Warm Southern Territory (2)

Roulette King Tannian didnt stop. And by not stopping, I meant that he hadnt reached a level of satisfaction where he could leave. I saw him spin the roulette four times. How long is he going to stick around?

Im starting to get worried. Ive only seen him play four times, so he must have played more rounds than that. Sadly, the amount of money Tannian had lost wasnt even 10% of what I had just paid to the Imperial Family.

Take it easy. Its not good to see a priest behaving like that.

Its fine. Im just enjoying it lightly.

Lightly? Have I been misunderstanding the word lightly all this time?

Brother, gambling is despised for risking everything on uncertain odds.

If you know that, then why dont you stop?

This was worse because he knew better.

But despite my reaction, Tannian just laughed and shook his head.

I dont bet on the odds. I just pay money to enjoy the fleeting hope of making a fortune at once and the excitement during the game.

What?

What nonsense was he saying?

I couldnt complete my sentence. It was my last bit of sanity trying to avoid making a scene.

Dont people spend money while watching a play or going to a cafe? I just spend money on a game for a brief moment of joy.

After uttering such madness, Tannian shrugged his shoulders. I stared blankly at him. If I didnt know he was a candidate for becoming a Saint, I wouldve thought he was a cult member. Was this the next Saint?

Wasnt he just a lunatic?

Mesmerized, I approached the roulette and was able to return to the resort with Tannian after losing five more great silver coins. I only needed to pay 50, but I ended up paying more extra tax. I didnt expect to win, but I never thought I wouldnt be able to win anything at all.

So you also dont have good luck, brother.

Yeah

If Id been lucky, I wouldnt be here with all of you at the Academy in the first place.

We saw some students wandering around as we entered the resort. It was a big resort, so they probably wanted to explore the interior. Even the lobby alone had spaces to sit and cafes, so I wondered how the other places were.

Oh, thats an unexpected pairing.

After hearing Tannians voice, I looked over and saw Louise and Marghetta sitting together. It was truly an unexpected pairing.

The two had bright expressions. Taking into consideration their first encounter, this was quite a dramatic turnaround. Originally, Marghetta had no animosity toward Louise, and vice versa. Louise didnt hate Marghetta; she was just intimidated by her.

Ah, Oppa! Tannian!

As Louise found us, Marghetta also waved her hand while smiling.

Shall we go?

Sure.

I nodded at Tannians question. I had no pressing issues, so avoiding them was unnecessary. I looked around and saw that Irina wasnt in sight, so it should be fine if I sat with them.

As we approached, Louise and Marghetta moved aside to make room. I sat down next to Marghetta, and Tannian gladly sat next to Louise. Marghetta let out a soft chuckle. Was this what you call the happiness of the majority?

Louise opened her mouth after looking at me and Tannian.

Its the first time Ive seen the both of you together.

Just like I was surprised by the combination of Louise and Marghetta, it seemed like Louise was surprised by Tannian and me walking together. After all, I havent hung out alone with the other club members very often.

We happened to meet outside. We didnt go out together.

Really? If Tannian went straight there, it must be a fun place!

Ah.

I couldnt help but remember our past conversation when I heard Louises cheerful and expectant voice.

The continents best casino?

There are many other places you can enjoy besides that, so dont worry about it.

I ended up worrying about it. Back then, I didnt think Id go to the casino right at the beginning of the school trip.

I looked at Tannian, who was sitting across from me. He nodded while smiling. Yeah, you probably dont want to give Louise the bad image of a priest who went to the casino for fun. I believe youll handle it well.

I was in the casino. Brother was also there.

Fuck. I didnt leave it to you so you could talk on my behalf.

Startled, Louise laughed awkwardly and looked at me. I could also feel Marghettas sharp gaze from the side.

I went there to meet someone. After all, its safer than most places.

The casino was overflowing with security personnel prepared for situations like the casino absorbing funds and customers causing disturbances due to the instantaneous change of game outcomes. In fact, its quite safe and secure. It was no coincidence that the Gold Duke wanted to meet people inside the VIP room.

My only wrongdoing was answering the call. I looked at Louise as if I were innocent, and she seemed to understand.

Tannian, did you also go because of an appointment?

Ah, no. I went because its famous.

Louise seemed to be taken aback by such a frank statement. If the opponent was too confident, one tended to accept their reasoning. I also felt the same way.

How could Gods servant discriminate between places? That place is also a place where Gods children gather.

Just like how he explained to me, Louise also nodded. Although he was definitely using excuses, it had a strange persuasive capability because the one talking was the next Saint.

