"You are exceptionally good at chess, Lady Lil," Elias noted, his eyes tracking her every move on the board.
"Not as good as you, it seems," Liliana replied, her voice neutral.
"My grandfather was the greatest player I ever knew. He was the one who taught me," Elias said, testing the waters.
"Well... I... we learned from a tutor," Liliana stammered slightly, catching herself. "I never knew my grandfather, and my father... he was always too busy with the business to teach us games."
"I see. It is not easy being a merchant," Elias remarked, his gaze lingering on her.
"Y-yeah... let's say so," Liliana murmured.
"Let's say so?" Elias mumbled under his breath, his suspicion deepening.
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing." He slid his knight across the board. "Your move."
Liliana studied the board for a long moment before leaning back. "I concede. I am no match for you, My Lord."
"Don't say that. You would have won if we had continued for ten more turns," Elias said, genuinely impressed by her strategy.
"I prefer not to continue things that I cannot finish. Life has taught me that much," Liliana said, a flash of her past sorrow crossing her face.
"Life?" Elias repeated the word as if trying to decode it.
"My Lady, you shouldn't feel bad," Keiran chimed in with a grin. "Not even Lord Elias's father can beat him at chess."
Liliana couldn't help it; a genuine laugh escaped her lips. "Pff... Hahaha! It seems you have a natural talent for winning, My Lord."
Elias froze, momentarily stunned by the brilliance of her smile. It was the first time he had seen her look truly alive.
"Not just at chess, My Lady," Keiran continued, eager to boast for his master. "He is unparalleled with a sword, a bow... and no one can compare to him when it comes to horsemanship. He is—"
"That's enough, Keiran," Elias interrupted, though he didn't look angry.
Liliana's eyes sparked with a sudden challenge. "Horse riding, you say? Would you care to compete in a race, My Lord?"
Elias raised an eyebrow. "You wish to compete with me?"
"Why? Do you think I am an unsuitable opponent?" Liliana tilted her head, a playful yet sharp glint in her eyes.
"No, not at all," Elias chuckled. "It's just... you are the first lady to ever ask me for such a thing."
"Well, it is an honor to be the first. So, do you accept?"
"I do. But what shall the stakes be? What are we betting on?" Elias asked, leaning forward.
"If you win, I will do whatever you ask of me," Liliana said boldly. "And if I win, you shall do the same for me."
Keiran burst out laughing. "Hahaha!"
"What is so funny?" Ria snapped, crossing her arms.
"I apologize," Keiran gasped, wiping a tear from his eye. "It's just... I expected you to ask for something else."
"Something like what?"
"Well... jewels? A gold necklace? Most ladies would jump at the chance to win a treasure from this estate," Keiran said.
Liliana and Ria looked at each other and laughed in unison—a cold, knowing laugh that left the men confused.
"There is no jewel in this world that Lil would want," Ria said firmly. "But it's fine that you think so."
"Why say that?" Keiran asked, puzzled. "Every woman likes sparkling things."
"Not every woman," Ria retorted, her voice dropping to a serious tone. "Some women value things far more precious than stones. Look around more carefully, Lord Keiran. You might learn something."