Then Just as You Wish [The Sultan's Game]

If something as absurd as The Sultan's Game can exist, then being reborn doesn't seem all that surprising.

-

When he awoke again, Nefere could still feel the heat of the blood splashed over him: the blood of his female guards, his attendants, and himself.

Now he was sitting in the courtyard with a book open on his lap, while a figure approached from a short distance away.

"Nefere." Arto's voice was all too familiar. He held a silver Indulgence Card, a small note tucked between his fingers, and wore a frivolous yet triumphant smile. "Could you help me bend the card, perhaps?"

"..." Now that he had another chance, would he repeat his mistakes? Would he fight Arto to the death all over again?

Nefere rose and gently brushed the dust from his robe. As Arto stared in confusion, he pressed him down onto the bench.

"As you wish."

Nefere lowered his eyes, his voice cool, like a god's whisper.

"But I still pity you."

Pity for a wretched man lost in The Sultan's Game.

[Reader's Guide]

1. A short fanfic based on The Sultan's Game. It really will be short. I suddenly wanted to write something like this TT. Updates will depend on circumstances.

2. A fanwork set in the original story's world. Arto will still bend cards. The original is pretty chaotic and morally dubious, but I won't make this too morally chaotic. You know how Jinjiang is.

3. No outline, just going with the flow. I've wanted to write about Nefere being reborn for ages. It feels like a good fit.

4. Feedback is welcome. Feel free to tell me about any out-of-character moments or plot holes! Some elements are my own additions.

2025.6.29

Theme: Love means respect, understanding, and cherishing someone, not forcing them.