As Michael approached, Rudy's tense expression spoke louder than words. After witnessing Jakob's display, it was clear his confidence had plummeted to near zero.
"Forget about the bet," Michael said, placing a steady hand on his friend's shoulder. "It was just something I agreed to casually."
"Michael…" Rudy's voice was tight, his eyes wide. "I've never even seen more than a few gold coins before. How do you even have so many? And why would you bet them on me, you bastard…?"
"Don't worry about that," Michael replied firmly. "I can always make more. We're students of Arcadia now, remember? By our fourth year, the noble houses will be falling over themselves to recruit us."
"R-right… you're right." Some of the tension in Rudy's tone eased, his shoulders lifting slightly.
