Don't Want to Be Ordinary Even Though I'm an Extra Character-Chapter 96: [95] Chess

-Third-Person Perspective-

Beyond economic matters, there was something just as important that Arkan needed to secure.

Political alliances.

He had previously reached out to three influential nobles with a proposal for a strategic alliance, each offer carefully calculated to provide mutual benefits.

Duke Galleas – The ruler of the northern territories, commanding one of the strongest military forces in the kingdom. His land was the first line of defense against the empire’s forces should war break out.

Earl Rodderick – A border noble with significant control over the western trade routes.

Viscount Edwin – A powerful noble who owned numerous mines and natural resources, supplying several smaller regions with vital materials.

These men were not mere nobles.

They were pillars of the kingdom—figures capable of shifting the balance of power if they so desired.

At first, when Arkan sent them letters, they did not immediately accept his offer. They wanted to observe him, to determine whether this young Baron of Lawrence was truly worth their time.

However, recent events changed everything.

News had spread about the growing rift between Arkan and Marquis Arleon, as well as the fact that Cecilia Arleon had taken control of House Arleon.

The situation had escalated, becoming far more dangerous and complex.

And then—there was the looming threat of the northern empire.

The nobles had already tentatively agreed that their alliance would serve as a defense against the imperial invasion and the betrayals brewing within the kingdom.

But politics was never that simple.

Everyone wanted something.

Duke Galleas sought greater influence over the kingdom’s military policies. Earl Rodderick desired a stable and profitable trade network. Viscount Edwin wanted secured export routes for his mined resources.

This alliance would only hold together if Arkan could offer them something valuable in return.

And this was where his skills in negotiation would be tested.

Arkan was new to the political game, but when it came to strategy and diplomacy, he was far more dangerous than they could have ever imagined.

###

A few days later...

A young woman stepped out of a carriage disguised as a merchant caravan.

She did not arrive with an obvious escort—only a handful of trusted attendants, all dressed as ordinary traders.

Her movements were light, yet commanded confidence.

Her eyes scanned her surroundings with quiet vigilance as she passed through the gates of Lawrence Castle.

She was a representative of Duke Galleas—a woman who had previously met with Arkan to discuss their potential alliance.

As someone raised among high-ranking nobles, she understood that in politics, an enemy did not always arrive with a drawn sword.

Sometimes, they arrived with a polite smile and honeyed words.

And today, she had come to Lawrence Castle not just to exchange pleasantries but to confirm something important.

Inside the castle—Arkan was already waiting.

The atmosphere in the room was not tense.

Arkan had deliberately set the mood—offering an assortment of pastries made from 20th-century recipes.

It was a small yet effective move.

Even for noblewomen, the sweet flavors of these foreign treats were something entirely unique.

Watching his guest’s expression soften as she took her first bite, Arkan smirked in satisfaction.

The woman, however, quickly regained her composure, straightening her posture with practiced grace.

"Hmm, this is quite good."

Arkan leaned back in his chair, his smile unwavering.

"Glad to hear it. I didn’t expect a noblewoman like yourself to enjoy something so simple."

She glanced at him sharply but maintained her elegant demeanor.

"Do not misunderstand, Baron Lawrence. I simply appreciate well-made things."

Arkan let out a soft chuckle, pouring himself a cup of tea.

"I see. Then I hope you will also appreciate our discussion today."

She set down her spoon, moving with careful precision.

"Of course. But before we begin... there is something I must confirm."

Arkan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? And what might that be?"

Her deep blue eyes locked onto his, gleaming with a hidden sharpness.

"Your true objective, Baron Lawrence."

Arkan’s smile didn’t falter.

He had anticipated this question—it was only a matter of time.

"My objective is quite simple," he replied, raising his teacup and blowing on the steam before taking a slow sip. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

"I want this land to prosper. I want to ensure that everything I’ve built is not destroyed by corrupt politics or the reckless ambitions of others."

She narrowed her gaze.

"And you believe that an alliance with us is the best way to achieve that?"

Arkan calmly placed his cup down.

"No. This alliance isn’t just about what’s best for me—it’s about what’s best for all of you as well."

The room fell into a brief silence.

The crackling fire in the hearth was the only sound that filled the air.

The dim candlelight flickered softly across the table, creating an intimate yet subtly charged atmosphere.

His guest took a deliberate sip of her tea, her sharp gaze never leaving his face.

She was measuring him, testing the validity of his words.

Finally, after a moment of thought, her lips curved into a faint smile.

"Interesting... I am truly curious to see how you intend to prove that, Baron Lawrence."

Arkan did not immediately respond.

Instead, he leaned back slightly, maintaining his casual confidence.

His eyes met hers unwaveringly, as if reading her thoughts.

