Chapter 13: Miss Miranda, Please Play Chess (Part 2)

Count Croyso was puzzled. Was there some subtlety he had missed? Concentrating on the chessboard, he saw the black pieces, which had once been scattered in an orderly manner within their territory, gradually being devoured by the white pieces.

However, for some reason, the club master was placing his pieces increasingly slowly, as if each move required immense mental effort.

Before the game concluded, the club master suddenly sighed softly, pushed the chess pieces away, and said, "No need to continue, I have lost!"

The club master was in an absolutely advantageous position, so why did he claim defeat? Everyone was confused. Count Croyso stared at the chessboard, seeming to understand something.

Miranda stood up gracefully, her demeanor respectful, and said gently, "The club master is too modest; it is I who have lost."

However, Miranda couldn't help but feel that his purpose in playing was far from merely attracting customers, or promoting his namefor chess; there seemed to be a deep