[31 — Trap]

When I opened the door and came back into the room, I found Ruru sitting at the table. She looked really focused.

"Ah! S-Sera, dear! It's you?!"

Hm? Did I scare her because I forgot to knock?

"Yes… sorry for barging in without knocking."

"Haha… it's fine. I was just surprised you came back so fast. Weren't you going to play with Destroyer-sama?"

"I was, but he kicked me out of the room. Said he was going to practice 'crafting' today."

I don't get how playing with wood could be more fun than playing chess.

"Crafting, huh? Typical."

"Now I've got no one to play with. Maybe I'll ask for the board and practice by myself."

I think I can make a few moves.

"Hmm…" Ruru rested her chin on her finger. "How about playing with me, Sera?"

"Uh… with you, Ruru?"

"What's with that look?! You underestimating me just because I never beat Destroyer-sama? Just so you know, I'm not that bad."

"No, Ruru… it's just—"

"Wait here, Sera, I'll be right back."

She left, and a few minutes later came back with the board under her arm.

I felt relieved seeing her smile. I thought she'd gotten upset when I hesitated to play with her.

"All set. Let's see how much you've learned, Sera. Sit down."

We sat on the bed facing each other.

I opened the cloth bag and spread out the pieces.

"You can choose, Ruru," I said softly.

"Oho? So you're giving me the advantage? Bold of you."

"That's not it. It's just… sorry, Ruru."

I lowered my head. Looked like she was angry after all.

"I'm kidding, Sera. Don't be like that. But… how about this? Since it's a game, what do you think about a bet?"

"A bet? But I don't have anything to give you."

… Everything I had was given to me by her. Wait! Does she want my pinwheel?

"Who said anything about that?"

The look in her eyes scared me, so I covered myself with my arms and pulled back a little.

"Hehe~ I can already picture you in those dresses I bought."

"A-and if I win?"

"Well… if you win, then… let me think… I got it! If you win, I'll grant you one wish. But only one, okay?"

…Ugh, where have I heard that before?

I held out my pinky, and we sealed the contract.

Everything was ready for the match.

Ruru picked the white pieces.

When I saw that, I almost smiled. But I had to hold it in. I couldn't let her notice my excitement.

When Destroyer taught me the rules, I thought playing white was the coolest thing. Starting first seemed like the best. Until I realized Destroyer always picked black.

At first, I thought he was going easy on me because I was still little and just learning. But the look on his face didn't seem like someone giving me an advantage. And it became pretty obvious when he gave me my first 'fool's mate.' The reason he always picked black was so he could respond to my moves.

"Your turn, Sera."

Ruru opened with her knight. I moved the pawn in front of my king.

"Hm…" she murmured.

Ruru's face was so pretty. Her hair too... long and well-kept. She was sweet and always took care of me. I don't think I'd ever seen her without a smile. But that…

That was exactly her biggest weakness in chess.

"Castling."

Destroyer once told me to never let emotions show in front of the enemy. I never knew if he meant the game or something else. But looking at Ruru now, I finally understood. I didn't feel even a little intimidated playing against her.

She didn't have that 'pookaa feisu' Destroyer talked about.

"H-hey, Sera. You already know how to do that?"

My cheeks burned when she said that. She sounded impressed.

"Y-yes…"

"You're so smart, Sera…"

Her smile was so gentle.

"…But, sorry. Checkmate!"

"W-what?! How?"

"Hahaha!"

"Wait, Ruru! Why are you locking the door?!"

"Fufu!"

Ruru's smile was a lot scarier than I expected.

I was completely fooled.