Episode 5 : The game is start

In the end, Serah choose seven female servants as the tribute gift from Louis to her.

Among them was Helena (18), the so-called special gift from Louis, followed by Cristine (27), Anastasia (24), Rose (25), Mary (23), Patricia (26), and finally Brigatte (26).

Each of these women was actually a noble woman from upper-middle-class families. They were all educated and intelligent.

“All right, you may return to rest and prepare for your duties tomorrow,” Serah said, satisfied after speaking to the girls she had chosen—except Helena.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” they are replied in unison, bowing politely.

Helena was the first to leave, even stepping ahead of the line where Brigatte should have gone first.

She is brushed past Brigatte’s shoulder, causing a slight bump. Brigatte frowned at Helena’s careless behavior, especially in front of Serah, the future queen, as if Helena disregarded the queen’s presence. Fortunately, she is restrained her emotions and followed behind.

One by one, the girls left until it was Cristine’s turn. Serah stopped her.

“Lady Cristine,” Serah called as she walked toward the eldest of the seven girls she had chosen as her tribute.

“Yes, Your Majesty?” Cristine replied, startled. She quickly turned and approached Serah, bowing slightly before standing straight again.

“From now on, I want you to be their leader. I am giving you full authority over them.”

Cristine, the beautiful noblewoman, immediately lifted her head and looked at the queen with eyes gleaming with pride. Yet, a fleeting doubt crossed her mind as she recalled King Louis’s words about Helena.

Gradually, her bright expression gave way to a stark dilemma.

“Lady Cristine?” Serah noticed her hesitation and looked at her, questioning.

“My apologies, Your Majesty…, but what about Lady Helena?” Cristine asked cautiously, not wanting to cause trouble by asking.

“I understand what you mean,” Serah replied, quickly grasping the young woman’s concern. “Helena is the king’s special choice, but you…, are my choice.” Serah stepped closer to Cristine. “If the king reprimands you, I will take full responsibility,” she said firmly, offering her assurance. “You have full authority here as their head—not Helena.” Her words left no room for doubt, cementing Cristine’s position.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do my best and will not disappoint you!” The hesitation vanished instantly. Cristine now looked enthusiastic and gave a deep, respectful bow to Serah.

“Now go. Your duties will begin tomorrow.” Serah smiled, granting Cristine permission to leave.

Cristine returned the smile, bowing once more before finally exiting the future queen’s chamber, which had just entrusted her with a significant responsibility.

Louis, now let’s see how Helena will be blocked by Cristine and eliminated on her own….

Serah stood tall in the room, radiating a composed authority. An aura she had long kept controlled now subtly revealed itself to the king’s gaze. The chessboard of this game began to move—Serah was in the center of play, with Louis as her opponent at the very back. On her side, Cristine stood in front, facing Helena, Louis’s pawn.

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After leaving Serah’s chamber, Helena went straight to Louis as they had agreed to meet. She climbed onto the king’s lap, her body close, her voice low and teasing.

“Louis, Serah is so boring. Why am I assigned to serve her? Why don’t you make me your personal attendant instead?” she whispered, her hands wrapping around his neck without hesitation.

“Helena, haven’t we already agreed? I placed you with Serah so you can watch her every move,” Louis replied gently, stroking her cheek. Helena didn’t realize it, but he was subtly asserting his control over the situation.

Huffing, Helena pouted, breaking the embrace and turning her gaze away.

“Helena, didn’t you promise to help me?” Louis coaxed, embracing her from behind.

“I don’t like protocol—it’s too restrictive!” she retorted, clearly frustrated. Serving Serah would limit her freedom even more than the strict rules under Beatrice. Her expression darkened with annoyance.

“You only need to observe,” Louis reassured her. “I’ve given you privileges so you don’t have to follow all the rules. You’re free to act as you wish.”

Her eyes lit up at his words. “Really? I don’t have to follow the rules?” She beamed, showing a wide smile with her small white teeth.

“I’ll also give you dresses and jewelry far more beautiful than Serah’s, so everyone can see that you are the one destined to become my queen….” Louis added. Helena’s excitement surged, and she hugged him warmly even more.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” she exclaimed.

“But there’s something I need from you,” Louis said softly but seriously.

“What is it, Your Majesty?” Helena asked, still unaware of the scheme she was about to be drawn into.

“When you have time, find the books titled Art of War and Germania in Serah’s room,” he whispered into her ear, gently lifting her chin. “Can you do that for me?”

“Of course, Your Majesty. Just finding books? That’s easy,” Helena replied eagerly, agreeing without considering the consequences.

“Tomorrow, be kind to Serah. Gain her trust so it’s easier for you to be close to her, do you understand, Helena?” Louis instructed, subtly manipulating her.

“Yes, I’ll be your obedient little dog,” Helena laughed, adding, “and then I’ll bite her hard!” She mimed a playful attack with one hand, imagining Serah’s reaction once she successfully deceived her.

A faint smirk curved Louis’s lips as he remained seated on his throne, unmoved, reigning over the giant chessboard beneath him. His eyes locked on Serah, standing alone at the other side.

“Serah, if you dare threaten me, my people will not hesitate to bring you down. It would be wiser to surrender and follow my plan,” he said quietly. Before him, shadowy figures waited, ready to move at his command.

From his vantage point, every piece, including Helena as the first pawn, was under his control. Serah, though a queen, had to navigate carefully. Her position was behind her own pawn, Cristine, yet she had to advance strategically, aware that one wrong step could cost her dearly.

Behind the scenes, Louis smiled subtly, confident in the strength of his pieces, while Serah stood poised but alert, feeling the weight of the game. The chessboard was no longer just a metaphor; it was a battlefield of minds, where strategy, manipulation, and foresight determined the victor.

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