After reaching the maximum level, my "soft rice system" finally arrived.

Rather, she is an independent and strong partner who shares his interests, someone who can overcome obstacles alongside him, stand shoulder to shoulder with him, and rely on each other.

What he had to do was to become someone qualified to stand shoulder to shoulder with Sharl, in his new identity as the True Ancestor of the Vampire Clan.

"Aisveta".

The vampire progenitor uttered a silent whisper to himself.

"What you begin today is true love..."

.........

Meanwhile, Ciel and Esveda were having a pleasant conversation.

After all, even among the wizards of the Arcane Capital, there aren't many who can understand Shar's philosophy, let alone a vampire.

And Aisveta played the role of a good listener, quietly listening from the side, often nodding obediently.

On the sofa to the side, Kurod was reviewing a monthly report from the Golden Deer Chamber of Commerce.

In his other free hand, he held the sample of cola that Charles had given him, taking sips now and then, looking quite content.

However, his leisurely pace was immediately shattered by the notification sound emitted by the communication crystal.

"Strange, it's summer, why do I suddenly feel a bit cold?"

Kurod put down the report, rubbed his hands together, and picked up the communication crystal with some confusion.

Sylvia?

They're clearly in the same room, why bother making a telepathic call...?

Claude looked behind him, puzzled.

Then, he felt a chill behind him that was almost solidified.

“That guy, Ciel—”

He glanced at the two people chatting happily in front of him, then at the Dawn Saintess behind him who, though outwardly still reading her newspaper, was actually glancing in his direction five times every ten seconds. He instantly understood what had happened.

Kurod was helpless.

He pondered for a moment, then walked to Charles's side and took out a crystal ball that shimmered with seven colors.

"Come on, help me try out our Golden Deer Chamber of Commerce's new products."

"Well then, Your Majesty Charles, I have some matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now."

Upon seeing Claude's arrival, Aisveta politely got up and left.

Although she was still a little reluctant to leave, Aisveta understood the importance of taking things one step at a time and not trying to get rich overnight.

In her previous conversation with Charles, she had already made a request to become the vampire's representative in the Black Tower.

This has laid a solid foundation for the plan she has set in mind.

After that, it's a gradual process of slowly and steadily increasing favorability.

.........

"So, what is this?"

Ciel watched Eisveta leave, then turned to look at Claude.

With his spiritual power, he could naturally sense that this crystal ball with its seven-colored luster was not simple.

Several magic circles were inscribed with extremely fine techniques, and the construction of the magic circles showed many influences from the illusion school.

"Illusion Card".

Claude handed Charles an instruction manual.

"This is a product inspired by the illusion of the previous extraordinary academy's assessment, combined with the chess, auto chess, Monopoly and some card games that you and I have mentioned."

"The profit margin of newspapers is still too low. I plan to use this to make the afternoon tea time of those nobles also generate surplus value."

Charles took the instruction manual, glanced at it, and his eyes lit up: "Interesting."

Although it is called "Illusion Card".

But in Xia Er's view, the game rules inscribed in this crystal ball are actually more similar to the civilization or Warcraft III-like national war management games of Xia Er's previous life.

Each player will play the role of the monarch of one of the countries, developing their power and army, and achieving victory by destroying the countries of other players.

and--

Perhaps inspired by Charles's suggestion, Claude creatively added turn-based and card-drawing mechanisms to the game rules to enhance randomness.

Because the crystal ball is inscribed with a simple illusion array, the playability is greatly increased. Every player can enter it in an immersive way and personally command their army in battle.

It is said that men's hobby is political commentary, and even the people of the Western Continent are no exception.

This game perfectly hits every man's sore spot, and even Ciel was somewhat interested.

"How about it, want to try a round?"

Charles glanced at Claude, recalling the latter's dismal record against him when playing cards: "If you're the only opponent, it's a bit too unchallenging."

"Stop talking nonsense, log in."

"I reject."

Ciel shook his head.

"If the outcome of a game is no longer suspenseful, then there is no fun in playing it."

The words have not yet fallen.

Then Ciel saw the Dawn Saintess who had appeared beside him and Claude at some unknown time.

And there was the Holy Pegasus Knight following behind Sylvia, his pretty face filled with helplessness.

"Poor Ciel."

"I can't find enough friends to play cards with..."

Although that is what is said.

However, Sylvia's beautiful blue eyes clearly sparkled with excitement and joy.

"There's really no other way... I just happen to have some free time, so let me play with you for a bit."

"However, we need to add a prize."

Charles remained unfazed: "What's the prize?"

Sylvia frowned her beautiful brows and pondered for a moment.

Then, she winked mischievously and said, "If I win, Charles, you have to grant me one request that won't be too unreasonable."

"It sounds like a very attractive bet."

A cool, clear voice rang in everyone's ears.

The third princess, dressed in a jet-black military uniform, stepped out from among the envoys of other kingdoms and came to Charles's side.

A look of interest also appeared in Isabella's beautiful, dark purple eyes.

Can I join too?

"of course can."

Isabella crossed her arms and surveyed her companions in the adventure group like an empress, exuding an aura of authority: "Then I'll ask for the same stakes as Sylvia."

Claude raised his hand: "Why not just change the prize to a condition that the winner has to fulfill?"

The proposal from the young leader of the Renault Lords Alliance was unanimously approved by the members of the Morning Star Adventurer Group.

"Hooho-"

"Instead of running away, you're coming towards me, Charles Egger?"

Charles stood up from the sofa.

He spread his hands, his gaze sweeping over his surroundings with disdain, showing no fear whatsoever.

"Even though I know you're trying to trick me—"

"But it's okay, because I won't lose."

Chapter 43 Her Highness the Princess is so cool! 5k5

As the guardian knight of the Dawn Saintess, Ingrid is responsible for protecting Sylvia's safety while the other four participate in the game.

Therefore, only Sylvia, Isabella, Charles, and Claude participated in this illusionary chess game.

As the game began, a vast map slowly appeared before everyone's eyes.

The map template references the layout of the western continent, while the initial kingdoms represented by the four individuals are located at the four corners of the continent.

Within the initial kingdom, there are many other neutral kingdoms, tribes of different races, and resource points.

Most resource points are guarded by roaming monsters or neutral forces, and the closer they are to the center of the continent, the greater the potential benefits they contain.

Of course, this also means that neutral forces stationed outside resource points are more powerful.

...