[ She doesn't say yes to rock-paper-scissors, but doesn't say no either. Who knows what the future will hold... While he's thinking, she finally goes for the croissant. Like a civilized person, she cleanly rips off its little croissant head (or tail) and manages to pop it into her mouth flake-free. ]

It's a long-standing tradition in the House. I find it an effective way of managing disputes. Any family will have its share of inner conflict; that much is normal, even healthy. But it is less than healthy when disagreements turn to resentment with no avenue for resolution.

[ The Knave picks up her mug again, resting it atop a black palm. Her expression is even as it has been all this time, her tone matter-of-fact. ]

Competition is the simplest way to address such turbulent feelings. It gives the children a stage on which to express themselves, along with a sense of agency to influence their siblings. Of course, they may challenge me as well if they are dissatisfied with my decisions.