Part 143: Robin B

Ho, Virion! Care for a rematch? I have a method to defeat you this time for certain!

Oh? How thrilling! I do so love a challenge. Though I recall you saying something similar before the last 20 attempts...

One moment. You're not, by any chance, losing on purpose, are you, dear lady? I see now! This was all a ruse to spend time with your noble Virion!

Well, you're not the first to resort to such tricks with me, I must admit...

For a grown man in a bib? I think not. Now make your move.

B-bib?! Now see here, you uncouth barbarian! This is a CRAVAT! This is the very height of fashion among sartorially minded nobility.

...Sounds fancy. Your move?

Gya! I can forgive ignorance, but sarcasm is another matter! You've made a mockery of the delicate art of hollow flattery!

I demand satisfaction on the field of battle, milady. Have at you!

Do your worst!

(Time passes)

Blast and blast again! Why can't I beat you?!

It seems my cravat is vindicated.

I'll not speak to your fashion sense, but you have a real knack for strategy, Virion. Perhaps you should be giving the orders instead of me.

Inadvisable, my good lady. I fear we'd never last the war. Spare a second glance at the board and tell me: Who has more soldiers left alive?

Ah...

I won, yes, but at what cost? Half the moves I make in this game could never be used in a real battle. My own men would have my head on a pike before the enemy even reached me.

No, this army needs a tactician who loathes the sacrifice of even a single man. It needs you, Robin.

Virion? That was almost…kind. Perhaps even sensible. Are you feeling well? You're starting to sound like a normal person.

I am ever the definition of sensibility.

And "normal" is just another word for "common," thank you very much! Still, perhaps milady would see fit to reward the victor with a kiss?

Nice try.