Ludwig frowned slightly beneath his mask as Kassandra dragged him and Hoyo through the lively festival streets. The vibrant stalls and event venues seemed to blend into a chaotic swirl of colors, scents, and sounds. Merchants called out their wares, competing to out-shout one another, while performers drew crowds with their feats of magic and acrobatics. Yet, Ludwig’s mind was elsewhere, lingering on the earlier strangeness he had felt while donning the mask.
“Perhaps it’s just the mask messing with me… but I should still be careful,” Ludwig muttered under his breath, his words barely audible amidst the noise.
“What was that?” Hoyo asked, glancing sideways.
“Nothing,” Ludwig replied, shaking his head and forcing himself to focus on the present.
“Come, come!” Kassandra exclaimed, her voice cutting through the cacophony of the festival. She led them with purpose, her excitement contagious as she weaved through the crowd, dodging stray performers and bustling vendors. Finally, they arrived at a section where neatly arranged tables held over thirty chessboards. Players, both masked and unmasked, had gathered in groups, some already locked in intense matches while others observed with curiosity.
“We’re in luck!” Kassandra said, practically bouncing on her heels. “There are a few spots open.” She hurried to the event organizer, a young woman wearing a bear mask, and eagerly signed up.
“Do you wish to join the King’s Gambit?” the woman asked, her voice calm yet inviting.
“Yes!” Kassandra said with confidence.
“Please write your nickname here,” the organizer said, gesturing to a sign-in sheet hung beside the entrance.
Kassandra hesitated for a moment, then scribbled Butterfly Mask.
“You should join too,” Hoyo said, nudging Ludwig.
“That won’t do,” Kassandra interjected, turning to Ludwig with a skeptical look. “No offense, but this game is far too advanced for someone who hasn’t played before. You’ll just embarrass yourself.”
Ludwig considered her words for a moment. “I mean, I’m wearing a mask. No one will know who I am anyway,” he shrugged.
“Fair enough,” Kassandra conceded, though she raised an eyebrow.
“Are you also joining?” the organizer asked, tilting her head slightly as she looked at Ludwig.
“Why not?” Ludwig said, picking up the pen. He paused for a moment before writing, Blind Witness.
“Quite the interesting name,” the woman said with a small chuckle. “And an equally curious mask.”
Hoyo smirked. “That’s Ludwig for you. Always finding a way to stand out.”
“The event will start in half an hour,” the organizer explained, gesturing to the tables. “Most participants have already taken their seats. Please return in time if you wish to also enjoy the Mage Masquerade Parade afterward.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Kassandra said, claiming an empty chess table. “I’ll study some strategies. Ludwig, at least learn how the pieces move before embarrassing yourself.”
Before Ludwig could respond, a familiar voice rang out.
“The crows are here again. I’m telling you, they’re following us…”
Ludwig turned to see a group he recognized from the tavern earlier. Though their attire was altered for the masquerade, their bearing and mannerisms were unmistakable. The female leader, whose sword rested conspicuously at her side, stood out with her ivory eye mask adorned with small gemstones. By her side, a man in a crow’s mask grumbled loudly, his voice laced with irritation.
“Quiet down, Rudolph,” the woman said sharply, silencing him with a glance. She turned to the organizer and asked, “Are there any spots left?”
“Two more,” the bear-masked woman replied.
“Sign me up,” Rudolph said eagerly, stepping forward.
“Add my name as well,” the woman said, her voice measured yet commanding.
As the two signed up, Ludwig couldn’t help but feel a flicker of tension. The woman’s air of authority and Rudolph’s boisterousness left an impression, though Ludwig wasn’t entirely sure why.
“I’m going in,” Kassandra announced, her focus shifting back to the game as she settled into her seat and flipped open a strategy book.
“What about you?” Hoyo asked, turning to Ludwig.
“No point wandering off now,” Ludwig replied. “Not enough time before the match starts.”
“True,” Hoyo said with a resigned shrug. “Still, I don’t have high hopes for this. King’s Gambit is a game of strategy, not luck.”
“You never know,” Ludwig said, smirking faintly. “Luck can play its part too.”
Hoyo snorted. “Beginner’s luck in King’s Gambit? Doubtful. But hey, if nothing else, we’ll get to say we tried. Although I really don’t want to lose to those pompous nobles.”
“We probably won’t even face them,” Ludwig said, though inwardly, he wouldn’t mind teaching the rude woman and her companion a lesson.
The tournament organizer’s voice rang out across the venue, drawing everyone’s attention.
“We are pleased to announce the start of the King’s Gambit Tournament! Please check the board for your matchups and table numbers. This year, we’re introducing a special feature: enchanted play pieces. These pieces will move upon vocal command, bringing a new level of immersion to the game. We hope you enjoy!”
The crowd murmured in excitement as participants rushed to check their pairings. Ludwig scanned the list until he found his name—table eleven.
Taking his seat, he studied the chessboard in front of him. The pieces were masterfully crafted, each exuding a lifelike quality. Pawns donned intricate armor and brandished spears, their posture ready and vigilant. Rooks were miniature circular towers, strikingly similar to the Black Tower itself. Knights, mounted on regal steeds, carried themselves with an air of confidence, while bishops embodied wisdom, draped in flowing robes.
The queen held a delicate fan that concealed her enigmatic smile, while the king sat imposingly on a grand throne, radiating authority.
Each piece seemed almost alive, their craftsmanship breathing personality into the game.
“Impressive, isn’t it?” Hoyo said, leaning over to glance at Ludwig’s board.
“More than that,” Ludwig replied, his fingers brushing over a pawn. “It’s… surreal.”
As Ludwig’s opponent approached, he straightened in his chair. The man wore a crow’s mask, his presence marked by an air of practiced arrogance.
“Well, this should be interesting,” Ludwig muttered, settling into his seat as the tournament officially began.