"If you do not receive treatment, then I will not continue playing chess!"
In response to such reckless words, the Ant King fell silent for a moment. Then, he called for Neferpitou to provide treatment.
He also noticed that this girl was exhausted from playing chess. Despite his previous declaration to continue the game, he told her to rest instead.
Shaiapouf couldn't understand this, but one thing was clear to him—
This girl had influence over the Ant King.
Her existence was a major obstacle to the King's path, an obstacle to their grand purpose.
Shaiapouf's heart brimmed with murderous intent, but he forced himself to restrain it.
"No. If I kill her now, she will become an untouchable legend in the King's mind—an undefeated, eternal presence. That would leave a flaw in his heart. He would no longer be invincible!"
"Ah! How foolish I am, to even consider that the King could be defeated by a mere human! Just ten more games—no, three or five—he will surely win! I have such a narrow vision... A disgrace to the Royal Guard! This negligence... I must atone for my failure!"
"Perhaps I should just end my own life and await the day the King ascends to rule the world."
Shaiapouf clutched his violin and played a sorrowful tune, tears still glistening in his eyes. The enlightened smile on his face left Youpi utterly confused.
"Are you worried about that girl?" Youpi scratched his head, glancing in the direction where Komugi had left. "If you think she's in the King's way, just kill her."
I actually had the same thought as Youpi?!
Shaiapouf looked at the large, simple-minded warrior with tearful eyes, and his violin's melody grew even more melancholic.
"I never imagined my thinking would sink to the same level as yours..."
His frustration deepened. Had his intellect truly faltered to the point where he and Youpi saw eye to eye?
"Still, if the King really is being affected by that girl, I wonder what he's thinking right now, meow~"
Neferpitou, having just finished treating the King's wounds, was drained of energy and spoke in a sluggish tone.
The three Royal Guards were concerned about the King's state, and the King himself had sensed that something was amiss.
He had an idea of what he believed to be the correct answer, yet something still felt off.
...
That uncertainty lingered until Komugi returned to the game board after her rest.
"I feel like I can grow stronger through these battles of wits!"
The moment she spoke, the Ant King saw it—
Aura had begun to wrap around Komugi's body.
She had unknowingly awakened a latent potential, much like those humans who dedicated their lives to a singular pursuit. But unlike seasoned fighters, her energy only emerged when she played.
That alone was enough.
To the Ant King, humans like her were the most exquisite delicacies.
And yet—
"That is enough for today. Step down."
Despite sensing the energy radiating from her, the King did not comment on it. He simply dismissed her.
As Komugi's small figure gradually disappeared through the palace entrance, the Ant King suddenly spoke.
"Tell me, what is your name?"
"Huh? M-Me? Y-Yes! My name is Komugi."
"Komugi..."
The King silently committed the name to memory.
It was the only name he had ever cared to remember besides those of his Royal Guards.
"A-And..."
Komugi hesitated. The question had nothing to do with their game, yet she couldn't stop herself from asking. Perhaps it was the time they had spent together or the strange emotions she felt toward the supreme ruler before her. Summoning her courage, she spoke timidly.
"... what is your name?"
"My name?"
The Ant King was taken aback.
"Yes! We've played so many matches, yet I still don't know your name."
Komugi pressed her fingertips together, embarrassed.
But the only response she received was silence.
"Who am I...?"
Standing high above, the King gazed down at the palace below. For the first time, he found himself lost in thought.
"A nameless King, a kingdom taken by force..."
He was silent for a moment before suddenly clenching his fists and laughing. The vague thoughts that had been swirling in his mind solidified into certainty.
"If this is the role assigned to me by fate, then I must embrace it! I cannot falter!"
His laughter sent nearby birds scattering in fright, drawing the attention of the three Royal Guards.
"Pitou, Pouf, Youpi... You all have names."
As they approached, the King looked at them with renewed clarity.
"So, tell me—what is my name?"
A heavy silence fell over the courtyard.
Shaiapouf lowered his head slightly, his eyes sharp.
"Your Majesty, you are you. You stand above all. You are not comparable to any other being.
Though many have dared to claim the title of King, we will erase them from history. The world shall know only one true King—You."
Shaiapouf was the first to answer, carefully avoiding the name that he was determined to bury forever.
"That is merely a premise."
The Ant King was unimpressed by Pouf's evasive response.
"A king is just a title. A title is not a name."
He turned to Youpi next.
"Youpi, what do you think?"
"Uh... That's beyond my level of thinking, Your Majesty. I don't have an answer."
Youpi spoke with complete honesty.
The Ant King expected no less from him. Instead, he turned to Pitou.
"Pitou?"
Neferpitou considered the question seriously before replying.
"Your Majesty, this is a matter only you can decide. I believe the name that suits you best... is the one you choose for yourself."
"Is that so..."
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Fanfic is completed on patreon.com/FanficsHub (799 chapters in total)