Chapter 135

"That sounds like a wager that only benefits the Duke."

The objection came from beside me immediately. Joachim gave a short scoff.

"Not at all. To correct that appalling chess playing as quickly as possible, a remedy this drastic is exactly what's needed."

"Is he really that bad?"

I murmured without thinking—and Friedrich's expression fell into rapid mortification.

I realized too late that I'd misspoken—but Friedrich had already set his jaw in resolve and nodded.

"Understood. Separate rooms. Until I beat the Duke, that's what we'll do."

"It's not strictly necessary to go that far—"

"No—the Duke is right. There's no stronger motivation for me than this."

But saying so while looking at me with those eyes—

I gave him one last chance to take it back.

"Are you genuinely all right with sleeping in separate rooms from me?"

I asked with my expression set. Friedrich's eyes wavered rapidly.

He…