Chapter: 70
Over a hundred carriages gathering at the same resort was impressive enough, but the fact that a single resort could accommodate all those carriages with room to spare was even more astounding. They really went all out with this place, huh? Now I get why they smashed the Kraken’s habitat as soon as they found it.
‘The school trip destination will definitely be Boyar from now on.’
Marghetta might have said it was a possibility that Boyar would continue being the destination, but at this point, it’s more than a possibility—it’s a certainty. There’s no way someone would invest this much and just call it a one-time deal; even a money printer couldn’t pull that off!
Anyway, it’s definitely flashy. I’m just not sure how long I’ll be able to stick around here.
‘I wonder if living on a ship will be okay.’
I have the mission of sending a baby Kraken back to its parents since there’s no way it can survive in this harsh world by itself. To accomplish that mission, a game of maritime hide-and-seek is a must. Until I catch it, I have no idea when I’ll be able to set foot on land, let alone enjoy this resort.
But if a Kraken happens to be lurking near the resort, I should probably take it down. If I leave it alone and it suddenly appears while the students are frolicking on the beach, it would be nothing short of a disaster.
“Oppa! Let’s go in!”
“Sure, I’m coming.”
Louise, who was walking with the other members of the carriage team toward the resort, waved at me since I was lagging behind. I do have a room assigned to me, so I should quickly unpack and dash to the casino.
Arriving at a resort only to head straight to the casino? Without context, I might look like a complete loser. But honestly, it’s about time I add some cash to the royal ATM; I should at least play a few rounds.
‘Man, I really am a loser.’
The first thing I do upon arriving at the resort is gamble? My heart can’t help but cringe.
I lucked out with a single room, unlike the students. I don’t even know when I’ll be able to use it. Although, it’s pretty spacious and luxurious for just one person. Still, when I can actually stay here is a total mystery.
“My room isn’t far from yours, Carl. Just so you know.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
In the meantime, Marghetta showed me where her room was while guiding me to mine. It’s a bit frighting to think about what she’s hoping for by giving me this info, but I simply nodded. I told her I’d visit when I had time, so hopefully, she won’t come knocking on my door first.
After unpacking, as soon as I entered the casino, the guards greeted me as if they were waiting. If I had been any later, they might’ve kidnapped me!
“Welcome. His Grace has been waiting for you.”
“Already? Looks like I overslept.”
“He’s been here since early morning for some business at the casino. So please, don’t worry.”
I’m curious what business a duke has in a casino, but I decided to drop it. He could just be depositing a small fortune in exchange for securing construction projects from the emperor; to deposit all that, he’d have to sit here since morning!
With the guard guiding me, I made my way through the chaos of the casino filled with madness, cheers, and screams to the VIP room. Seriously, no matter how many times I come here, I can never get used to this atmosphere.
“He’s inside. Enjoy yourself.”
“Thanks. Good work.”
As soon as we arrived, the guard left without looking back, and it seemed pretty clear he had been thoroughly trained. Given that this place handles serious gold, their training better be solid!
Knock, knock.
“Your Grace, it’s the Executive Manager.”
“Are you here? Come in.”
With permission from the Gold Duke, I opened the door to see three people seated along with a dealer. The Gold Duke with his graying hair clutched a cigar, while the head of the Boyar Duchy’s magic corps tinkered with his cards, staff resting beside him.
‘Who’s that last guy?’
The last person was a stranger to me. Based on the vibe, he seemed involved with the Kraken elimination.
“Welcome! Please have a seat.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As soon as I sat down, the dealer slid some cards my way. Checking them revealed an abysmal hand.
“How much is the bet?”
“One great silver coin.”
“Understood.”
I came prepared to deposit today, but the Gold Duke’s decision to take a great silver coin—valued at 100 silver coins—felt like a slap! Can’t we at least start with a single silver coin?
With a heavy heart, I placed 50 great silver coins on the table and immediately wagered one. Fifty great silver coins… That’s five gold coins! At this rate, my bank account is bleeding dry.
“Oh, by the way, I realize we haven’t formally met.”
After inspecting the great silver coins on the table that served as chips, the Gold Duke casually continued.
“He’s the commander of the 2nd fleet. He’s been busier than anyone lately.”
If he’s the one that’s been looking for the Kraken with a bunch of mages, I can see why he’s here. Nodding politely, I welcomed the 2nd fleet commander, who returned a smile.
“Since we’ll be working together for a while, let’s get to know each other. Often, as the cards get played, friendships deepen.”
“I suppose so. Thank you for your consideration, Your Grace.”
