false admiration. "But wouldn't you agree that sometimes, the unexpected situations are the most interesting ones?"
Haruto leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand, his gaze sharp as a blade. "I find it more interesting to craft the unexpected, Vice-Chairman Hill. To control the board, rather than being a pawn on it."
Pariston's eyes narrowed slightly at Haruto's words, a small indication that his opponent was tougher than he had originally thought. "Indeed, it's always exhilarating to be the one making the moves," he conceded. "But sometimes, even the game maker could use an extra hand."
"An extra hand," Haruto repeated, an unreadable expression on his face. "Interesting. But tell me, Pariston Hill, what makes you believe that your hand is the one I need?"
Pariston's gaze never wavered. "Why, the fact that I've managed to hold my own against you so far, Your Highness."
For a moment, there was silence. Then Haruto laughed, a deep, resonating sound that filled the room. "Indeed, you've proven to be an entertaining opponent, Vice-Chairman Hill," he admitted, his smile cold as winter. "But know this, the game has only just begun. And I do not lose."
The silent echo of Haruto's words filled the throne room, hanging in the air with an almost tangible force. He leaned back in his throne, a vague hint of amusement playing at the corner of his lips. Pariston held his gaze steady, the smug smile never leaving his face. He was, after all, known for his grit and tenacity. An ordinary conversation was, in essence, a tactical battlefield for him.
"True, external aid can indicate weakness. However, might I add, Your Highness, that it can also denote wisdom." Pariston began, his voice steady, the smile never wavering. "See it as a...strategy, a chess move."
Haruto let out a soft laugh, his gaze piercing into Pariston. "The wise know when to make their own moves, Vice-Chairman Hill," he retorted, his fingers absentmindedly moving a piece on the Gungi board before him.
"Ah, but even the most skilled players occasionally need to adjust their strategies," Pariston countered, his tone carrying a hint of challenge. "A player who does not adapt to the game is destined to lose, wouldn't you agree?"
Haruto stared at the Gungi board for a moment, his face unreadable. He then lifted his gaze back to Pariston, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "In that case, Vice-Chairman Hill, let us play a game."
Pariston raised an eyebrow, the hint of a smile deepening his eyes. "A game, Your Highness?"
"Yes," Haruto replied, his tone low but firm. "A game of Gungi. Since you seem to have such a fondness for strategy, let's test your prowess."
The corners of Pariston's mouth twitched slightly as he took a seat across Haruto, the grand Gungi board between them. "Very well, Your Highness. I accept your challenge."
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