Chapter Fifteen: Friendship (Grayson)

Manipulation is quite simple.

Grayson peers across the cathedral's first floor from where he sits at the foremost bench in front of the founder of the grand building at Ace and Reko, who are finishing up their sixth game of chess. Hopefully, it would be their last, as it was nearing midnight.

But, as usual, Grayson assumes Reko will prefer not to sleep right away, choosing to instead stare at the pictures of Finnland that hang in his room until he feels tired enough to get what rest he can before Aaron brings in breakfast.

"Shakki Matti!" Reko joyfully calls out, and Ace laughs after smiling.

"Again? That's the fifth time today. The only time I was able to best you had to be during our first game, and it was your first attempt at playing chess! I've been playing for ten years, and you for only three hours. How is it that you're a natural? Could it be...that you're cheating?"

Reko laughs and shakes his head.

"No. Maybe you're just naturally awful."