Usually, in gambling, relationships get hostile as the game goes on; however, we’re not here for money. It looks like we’re called together to discuss a plan.
“The creature’s range of activity is increasing.”
As the Gold Duke swiftly played the game, he made the commentary. An increase in range isn’t good news, especially for an unpredictable creature.
“Also, it’s spending less time above water. It seems to have learned how to hang out underwater.”
“I’m impressed. Krakens generally can’t help but pop up and attack humans.”
“That must’ve been quite a shock for it. The issue was that we couldn’t finish it off in one fell swoop.”
Marine creatures typically have a “come at me, bro” strategy, but Krakens are known for their remarkable ability to jump out of the water, attack ships and humans, and then vanish. Yet this Kraken is now learning to hold its ground underwater and is expanding its territory?
‘What a little genius.’
It seems to have the intelligence of that bear I saw in the dungeon. Or was it a different creature? I seem to remember it started with an ‘o’…
“Hitting the Kraken effectively was already tough, and it has only gotten harder.”
I nodded solemnly. The magic corps under the Duke isn’t short of firepower for taking down a Kraken. The problem lies in spotting it; as the Gold Duke keeps saying, it’s not surfacing. Even if we bring it up, it seems there’s hardly enough time to land a hit before it sinks!
This is why the Gold Duke entrusted me with suppressing the Kraken. Sending the Kraken back to its family just long enough for a lethal hit—now that’s something I can manage. Sure, there are others like me, but it worked out smoothly since I happened to be on this trip.
“I was so relieved to hear you were coming. I’m glad the citizens won’t suffer.”
The Gold Duke chuckled, embodying a typical benevolent lord, but his ruthless side when it comes to business was clear as day. Is he suggesting it’s time to wrap things up, pay up, and leave? What a jerk!
“Your Grace’s concern for the citizens is genuinely heartwarming; I can essentially picture how happy they must be.”
With a light-hearted smile, I decided to go all-in with my remaining great silver coins. The fact that he was looking out for the people was accurate.
But it’s not exactly out of pure benevolence; when citizens die, he takes a hit too since he has to pay compensation to their families.
But, hey, at the end of the day, if a lord considers compensation for the families of the deceased as standard practice, they’re still among the top 1% of lords!
In a flash, I lost all fifty great silver coins and exited the VIP room. What did I get in return? Only pathetic hands. Damn it! Can’t I at least win once?!
‘Tomorrow’s lunch time, then…’
They told me to rest well and show up at the port for the Kraken extermination starting tomorrow. Wow, at least I’ll get a night’s sleep at the resort!
As I made my way out of the casino, carrying a strangely lucky yet unlucky feeling, a familiar figure caught my eye.
‘What is going on?’
My brain says it recognizes the figure, but my heart refuses to accept it. Should he even be here?
I carefully approached the striking white-haired man, who stood out among the crowd at the roulette table.
As I got closer, I confirmed without a doubt that it was him.
“Tannian.”
“Oh, brother?”
What are you doing here?
“That’s surprising. I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“…”
Why the heck are you saying what I wanted to say?
If he were a normal priest, I would’ve teased him about whether a clergyman should be at a gambling table, but he’s not just any priest—he’s the next Saint. I have to tread carefully here! One wrong word, and I might end up getting the Holy Kingdom’s wrath and getting excommunicated.
But seriously, what brings him here?
“Oh, rather than me, I’m sure you’re more curious about it.”
Noticing my puzzled expression, Tannian smiled as he answered. But during this moment, can’t you drop the ‘brother’ act? It feels so discordant in a casino setting!
“Our Lord has instructed us not to turn our gaze away, regardless of the darkness surrounding us. As a servant of the Lord, I shouldn’t pick only the cozy and comfortable places.”
Tannian said this while folding his hands reverently, appearing every bit the Saint—except, you know, with the roulette backdrop!
“Even in places where all desires converge, one deserves to receive the teachings and mercy of the Lord. There’s no place in this world that isn’t deserving of it.”
“I see.”
In other words, casinos gather people, and people are key to following Enen’s will. So according to him, nothing’s stopping him from being here.
Well, if he believes that, who am I to argue? It sounds almost right… but getting too involved might just tire me out for no reason.
Suddenly, cheers and screams erupted around the roulette table, snapping both Tannian’s and my attention back to it.
“Oh no, that didn’t go well.”
“…”
Hearing Tannian’s disappointed tone, I quietly closed my eyes.
This jerk isn’t just spectating; he’s betting money too!
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