In order to explain to this sentinel lady the secret to why Norland’s mages and Holy Church’s templars were willing to come to this tavern and likely stay in the tavern for the entire day, Joshua directly commenced two matches of Hearthstone with her in his study room.
“The templars came to this tavern all so that they could... play this card game?”
Pest’s fingernail swept through the cards in her hand. Her deck was provided to her by Joshua. Due to the similarity in profession and temperament, Pest chose the Rogue Valeera as her hero.
“That’s right.”
Joshua waved his hand and the mage spell card ‘Fireball’ appeared in his hand.
After nearly two months, Joshua made a small modification to his version of Hearthstone. That is, the players were now able to hold the images created from their cards in their hands.
When they needed to use a card, they could just tap at it. Joshua tapped at the ‘Fireball’ spell card. The card turned into rune inscriptions and disappeared. But, a target-choosing symbol appeared on the tabletop below.
Joshua aimed his Fireball at the Rogue Valeera who had only six health left.
The fireball was released forth from Joshua’s hero Jaina. After Valeera was smashed by the fireball, she shattered apart into pieces.
“Those executioners of the church would actually be obsessed with this sort of game?”
Perhaps because she was defeated twice in a row, Pest appeared somewhat discouraged. Moreover, her defeats were completely one-sided; she was overwhelmed by Joshua in both matches. Because of that, her Hearthstone experience was not enjoyable at all.
She had never interacted with ‘video games’ before. The concept of ‘games’ does not exist in her mind.
To her, what brings her joy was to be with Her Esteemed Highness Cecily or to chase down prey on the run and slowly watch them enter despair.
“Do you want another match?”
Joshua did not answer the sentinel’s question. He merely tapped on the ‘rematch’ button and quietly waited for the sentinel lady’s acceptance.
She seemed like someone who was very competitive and unwilling to concede. Joshua was correct, Pest felt that her two prior crushing defeats were because she wasn’t familiar with the game.
Now that she had played two matches, she now practically understood this extremely simple game’s rules.
“Again.”
Even though Pest was stating that she was unable to understand what was delightful about this game, she was unwilling to accept her crushing defeats. She was determined to at least rid herself of the devastating humiliation she received from Joshua’s mage earlier!
“Go ahead.”
Just like this, Joshua and Pest began their third match. This sentinel lady could be said to be someone with talent for games.
But, even though she gained a bit of resistance, she was still a newbie in Hearthstone.
Crap...
On the tenth turn, Joshua drew his next card and successfully drew a ten damage spell Pyroblast. The remaining health Pest’s hero Valeera had was only ten too.
Joshua was originally planning to throw the game and let Pest win. He believed that this would allow that sentinel lady a better Hearthstone experience. He didn’t want to crush her too much and make her lose all confidence.
But, Joshua underestimated his luck today. He had amazing luck for three matches in a row. If he didn’t throw this match, Pest would’ve died by turn five.
“Your Highness Joshua, anyone’s mercy is a sign of humiliation for me.”
The health of the Rogue hero Valeera Pest controlled was gradually decreasing and getting closer to death. She felt a rare sense of nervousness.
It has been a long time since she last felt this way. Since their last match, she has been watching closely to every card Joshua drew.
With the low amount of health Valeera had, Joshua would be able to defeat her should he draw a single card that could cause damage directly to her hero.
When it came to the tenth turn’s card draw, when her eyes hidden behind her mask saw Joshua, Pest noticed a trace of hesitation in Joshua’s eyes.
Evidently, Joshua had drawn a card that could cause her fatal damage. Yet, it seemed like Joshua was not planning to use it. He was trying to let her win.
But, Pest was never someone who wanted other people’s charity to gain victory.
“Is that so? My apologies then.”
With his thought being seen through by this sentinel lady, Joshua stopped hesitating and shot his ten damage Pyroblast onto Pest’s hero Valeera.
When Pest received her third crushing defeat, Joshua saw her shoulder trembling slightly. Perhaps it was caused by her unreconciliation toward the defeat.
“Please... another match.”
Pest’s voice sounded very calm. She had perfectly concealed her inner thoughts.
“My apologies, Miss Sentinel. I don’t have any time to waste anymore.”
Joshua pointed to the arcanotech clock on the wall behind him.
As Pest had lived in the human realm before, she was naturally able to read clocks.
Pest had thought that only a dozen or so minutes had passed in her Hearthstone matches against Joshua. But, the clock on the wall informed her that an entire hour had passed.
“I can now understand why this tavern attracts all those people.”
Pest did not believe the game Hearthstone to be that fascinating. But, the feeling of accomplishment from defeating certain people using this game was something she wanted.
It was like when she was hunting her prey. The pleasure came not from killing the prey but rather something else... for example, the prey’s lament-filled cries.
“But, that game is unable to become the reason for the Holy Church to accept us. Your Highness Joshua... you’re still in great danger.”
“I know. But, I am not planning to return anytime soon. I am also not planning to shut down this tavern either.”
Joshua handed to Pest a letter he just finished writing.
“Please deliver this letter to my older sister. That said, I hope that you’ll be willing to stay in the tavern for a while before leaving. I have two other things that I wish for you to bring back to my older sister. With them, the possibility of persuading her would be greater.”
“...”
Pest accepted Joshua’s letter. If she brought back that letter, it would be no different from declaring to the Second Princess that her mission ended in a failure.
But, the floating undead roaming around the study made Pest undaring to rashly attempt to take down Joshua and bring him back with force.
Joshua’s letter was akin to an expulsion order. Normally, Joshua wouldn’t mind spending time playing Hearthstone. But, Pluk has been waiting for too long.
“As you wish.”
Pest placed away the letter and walked toward the study’s exit.
“Are you not planning to bring your cards with you? Some of the cards in those decks are not cards that you can easily obtain.” The decks Joshua gave to Pest was not a newbie deck. There were multiple legendary cards in there.
After Joshua reminded her of it, Pest walked back from the doorway and picked up the purely black originium crystal. Then, without saying a word, she left Joshua’s study.