"So, don't forget that I'm seven and you're fifteen," Ryan pointed out reasonably, looking up at me.

  I froze. He was actually right. We were in completely different weight classes and had totally different vantage points.

  "Ah, right. Forgot about that."

  Without overthinking it, I dropped to my knees. I tried to replicate my bouncing footwork from that position. It was awful. Clunky, clumsy, and my kneecap crunched unpleasantly against the stone floor.

  "No, this won't work. I'll rub my legs down to stumps, and growing new ones is an unpleasant business."

  I stood up, dusting off my pants.

  "Oh, I know another variation. Same game of tag, but with feet. The main goal is to lightly step on your opponent's foot."

  I kicked my boots off into the corner.

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  "Take yours off too. Or are you planning to break my toes with your royal heels?"

  Ryan obediently took off his shoes, and we stood facing each other. In just our socks on a freezing stone floor—how romantic.

  "Begin!" I commanded, and immediately reminded him: "Hey, you forgot the most important part. You have to look me in the eyes."

  The squirt nearly tripped over his own feet.

  "What do you mean? How can I look you in the eyes and watch your feet at the same time? You're way taller than me!"

  I shrugged.

  "Sounds like a you problem, Ryan. Develop your peripheral vision. Alright, fine, I'll move slowly."

  We started circling. I bounced on my toes, while he kept trying to catch the right moment to "stamp" my foot. I realized my height was basically a cheat code here. He had to crane his neck up just to follow the rule, completely losing sight of my feet in the process.

  About five minutes later, I felt my stomach let out a sound suspiciously similar to the roar of a starving bear. All motivation to continue training evaporated instantly.

  "That's it," I said, stopping and catching my breath. "I'm hungry. And for this masterclass, I demand payment."

  Ryan wiped the sweat from his forehead.

  "Payment?"

  "Exactly. You are now going to organize the best dinner that can possibly be found in this castle for me."

  He laughed—a bright, genuinely childish sound.

  "Alright, Greg. Come on, I'll show you where our tastiest pantries are."