Part 144: Robin A

*Sigh* I lose. ...Again.

It was your gambit with the wyvern rider seven moves back that doomed you.

...Ah, I see. Because that left my vanguard's flank exposed. You really are excellent at this, Virion. I just can't compete.

Nonsense! Why, you're winning almost one match in three as of late. The pace of your progress is frankly somewhat frightening.

Any strides I've made have been due to your patience. Thank you for working with me. I've really come to look forward to our matches. The sad part is, unless I manage to best you at least once, I have trouble sleeping!

You would not be the first damsel to be kept awake by thoughts of me, you know... But I am happy to be of service, even if it is as your personal gamesman.

If our matches help ease the burden you carry, then it is my honor to continue.

...And I am burdened, Virion. Sometimes I feel as if I could drown on dry land. The army relies on me to plan their every move and tactic. I lack the experience for such responsibility. It's enough to make a woman flee in terror.

And yet here you remain, when a lesser soul might have turned craven and ran. Such actions have earned you the respect of us all, you must know that? And regardless of this game, your skill on a true battlefield approaches genius.

I am content to place my life in your hands, and that says a very great deal.

Goodness, Virion! I think that's—

And if those honeyed words are not enough to aid your slumber? Then I shall be happy to lie in your cot and whisper a sweet lullaby while you—

Not happening.

Ah, a pity. I am told I have quite the soothing effect, you know.