Chapter 6: The Angels Continue to Frolic
Today’s tea party is a more interesting event than usual. And that is because...
“Grrr...” Miss Kuroiel stars intently at the chessboard on top of the table we use for our tea parties. I can see her veins begin to bulge from her temple and I can hear her teeth grinding in frustration. She seems to be at a loss about what move to make next.
Miss Lanael scoffs and flips her hair in self-satisfaction. “No matter how hard you try to think, it is a waste of everyone’s time. That shriveled grape of a brain cannot possibly think enough steps ahead to pose a threat to me.”
Yes... For some reason, Miss Kuroiel and Miss Lanael have become embroiled in an intense chess match. It bears mentioning that Miss Lanael instigated this particular competition.
Upon hearing Miss Lanael’s taunt, Miss Kuroiel lets out an aggravated moan and continues to pore over the chessboard.
“I shall let you know this, Kuroiel.” Miss Lanael lets a devious smile grow and continues, “There shall be two more moves before you are utterly annihilated. Yes...two more moves until checkmate.”
Two more moves, she says... In my eyes, it seems to be an even match so far. If I were Miss Kuroiel, I would try to go more on the offensive than attempt to build a defensive wall.
I lean over to Miss Cheriel and whisper, “Is what Miss Lanael says the truth? How can she be so certain?”
“I wonder. But our cute little Kuroiel is not the type to give up without a fight, is she?” Miss Cheriel shoots me a quick glance and winks, giggling once under her breath.
If I am honest, I cannot say I know Miss Kuroiel enough to understand Miss Cheriel’s question.
As if to aggravate her opponent further, Miss Lanael begins to tap the corner of the chessboard to signify her growing impatience. “Hurry and make your move. Procrastinate all you like, but your loss has already been determined.”
“Jeez, wouldja be quiet for a sec? I’m gettin’ all confused because you say such dumb stuff like ‘two more moves’ and such. Ugh! I don’t care anymore!” Miss Kuroiel dramatically knocks over Miss Lanael’s bishop with her knight.
“Heh, heh, heh. That was a rash tactic. Your foolishness shall be your undoing.”
“Keep talking, you jerk. Offense is the best defense, y’know. I’ll shoot down whatever you throw at me.”
And in two moves, Kuroiel lost her bishop and the path to her queen was...
“Checkmate.”
“No way...!”
Miss Lanael shrugged her shoulders. “This is reality, I am afraid. The moment you knocked down my bishop, you activated my BISHOP SACRIFICE skill, causing your loss. That ugly sacrifice gave rise to a beautiful board heralding my victory. I am grateful, Kuroiel.”
“Man... I don’t have a comeback for that nonsense...”
“Now then, as wagered, go and prepare me a second helping of cookies. And you must not forget a new pot of tea. Is that clear, my personal maid? Heh, heh, heh...”
Miss Kuroiel was silent, and kept staring down at the chessboard.
“Is that how you respond to your new master for the day?”
“Ugh... Fine...”
“I believe you mean, ‘Right away, Miss Lanael, ma’am,’ do you not?”
I could see the tears in Miss Kuroiel’s eyes. I feel bad for her, since she is taking a lot of verbal punishment from Miss Lanael. This was a much more serious battle than I imagined, I suppose.
“Grr...! Next time, I’m definitely gonna beat you and shut that stupid mouth of yours!” Miss Kuroiel shouted this as she ran off.
“Heavens.” Miss Lanael sighs, as if the entire ordeal was more trouble than it was worth. Her previous grin quickly turned into a thin line. She picked up the bishop and stared intently at it. “Yes...without sacrifice, one can obtain nothing. Without strong resolve, one can change nothing. There are no exceptions to these rules.”
I wonder what she was referring to... Her eyes stared right through the chess piece, and her words were spoken with some hesitation. I could not muster the courage to ask her, because she had a very...empty look about her.