It was fun. I lost quite a bit because I got carried away.

The problem was that he added unnecessary details. Because he publicly said that he had gambled, both Louise and Marghetta coughed awkwardly.

R Really? That must have been tough.

Louise looked around and gave a vague answer. Shes probably struggling with how to answer such a statement.

I hope you get better results next time? That would imply going back to the casino. Dont worry too much? It wasnt normal for a priest to like gambling. I felt pity for Louise, who was caught in extreme ambiguity.

In fact, brothers probably feeling bad, too. He lost as much as I did.

Huh?

Yes?

You bastard.

Tannians comment, which had no ill intent, was directed toward me. Because of that, the gazes of the other two became fixated on me. They seemed to be questioning me with eyes that looked as if theyd been betrayed.

Junior, could you tell me how much Carl has spent?

He used about five great silver coins.

After hearing him casually say the amount, Marghetta momentarily became silent before turning her body to face me.

Carl, can we talk for a moment?

Ah, yes.

Marghettas eyes had become much sharper.

* * *

This is bad. I never imagined something like this would happen.

I was planning to entrust the finances to Carl once we got married.

The future I took for granted was shaking a bit. Carl was someone who worked at the Ministry of Finance, and thats why I thought hed be better at managing funds than me.

What should I do?!

I understand that no ones perfect. I thought that Carl might have some flaws I hadnt noticed, and I vowed to embrace any flaws with a smile. But gambling? Isnt that one flaw a little too much?

Of course, Ive heard that the fortune Carl has amassed over the years isnt small. Also, the title of Earl that Carl will inherit belongs to a prestigious family with territories located near the capital. With the power of the Valenti Duke, they could easily buy a few casinos and give them to Carl.

But that cant be. If the fathers addicted to gambling, theres a chance our children might be affected too. They might even start looking down on their father, and that cant happen. Absolutely not.

Carl.

Yes, Mar.

Seeing Carls slightly lowered gaze as he replied pained my heart, but I cant back down on this. For the sake of our happy future and our childrens future, I must firmly address this issue. I dont mind if he blows a few silver and gold coins now, but theres no telling what will happen in the future.

Is what Junior said true?

Yes

My hand tightened around the fan. This was Carls last chance to deny it, but it was true. Still, I appreciate Carls honesty.

No. Thats not the point.

Carl, nobles should always maintain their dignity. We should walk the right path even in tough times and not hope for shortcuts.

I know the madness that goes around in casinos very well and the kind of people they attract. Its a vile place. It was surprising that there was such a big casino in the city where the Gold Duke resides, especially when he was someone very noble.

However, the Gold Duke doing something unexpected doesnt mean Carl can do the same. Regardless of the surroundings, one must remain steadfast. A role model for all. Thats what a noble is.

I think Carls an excellent noble.

Thank you for your kind words.

And I believe you will continue to be one.

I carefully extended my pinky finger to Carl, just to reassure myself.

Although I wont change my thoughts, Carl, can you promise me one thing?

Promise me that you wont go back there in the future.

* * *

I felt overwhelmed as I watched Marghetta extend her little finger with a tense expression. I dont have a gambling hobby or anything like that. I did that earlier because of external influence.

But regardless of that, its true that I played roulette today. Even if I say I only did it here, it would just sound like a weak excuse an addict would give.

I dont have the choice of not going.

I felt sorry for Marghetta, but I must go to the casino. The reward for defeating the Kraken will be given there. And I have to visit it occasionally to deposit and withdraw money afterward.

Marghetta would probably understand these circumstances if I explained them to her, but the fact that the Boyar Duchys casino was the Imperial Familys ATM was a closely guarded secret.

People from all over the continent came here to spend money. Imagine the chaos that would happen if rumors which said that the money you spend there would strengthen the Empires military strength. It would be chaos. The casinos would immediately collapse, and the Emperor would seek to punish the leaker.

Carl?

As I hesitated, Marghettas voice trembled. Her eyes were moist. She looked like a pitiful woman whod just discovered that her lover was a severe gambling addict.

This is going to drive me crazy.

I have no choice. Ill have to be careful and make sure Im not caught.

As I silently linked my pinky finger with her, Marghetta finally smiled brightly. Louise, who was across the room, also sighed in relief while Tannian quietly clapped as if he was glad about the development.

Was the virtue of the future saint candidate telling the truth? That bastard. I wouldve considered throwing him into the sea if hed done it maliciously, but he hadnt.

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