Help! I Became A Guy In A BL Novel!
Chapter 203: The Chess Set

Chapter 203: The Chess Set

Leon’s voice cut through the stillness of the park. "Let’s go."

Riven glanced up from where he lay sprawled on the grass, his expression unreadable. "Sure," he said, pushing himself to his feet with a fluid motion. "But let’s take the scenic route back."

Leon didn’t object. He just wanted to move, to shake off the unsettling conversation they’d just had. As they walked, the opulence of the Lion Kingdom’s heart gave way to a different reality.

The cobblestone streets became uneven, the buildings less ornate. The vibrant market stalls were replaced by shuttered shops and crumbling facades. The air grew heavier, tinged with the scent of decay and desperation.

Leon’s brow furrowed. "What is this place?"

Riven’s gaze was steady. "The other side of the kingdom. The part that doesn’t make it into the royal tours."

Leon’s stomach churned as he took in the sight of emaciated children playing in the dirt, their laughter hollow. An old woman sat on a stoop, her eyes vacant, a begging bowl at her feet. A man with a weathered face and tattered clothes leaned against a wall, coughing violently.

"This... this can’t be," Leon murmured. "The kingdom is wealthy. There’s enough for everyone."

Riven’s voice was quiet but firm. "Wealth doesn’t always trickle down, Leon. Sometimes, it pools at the top."

Leon turned to him, disbelief etched into his features. "Does my mother know about this?"

Riven shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not. Sometimes, officials hide things to maintain their power. They present a curated version of reality to those in charge."

Leon’s fists clenched at his sides. "But this is unacceptable. No one should live like this."

Riven studied him for a moment, then looked away. "You’re right."

They continued walking, the silence between them heavy with unspoken thoughts.

He thought of his mother, the Dowager Queen, and wondered how she could be unaware of such suffering.

Riven, meanwhile, was lost in his own thoughts. He couldn’t help but find a bitter amusement in the situation. Logically, the Dowager Queen—or the queens before her—would have taken steps to uplift the marginalised communities. But because the original story needed an arc where Leon improved, the author had written this disparity into the narrative, giving Leon a chance to shine.

Riven was simply nudging the process along. Sure, it used to be words on a piece of paper, but now it was people’s real lives and real pain.

He glanced at Leon, who was now staring at a group of children playing with that seemed to be a piece of trash. They were kicking it around and scoring goals.

"You okay?" Riven asked.

Leon didn’t respond immediately. When he did, his voice was low. "I never knew."

Riven nodded. "I figured."

Leon turned to him, eyes blazing. "Why didn’t anyone tell me?"

What could Riven say? The story didn’t give the answer. The only answer Riven had was that it was a plot device to bring you and Eli closer but he couldn’t exactly say that.

Leon looked away, his jaw tight. "I need to do something."

Riven raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"I don’t know," Leon admitted. "But I can’t ignore this."

Riven smiled faintly. "Good. That’s a start."

Leon took great pride in his kingdom and his ancestors, he could not let his people suffer like this.

Riven, on the other hand, felt a sense of satisfaction. The story was unfolding as it should, he was simply nudging the process along. Besides, he was not hear to make sure the story progresses as usual, he was here to conquer some hot men. And as long as the world does not collapse, nothing is stopping him.

As they reached the edge of the impoverished district, Leon turned to Riven. "Thank you."

Riven looked surprised. "For what?"

"For showing me this," Leon said. "For not letting me stay blind."

"Oh my god! The great Lion King just thanked me?! Is this a dream?" Riven pretended to faint and fall.

Leon rolled his eyes and caught Riven just in time.

"Carry me again, will you?" Riven asked cockily.

"Hah." Leon immediately let go, causing Riven to fall. This was the second time this stupid lion let him fall! He will have his revenge.

The sun dipped low over the Lion Kingdom. Leon was in a rush to get home, but Riven was not letting that happen.

Leon strode purposefully, his boots clicking against the stones, eager to return home. Behind him, Riven ambled at a leisurely pace, seemingly unbothered by Leon’s urgency.

"Riven, could you please walk faster?" Leon called over his shoulder, frustration evident in his tone.

Riven didn’t respond immediately, his gaze wandering to the path that led to the vibrant stalls lining the market square.

"Riven!" Leon’s voice sharpened. "We’re supposed to be heading home."

Still, Riven meandered, he needed to go to the market! He had to do something!

Leon caught up to him, his patience wearing thin. "What are you doing? We need to go."

Riven turned to him with a calm expression. "It’s an order," he said simply, before continuing his exploration.

Leon clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. He looked down, taking a deep breath to steady himself, then followed Riven, his steps heavy with irritation.

As they navigated the path and reached the market, Leon’s frustration simmered. When Riven finally stopped in front of a vendor’s stall, Leon’s restraint snapped. His eyes, which had stared at the road the entire time, shot up at the dumb wolf in front of him.

"You’re a stupid wolf!" he burst out. "Always doing whatever you please without considering anyone else."

Riven flinched at the words, his shoulders tensing. He didn’t reply, instead reaching into his pouch and handing a few coins to the vendor.

Leon watched as Riven carefully picked up a beautifully crafted chess set, its pieces intricately carved and polished to a gleam. Recognition dawned on Leon, it was the set he’d admired earlier. One that he wanted to buy before leaving.

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