From that point onward, Durandal frequently engaged in private discussions with Creuset, as he realized he knew nothing about Yang Hui.
In Durandal's eyes, Yang Hui was just like him—a ruthless schemer who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals. The fact that Orb had never used nuclear weapons was, in Durandal's judgment, not due to any moral restraint but because Orb sought a transcendent position. Using such weapons might intimidate the world, but it would only make them a target rather than elevate them.
However, when he asked Yang Hui to lend him Lacus to help stabilize the emotions of PLANT's citizens, Yang Hui nearly flew into a rage. This baffled Durandal. For the sake of their ultimate goal, was it really such a big deal to have his woman contribute? It wasn't as if he intended to harm her.
Thus, Durandal wanted to understand Yang Hui better. To defeat an opponent, one must first understand them.
Indeed, Durandal had not entirely abandoned his pride. While he had publicly agreed to cooperate with Yang Hui and genuinely believed in mutual benefit, he also prepared for the worst. If their ideals ever clashed irreconcilably, he would have to confront Yang Hui head-on.
That was why he sought Creuset's insights into Yang Hui's character—he could tell that Yang Hui trusted Creuset.
"Actually, Yang Hui is a simple man. You're overcomplicating him," Creuset remarked as he moved a chess piece.
"Simple? That's not a very funny joke. He's a walking contradiction," Durandal countered, seizing his turn to advance his Queen and capture Creuset's Knight.
"An accurate assessment. Gentleness and tyranny, kindness and cruelty, discipline and laziness, integrity and cunning... You can find all sorts of conflicting traits in him." As soon as Creuset finished speaking, his next move stunned Durandal—he had sent his King to the front lines.
"...Then why do you say he's simple? Check." Durandal deployed his War chariot, placing Creuset's King within striking range.
"Because they're compartmentalized." Creuset remained unperturbed, using his Knight to take Durandal's War chariot.
"Compartmentalized?" Durandal pressed on, launching another fierce assault.
"Exactly, compartmentalized." Creuset effortlessly parried Durandal's attacks. "His allies are fortunate because he shows them his best side—even his flaws and vulnerabilities, exposing his most fragile self without reservation. That's why his weakness is obvious: his comrades."
"...Go on."
"But against his enemies, he reveals his most ruthless side—deceptive, merciless, and utterly relentless. Once he sets his sights on a target, it's a fight to the death unless you kill him first. He'll use every means within his moral boundaries to eliminate his foe."
"Moral boundaries? Like nuclear weapons?"
"Just one example. There's also kidnapping loved ones for leverage—very upright, don't you think?"
"Hah. I just find it foolish."
"Hypocrisy, Gilbert. Aren't you the same? It's not that you wouldn't use such methods—it's that you're both too proud and too confident to resort to them. You believe you can achieve your goals without stooping so low."
"..." Durandal felt deeply uncomfortable. Facing Creuset, it was as if he were stripped bare, seen through completely.
"So, Yang Hui is a simple man—kind to his allies, ruthless to his enemies. That's just how he is."
"...Then how does one determine who is an ally or an enemy?"
"Through shared ideals. Those who share his vision and strive alongside him are his allies."
"Then why have you become his ally? I know you—you wouldn't endorse his ideals. Peace? Neutrality?"
"Information, Durandal. The gap in intelligence prevents you from making accurate judgments. Your limited perspective restricts your understanding. In your eyes, there's only PLANT, the Earth Alliance, and Orb. But our vision is far broader than yours."
Clink—
A chess piece slipped from Durandal's fingers, shattering his composure. An outlandish suspicion resurfaced in his mind. His eyes widened, locked onto Creuset. He wanted to ask but found himself speechless.
"Your move," Creuset said, his smile like a demon's temptation to Durandal. One step forward could lead to a throne—or an endless abyss.
But Durandal quickly steadied himself. He reset the board, picked up a piece, and placed it near Creuset's King, locking it in place once more.
"What a pity." Creuset chuckled, shaking his head as he moved a piece to eliminate the threat to his King. Then...
"Checkmate."
Durandal had lost this game—and nearly failed to realize it.
"How...?"
"Because you fell for the trap."
"A trap..." Durandal studied the final board, replaying the match in his mind. "You used your King as bait?"
"Not entirely foolish."
From the moment Creuset positioned his King at the forefront, the entire game had been under his control. Just as Durandal had deduced, the King was bait—an obvious trap one couldn't resist taking. Durandal, as Creuset predicted, fixated on the King, oblivious to the formation unfolding around him.
"...You wouldn't do this." Durandal stared at Creuset. He had likened the King to Creuset himself. Knowing Creuset's nature, he would always operate from the shadows, avoiding danger unless absolutely necessary.
"So... I am this." Creuset flicked a finger, toppling the Chairman piece, several squares behind the King.
"The Chairman! Then... that means he is—!"
"Exactly. This is his favorite strategy." Creuset smirked.
"...How reckless."
"But he has the right to be, doesn't he?"
"..."
Durandal fell silent. Creuset's chessboard mirrored Yang Hui's team. The King was Yang Hui, charging ahead into battle. The Queen was Sumeragi and others, following closely behind. The War chariots, Knights, and Minister spread out, guarding the King's flanks—protected by him even as they protected him.
As Creuset had said, if the King was Yang Hui, then he indeed had that right. This was Yang Hui's signature tactic—placing himself at the most conspicuous position, drawing all attention as bait, shielding his allies even as they shielded him.
All of this was possible because of Yang Hui's monstrous abilities.
"So... my guess was correct?"
"Hmm~ Who knows?"
Creuset knew that Durandal had finally noticed the real warning, but he wouldn't directly give Durandal the answer. After all, Durandal was merely a business partner, not an ally. While there was potential, Creuset understood that if Durandal didn't abandon his pride, their cooperation could shatter at any moment—turning him into their enemy.
Thus, Creuset was also reminding Durandal not to entertain any misguided notions. "You're not Yang Hui. You're no match for us."
(End of Chapter)