I was slightly taken aback.
"Really?"
"Absolutely." He leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Lady, it seems you really do have talent."
I shook my head, trying to hide my embarrassed smile.
"I don't think so. You just let me win."
"I assure you," Richard said a little more quietly, "I never let myself lose on purpose."
His voice sounded calm, but for some reason, I could sense a sincerity in it that made me freeze.
In the end, after the chess game was over, the emperor's nephew, who was clearly interested in the outcome of the game, suddenly looked at me with an expression of slight interest and unexpectedly asked a question:
"Lady Weinstein, it was truly a pleasure to play with you. Perhaps you would agree to play with me again sometime?
I froze for a moment, not expecting such an invitation.
However, before I could respond, a bright, sparkling window suddenly flashed before my eyes.
"Agree."
"Politely decline."
"Smile and change the subject."
