Well, that was a pretty simple move. King's gambit? I've been expecting that. Well, he is offering his pawn so I can't really say no...

Bishop's gambit too? Well, this will be quicker than I initially thought. Hmm, maybe I should prolong it so that he wouldn't feel embarrassed and kill me? Nope, sounds like a bad idea. If he learns about it, a bullet will so casually enter my skull. Let's just get it over with...Well, this would be it. Using my rook for a mate, quite classy, I would say. Then again, I wanted to go with my regular 'king' strategy but I doubt that it would be a good choice. If he takes as a slight against him, I would be good as dead. It's better to know my reaches and limits and not end up dead. And what's with that smirk on his face? Does he not know that he later just played into my hands? Damn, now I'm having second thoughts. Well, here goes nothing...

As I move my rook to d7, giving him a mate, I declare checkmate. Well, his expression is kind of amusing, even if it ends up being the last thing that I see. Hmm, it's been 30 seconds, does he still needs to process what just happened? Well, not my problem. I did get a glimpse of his characters from the way he plays chess. What a twisted man he is.

《Antonio's point of view》

This... a checkmate in 23 moves? How? Although I'm not a chess prodigy, I'm quite an experienced player. Tch, now not only will have to let go of that gambler addict. 20,000 aren't really much to give for me. I can give him that much from my tab too. However, I can easily tell that he didn't even try in this match. He must be a chess prodigy, after all. No matter how hard he tries to hide it, I can see that smug expression of his. Tch, what a fucking brat...

"Well, this is unexpected. I was expecting this game to go on longer but it's fine, Leroug-

I'm sorry, can I just call you Rouge? Lerouge just annoys me, for some reason", not to say that I dislike it, the name just seems French.

"That's fine, no problem at all. And umm"

What is he trying to say? The money? Well, if that's the first thing that comes to his mind than I can think of a few things that could involve him. I'm kind of interested in him. Besides, the way he analyzed the room the moment he entered. Maybe I can use him...

"Very well, your prize money shall be given to you in a moment's notice. Francesco, give him the money. Now then, it was a good game but I would ask you to leave. I have some work to do and responsibilities to handle."

"Yes, of course. Hey Rivalz, let's go.", the boy said as he nudged his companion, who was busy talking to his brother. As I saw them leave, I tried to ponder on a few ideas that I got. There are a few that could work but I shouldn't really underestimate a kid of his caliber. Then again, I only need him for his chess skills. As for now...

"Francesco, find out about this gentleman and his whereabouts. He could be useful"

Learning more about him and his family, I could try manipulating him. Even if he's a brilliant child and a chess prodigy, I'm far more experienced. I would rather not be forceful, after all. He said that he was British, huh. I pondered as I took a cigarette and lighted it with my lighter...

《Lelouch's point of view》

I doubt anyone woke up. Hmm, I shouldn't try sneaking out. Sneaky-ness isn't something I'm good at. Thankfully, only Nunnally is a light sleeper. But since she sleeps with mother, I doubt that she woke up. Worse comes to worse, I'll have to create some excuse. I don't want to lie to her, though. But before that, what should I do with this money. I doubt having this much cash is legal. Mother will definitely find out about this. I can't even lie to her, she's way too sharp. Tell her the truth? That's the only option but how would she react? She will most definitely ground me, no doubt. She didn't even let me get a part-time job. All I want to do is help her out. I should come out clean and tell her how I got this money. Ah, damn it. I'll just sleep now and think about this tomorrow. I'm still sleepy. Hah, I'll just sleep in class. I sometimes envy Nunnally and her neverending energy. If only it was possible for her to donate me some of it...

Finally, I arrived at school. Now, all I have to do reach my desk and sleep. This is it, only a few steps and I'll be welcomed by the sweet slumber. The first lesson is grammar and the teacher doesn't bother so I should be fine--

A slap on the back awoke me from my half asleep state. Who dares to do this? Oh, it's just Rivalz.

"Hey, buddy. Looks like someone didn't get enough sleep, eh?"

Yes, that's correct but how are you so energetic? What's your bloody secret?! Am I really that physically weak?! God damn it!

