So, those who considered themselves clever flocked together, gathering around the small wooden table and watching one after another attempt the challenge, so even secretly played their own gas with others, trying to peer into its secret.
However, just like the ga of Gomoku that would appear in later ages, although it was a ga with a guaranteed winning strategy, those who didn’t understand it still played back and forth. At one point, many even believed that Andrea had truly won her victories through her own wisdom.
"Ah—looks like I’ve won again."
The corner of her mouth rose unconsciously as Andrea picked up the last gold coin from the table. But this ti, she didn’t rush to call the next person, nor did she pay attention to the aristocrat who lost in front of her; instead, she looked up at the sky.
The sunset was imminent, the day was about to pass.
The day’s mission was completed to perfection, and all that remained was to best a few more well-known individuals drawn by the wind of her reputation—then Andrea would truly beco famous all at once... She tempered her slightly excited mood, smiling politely at the crowd.
She didn’t care about fa for its own sake, but she enjoyed the process of earning fa through her own capabilities. Although the ability was learned... but apart from the Ancient Gods born with knowledge, who else’s knowledge isn’t learned?
"Ladies and gentlen, it’s getting late today, so my ga shall end here for now, but don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow."
"Now that the Acropolis has gathered so many wise people from the Mortal Realm, and aristocrats from All Countries are converging here to compete in wisdom and justice at the great assembly—I believe, surely soone will be able to unlock my secret, right? Otherwise, I think the contest of ’wisdom’ can be declared over."
"Of course not, your tricks will be seen through!"
A snort ca from right in front of her as the recently defeated young aristocrat carelessly pushed his bet forward, glaring at Andrea’s smooth face.
"My good friend, the Prince of Ithaca, Odysseus, has also arrived in Athens. Having heard of the grand gathering in Athens during his travels across the continent, he ca here, planning to offer the championship as a gift to the deities... His resourcefulness is known to all, and he is also universally recognized as a compelling orator, a speaker.
And maybe soon, he will find so ti to see through your deceptive sches."
"Then let him co, Odysseus. I have heard of him, but now I must be going."
In just half a day’s ti, Andrea felt her confidence grow by more than a little.
She lifted her head slightly, giving a small nod with her chin, then gestured for the people to make way.
As for the wealth that remained there, now, the guards of Athens surely would not let the treasure be stolen and tarnish the Kingdom’s reputation.
"Hmph, you’ll see."
Stepping aside, the young aristocrat made no indecent moves.
He too had seen, just like the many currently debating and competing in the city, that this ga was probably a similar tactic, even more formidable perhaps—if no one could solve her ga, others might have no choice but to admit that she was indeed wiser than themselves in so respects.
However, this was not going to happen. Compared to the confidence Andrea had built up in one day, he had more faith in his friend.
Odysseus’s virtues and wisdom were so profound that they won over the young aristocrat, who believed that, should he be willing to co forth, the result was destined.
Enjoy new tales from empire
...
"Yay... I’m so happy~"
With her thoughts flowing within her heart, Andrea walked back to the place they had rented with a light step.
She was still a little nostalgic for the feeling of being the center of attention, that mix of admiring, envious gazes, or the challengers who were not convinced.
Then, she could thoroughly defeat them and enjoy the pleasure that ca with Victory—this was a feeling she had never had before as a Princess.
In the past, everyone respected her, but that was the limit; their respect ca either from her father or from the Deity’s favor, but this ti, everything ca from herself...
Thud—
"Ack—!"
Holding her forehead, Andrea glared at Laine, who was nonchalantly sipping tea.
The Striking Technique, a Common Divine Art, was originally used to trigger traps or explore secret chambers, but it was also very effective for knocking people.
"Calm your mind, captive Miss, you must understand, you are rely using the knowledge I taught you to outwit primitives, there’s nothing to be proud of."
"And your Victory is fundantally because they are still playing the ga with you within the rules. You’ve read History, surely you know the story of the Queen of Thebes, right?"
"...I understand, Mr. Aiven." Pouting, Andrea sat down on the chair across from Laine.
Though she disliked such violent reminders, what Laine said made a lot of sense.
Thebes... that was the city-state Kingdom founded by Cadmos, the renowned city builder and founder who had helped the Divine King during the chaos brought by Typhon. The trading caravan they had encountered on their journey had set out from there.
This Phoenician hero ultimately failed to find his sister Europa—and perhaps knowing it was the God King’s doing, he chose to remain silent in the end.
Anyway, he married the daughter of the Goddess of Beauty, the Goddess of Harmony, and continued his lineage in the Mortal Realm—reportedly, Aphrodite was quite unhappy about that; she did not wish her daughter to marry a mortal, but perhaps Zeus wanted to show his fairness in reward and punishnt, so this outco was not changed in the end.
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