❛❛ You’re not the first one to say that. ❜❜ Jia Chong smiled to himself a bit—how many times had Sima Zhao told him something similar? ❛❛ And I don’t think you’re wrong. Simply put, there is nothing that has caught my interest to bide my time. For instance, there is a woman in Wu known for her culinary prowess, while another in Shu has excellent embroidery. Wei has officers skilled in music and dance. Zhao naps. Xiahou Ba experiments with different dishes throughout the city. As for me, there is nothing in particular that I do. ❜❜

           Even about himself, he spoke with cool detachment; this sort of thing was not something he was insecure about, or even something he considered as a weakness. Just an analysis of his own character.

            ❛❛ But that’s enough about me. ❜❜ He realized that he had been the topic of the conversation for a while now, and it was long enough for him. There were times like this where he would open up, but only briefly. ❛❛ What is it that you do to pass time? ❜❜

“If there’s time to be passed, I aimlessly follow my own whims.” Lame and vague, as Yoshitsugu usually was.

           Jia Chong considered Yoshitsugu’s words, contemplating that truth. ❛❛ Of course, ❜❜ he replied. No one could enjoy everything—it was only natural for him to have things he liked and disliked, too. ❛❛ Of course, there are things that are not to my tastes. However, even if I do not like it, it is still better than going hungry. If the food is unspoiled, there is no reason not to eat it; otherwise, it is a waste. But there are those who actively seek out their favorite foods. That is something I have never done before. ❜❜

           He surveyed the board, smiling to himself a bit. Things had turned in his favor this time around, but he refused to let up: if he was going to win, it was going to be an absolute victory. He liked to play until there were no moves left to play, even when the outcome appeared inevitable. Anything could happen.

            ❛❛ Perhaps you think that to be strange. Other people do. ❜❜

“Have you already thought of your reward?” Given the man’s admitted lack of creativity, Yoshitsugu’s wariness hesitated.

man, these ryona videos are getting really out there.

is this a kink

              ❛❛ He certainly has a handsome amount of wealth, ❜❜ he said, covering his face momentarily. It was not a sign of weakness; most thought that he was laughing when he made that gesture.

            ❛❛ Dong Zhuo is a man driven by carnal desires, ❜❜ he began, sliding his hand down his face and toward his chin, as if in thought. ❛❛ When the imperial court was in chaos, he seized the opportunity and deposed Emperor Shao, then declared himself Chancellor. He monopolized that power and began a reign of fear. ❜❜

           At last he allowed his amusement to show. More sarcastically now, he added, ❛❛Those things, along with others, are what he is known for; though, word of his good looks is new to me. They must have been speaking about someone else. ❜❜

            ❛❛ But, surely, you’ve had people like Dong Zhuo in your land, ❜❜ he surmised. ❛❛ That is why it is much better to act according to the bigger picture, not desire. ❜❜

“There are ruthless and violent leaders in Japan, one of which who even referred to himself as the Demon King. I’m not sure they’d fall into the same category entirely, but I can see your argument.” A beat, “Generally, I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing to think of what affect may be had in greater perspective, but if a desire isn’t going to have much significance other than to make one individual more happy, it isn’t a bad thing.” He found himself talking a lot, which was odd given his usual nature. Somehow, he felt like he should withdraw in case it were too much.

           Jia Chong glanced up at Yoshitsugu. It was not often that he heard such a thing—that others actually enjoyed having him around. At that comment, the corner of his mouth twitched into a small smile.

            ❛❛ True. That has always been a curiosity of mine. People craving their favorite foods, that is, ❜❜ he said, taking a moment to pause and survey Yoshitsugu’s movements.

           Yoshitsugu had placed a stone in an interesting spot. Jia Chong looked at the surrounding area, then decided to ignore that particular stone. He was not yet sure if the stone was being used as a decoy, and he was cautious about falling into Yoshitsugu’s trap again.

           He continued with his tactic: he busied himself by building his territory, but was prepared to attack Yoshitsugu’s if the opportunity arose.

            ❛❛ Maybe I need to adjust my thinking. I’ve always seen these things as a way to sate basic needs, but others actively enjoy them. ❜❜ Although it was Yoshitsugu’s turn, he picked up a stone and flipped it between his fingers. ❛❛ Perhaps you could teach me. ❜❜

“...Ah.” Because he knew that Jia Chong probably knew as well.