"Then allow me to provide a demonstration, Lady Galleas," he said smoothly, his voice carrying a quiet certainty.

Her eyes gleamed with intrigue—and then, unexpectedly, she let out a soft, elegant laugh.

"Hohoho~... Forgive my impatience. I suppose we may have rushed into this conversation."

She set down her teacup gently, straightening her posture.

"We haven’t even properly introduced ourselves."

Arkan smirked slightly.

"Ah, true... But then again, this meeting is built more on political interests than social formalities."

She nodded, her composed expression softening ever so slightly.

Interlacing her fingers atop the table, she spoke with measured elegance.

"Aurelia von Galleas, first daughter of Duke Galleas, heir to House Galleas, and my family’s representative for this negotiation."

Arkan held her gaze before placing a hand over his chest, offering a small, respectful nod.

"Arkan Lawrence, Baron of Lawrence, and the man who intends to change the course of history."

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering across her face.

"Change the course of history, you say? That’s quite the bold claim."

Arkan’s eyes glowed with quiet conviction.

"We’ll see soon enough, Lady Galleas."

-Arkan Lawrence-

I barely managed to keep my poker face.

Damn it—this woman is a Duke’s daughter? I never anticipated this.

My mind immediately raced through possibilities.

This was completely unexpected.

Aurelia von Galleas.

That name wasn’t unfamiliar to me.

If I recalled correctly from Destiny Warrior, this woman was the leader of the Black Bear Rebellion—a resistance group fighting to free her homeland from the Northern Empire, which had conquered the Kingdom of Lurenthia years ago.

The Black Bear itself was the symbol of Galleas, a mark of defiance for those who still clung to their lost sovereignty.

And the last thing I remembered from the novel...

Aurelia met a tragic end.

The empire eventually tracked down her headquarters, thanks to a magic tracking device that Rainer unknowingly carried during a mission.

The rebellion was annihilated before they could even prepare.

And Aurelia...

She was executed mercilessly, her body displayed in the town square of her birthplace as a warning to future rebels.

A gruesome, undeserved fate.

Yet in the novel, her role was minimal.

She never even received an illustrated character design—her presence was merely a backdrop in Rainer’s journey.

But now...

Seeing her standing before me, speaking with intelligence and grace, I couldn’t ignore one thing—

This woman was dangerous.

Her gaze was calm, even slightly lazy at a glance—but beneath that, I could see a sharpness that was hard to describe.

A leader.

Someone who could change history if given the chance.

I needed to tread carefully.

But this atmosphere was too tense.

If I allowed myself to overthink the worst possibilities, I might slip in this conversation.

So...

I needed to loosen the mood.

"Oh right," I said, smiling easily as I met Aurelia’s gaze with unshaken confidence.

"Talking about politics all the time is a bit dull. So, how about we play a game?"

Aurelia raised an eyebrow, interest flashing across her face.

"A game?"

I nodded, keeping my posture relaxed.

"Yes. Just something simple... Think of it as a way for us to get to know each other better before we get into serious discussions."

She leaned back slightly, curiosity sparking in her eyes.

"And what kind of game would that be?"

I glanced toward the door and clapped my hands once.

Moments later, Florence—my personal aide—entered the room with swift, silent steps.

I leaned toward her and whispered,

"Bring me the wooden box from the bottom drawer of my desk."

Without asking questions, Florence nodded and swiftly left the room.

As we waited, I turned back to Aurelia.

"It’s a strategy game. Simple in concept, but it requires sharp thinking. I’ll explain as we play."

A few minutes later, Florence returned, carrying a well-worn wooden box.

I took it from her, carefully placing it on the table.

As I lifted the lid, revealing the neatly arranged pieces inside, Aurelia’s expression subtly shifted.

Chess.

A game that, as far as I knew, didn’t exist in this world.

Despite this world having a medieval setting, I had yet to see any complex strategy games like chess.

Most pastimes revolved around hunting, dueling, or gambling—but there were few games that truly honed tactical thinking.

And this game was perfect for a situation like this—where a formal conversation had to continue for a long time, but needed to flow naturally.

I began setting up the pieces on the board, while Aurelia observed with growing interest.

"This game requires players to think several moves ahead before making a decision," I explained, placing the pawns in their starting positions.

"Each piece has its own movement rules, and the ultimate goal is to checkmate the opponent’s king."

Aurelia folded her arms, her deep blue eyes narrowing slightly.

"Interesting. So... it’s a form of battlefield simulation?"

I smirked.

"You could say that."

After all, in a world like this—where strategy and politics were inseparable—introducing chess was more than just entertainment.

It was a tool.

A way to understand how someone thought.

And right now—

I wanted to know.

How does Aurelia von Galleas play?