It was no exaggeration. The moment she covered her face and turned away, you didn't even need special effects—the sweltering heat within a three-foot radius of Vivienne instantly turned to a frigid winter, the atmosphere becoming bleak and desolate.
Cyril was at a loss for words.
Caspian was helpless against her. He waved his hand. "Alright, alright. I accept your persona. I'll play this game with you."
Cyril glanced at the old man impassively.
"Really?!" Instantly, Vivienne's eyes lit up, her ethereal, shimmering eyes seeming to hold a galaxy of stars.
Caspian preferred seeing her full of life like this. His expression was indulgent. "Not only will I play along, but I'll make the entire Obsidian Estate play along with you. As long as you're happy."
The old man's thinking was simple: children were always chasing novelty. She would probably forget about it in a few days.
Vivienne threw her arms around Caspian's arm. "You’re the best, Grandfather! You’re going to live forever, Grandpa!"
Caspian laughed heartily, and Cedric immediately set out another teacup.
Only then did Vivienne notice the chess set on the table. She slowly sat up straight. "Grandfather, are you playing chess?"
Caspian nodded. "We are. You're late. You didn't get to see how brilliant Cyril was just now. Even I couldn't hold my own against him."
Vivienne looked astonished. "You lost, Grandfather?"
Caspian feigned chagrin. "I did. It was a crushing defeat."
Vivienne turned to Cyril. Just as he expected her to make some outrageous comment, she suddenly gave him a gentle smile. "You're so amazing, Cyril~"
Cyril's eyelid twitched. He would have preferred an outrageous comment.
The game finally began.
Vivienne slowly scooted over, inching closer and closer to Cyril.
Cyril gradually figured out the pattern. Whenever he took a little longer to think, the Vivienne would act up.
So he started predicting her predictions, preemptively picking up the teacup whenever she leaned in. He went from being caught off guard at first to handling it with complete ease, even finding the spare attention to tap the table lightly to signal Cedric for a refill when he noticed her cup was empty.
This game lasted for an hour.
Vivienne kept drinking tea, and Cedric kept refilling it. Eventually, Vivienne couldn't take it anymore and rushed to the bathroom, clutching her stomach.
Cyril looked up at her comical retreating figure, a slight curve playing on his lips. He raised his hand and moved his cannon, preparing to attack.
The old man, looking perfectly composed, picked up his teacup. "Oh? Getting serious now?"
Cyril smiled. "Be careful, Grandfather."
***

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