Valerion retrieved the ball, set it down on the table, then clapped his hands.

"Well done", he said, smiling with his eyes. "Well done, Adrien - you are really good at this".

Adrien touched his cheek, embarrassed. "I'm sorry -- I wanted this to be a fun, relaxing game, not --".

"It has been a fun, relaxing game", Valerion said tilting his head slightly. "It just so happens that you are far more skilled than I am".

"If I may ask --".

"-- yes --".

"-- when was the last time you played?".

Valerion scratched his chin, in thought. "I think it was... five... years ago -- yes, I think so".

"Five years!", Adrien commented, chuckling. "Then you're just rusty! Of course it went this way -- the last time I played was no more than two months ago! I want a rematch -- on your behalf!".

"I guess I have to agree, yes?", Valerion replied, giggling softly.