Chapter 42

Maxi nearly choked on her soup. Ruth's usually lethargic gray eyes regarded her with expectation, unnerving her. If she disclosed that arithmetic was not her strong suit, the knights, who already regarded her with little respect, would think even less of her. But if she said that she could perform basic arithmetic, she was sure Ruth would assign her a grueling task. Unable to make up her mind, she avoided Ruth's eyes by gulping down her soup.

Ruth leaned in to place himself in her line of vision, narrowing his eyes as if he were trying to prick her conscience.

"Is this how you repay kindness, my lady?"

"I-I'm not s-skilled enough to be of h-help to a sorcerer—"

"I know that you're no mathematician! I ask only because I need all the help that I can get!"

At that, Maxi lost any inclination she had had to help Ruth. Noticing the change in her expression, Ruth began to pout like a hurt child.

"I hope you haven't forgotten the aid I gave you in your hour of need, my lady."