209 One head is cut

After a pleasurable stroll with Elisabeth Grahm, I decide to visit my Duke's office.

The girl leaves towards her room and disappears into thin air. Lady Lyana greets me with a nod and walks away as well.

There's no need to keep guard now that the enemy is defeated. I just have to convince the Count to forget about his first purpose and focus on his second daughter.

I knock, even though barging in as if I was the owner of the place would have been interesting. Still, I don't want Alexander to feel awkward. His reputation has been well maintained through the years: it would be a pity to ruin it just yet.

«Wife,» Alexander exclaims as soon as he opens the door. «We were waiting for you!»

«We?» I inquire, surprised. He knew already that I wouldn't have let the Count leave without properly messing with him, but that they both were waiting for me... That's difficult to believe.

«Yes, my dear. The Count proposed to play chess, but I'm already stuck.»