"Well, it happens when you go to sleep late"

"Ah, well..."

Damn, that was a really rude reply. Then again, Rivalz was quite as rude when he initiated this conversation. But damn, now I feel like an asshole. Ah, whatever

"I'm fine, just a bit tired. I'll probably sleep through the entire school day. Don't worry about it", I said as grin at him. It should be enough to ease his worries.

School hours passed like a breeze, mostly because I slept through them. After picking up Nunnally and getting home, I started cooking dinner and waited for mother. Just another day...

After mother arrived, we all talked about our day while eating dinner, with Nunnally being the most excited to share about it. Although, it is considered rude to talk while eating, this was one of the only times where we could talk to each other without any time restraints. It's quite refreshing and my favorite part of the day. Mother asked me to stay after she put Nunnally to sleep. She wanted to talk about something. I wonder what it was. She couldn't have found out that I was out yesterday? She couldn't have. That was impossible. She was sleeping when I left and she was sleeping when I returned. There's no way...

After she returned, I had a grim look on her face. I was getting more and more nervous.

"So, Lelouch, what were you doing last night? You weren't at a casino, were you?"

All the thoughts that I had came to an abrupt halt. What? How did she even know that? How-

"If you're wondering how I know, my colleague was in the same casino as you. He even took a photo of you. Now, please be kind enough to tell me the truth. You do know how much I hate lies"

Of course I do. Damn, I didn't even think the possibility of such an outcome. Why would he even take my photo or tell my mother? That bastard...

"I..."

I took a deep breath as I explained her the situation. I really hope that I wouldn't get grounded. Throughout the entire explanation, she had a pensive look which made me more and more anxious. After I was done with explaining her, she looked at for a few seconds before telling me my fate

"I'm kind of disappointed. You should have told me from the very beginning or better, come for some advice. Do you even have the slightest idea of what you just did? For all your brains, you couldn't have think this one out?"

What, just what does she mean by that? I doubt that we would be endangered now that I--

"We, or rather you will probably be 'offered' to play chess in the behalf of whoever you defeated. Although, it will be more like you will be threatened. Lelouch, this is the mafia that I'm talking about. I..."

Ah, so that's what I did. I willingly walked into the lion's den. The chess match wasn't the problem at all. It was what comes after the chess match. I never thought of that. No doubt, Lambrusco would find out my true identity and use my mother and sister to threaten me. I was too stupid. I didn't even think of this consequence. My mother's voice cut me off from my self loathing thoughts

"There are a few things that we could do. You could play for them or we could leave this place before they even find us, or rather, they find you. Of course, we will go with the latter. I don't want to see your dead body because you defeated someone that you shouldn't have. We'll leave tomorrow morning. There's no need to pack. I doubt we have the time, anyways. It's best to move out and settle somewhere else. Maybe to Veneto or Sicilia, where they can't find us"

I flinched at her cold and pragmatic tone. She was really pissed, wasn't she. Considering the mistake I did, it's to be expected. Still...

I just made things worse, even when I was trying to make it all better. Why couldn't I be more competent? Just why!? I could feel some moisture in my eyes. Was I crying? Damn, that was pathetic. I could feel my mother's arms wrapping around my head.

"It's fine, Lelouch. We will move out. I know you tried to help me but, you don't know how cruel this world could be. Just leave everything to your mother"

The warm voice of my mother, it was the warm voice that I was used too. It was the same warmth. Was this her trying to comfort me? It would've worked... no, it should've worked if not for my brain being a mush and filled with unpleasant thoughts. All I could do was hope, hope that things would go right. I tried to help her, but all I did was burden her even more. It was just pathetic.

Honestly, I wanted to end this chapter sooner but then I decided not to. Nobody likes shorter chapters anyways. As for the explanation, no matter how smart Lelouch is, he is still inexperienced. Dealing with the mafia isn't a small thing but don't worry, things will get heated and lelouch will get character development before fucking everyone up. Even though he's a genius, he had a normal life up until now. He isn't an exiled prince with a revenge plan here. He will need some time to adjust. Since Marianne is in the picture here, Lelouch isn't as mature and responsible as he was at the start of R:1