Although, as I told Malevolence, things turned out much better than they could've been, I wasn't able to look at the events of the past week with much joy or relief.
The Bee Empire was played. Not because our opponents were extremely smart, but simply because they could see all the cards in my hand—and even in the deck.
In these circumstances, I really didn't see a way for Malevolence, myself, or anyone else to do better. It was disheartening.
Although I did my administrative duties as usual and tried not to appear too sad lest my precious girls start worrying and do something silly because of it, of course the change in my mood was noticed.
In the morning of the next day, as I picked at my breakfast together with Amby, she suddenly put away her (steel!) fork and frowned at me.
"You are barely eating your pancakes today, Necty. What's wrong? Not enough honey?"
I paused, but before I could reply, Amby shook her head, frowning.
