Chapter 80: Unleash All Desires

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M-Mph... m-mmph...?

......!!! Mph... mmph-! Mmph!!

The night of Serranople is fair to everyone.

I too could become the prey at any moment, just as you mistook yourself for the hunter.

Mmph-!?

No need for introductions. I already know all about you.

And since I can guess what "questions" you want to ask, I'll go ahead and give you the "answers."

.......

...Understand?

.......

Answer one: the reason this raid failed is because there was a traitor among you.

Well, I planted them there from the start, though.

.......

Answer two: the reason I went along with your plan is because I was bored.

After being stuck at a desk for so long, I missed the thrill of betting my life.

.......

Answer three: I kept you alive until the end because I want to use you as my pawn.

As you know, things like honor and glory are hard variables to calculate.

But "cunning" is different.

A cunning person can convert fears and desires into all kinds of tangible values.

And you... have proven yourself to be far more "cunning" than those fools hanging behind you.

.......

You planned to use your companions as bait from the start, didn't you? Fewer mouths to feed means a bigger cut of the reward.

You must have hidden some physical evidence linking back to the client somewhere, too.

Because in your world, betrayal is a constant, not a variable.

Good, then shall we begin our deal right away?

There's something I want you to do using those skills that were just aimed at my neck.

Don't worry. It'll be far easier than sucking up to the Consul.

.......

..........

...Eeeeek-!!

E-Everyone...!!

Yeah, morning.

O-On my bed...! S-Something like this......!!

Actually, we were just talking about that.

It looks like we had a "guest" last night.

A g-guest...?!

Don't worry too much, Bedi. It seems they didn't have any intention of harming anyone.

If they wanted to scare us, they would have stuck a knife by your head.

Instead of leaving a whole bundle of these "casino chips" behind.

C-Casino chips...?

That's what's inside this bag?!

So you made all that fuss without even looking inside?

Ahaha... Of course, the contents are important, but...

...more importantly, it's this letter bearing the seal of the Ygritte Empire.

The sender is "Crassa Hellenes." The message says, "Win by any means necessary."

And those numbers at the bottom are probably the date and time.

As for the location, we just need to go somewhere we can use this "stake."

She must be trying to test us.

And on a "battlefield" shaped by her own rules and values.

What? A-A battlefield...?

The great city known as the Key to the Empire, "Serranople."

And standing proud at its center is the sanctuary of ecstasy, the "Bacchanalia Casino."

To the public, it's only known as a glamorous and decadent entertainment district, but...

...in truth, it's the heart of the underworld, where all kinds of dirty money and information gather.

A fierce "battlefield" where bluffs and tricks clash instead of swords and magic...!!

Good thing we have an expert with us. It's my first time going to a casino, too.

Yes, please leave this to me!

For this is my chance to prove the <Legend of the Gambler> of the Pendragon Royal Family with my own hands!

.......

(whispering) Um, Ethan...?

(whispering) I know meeting Crassa is important, but......!

(whispering) If we go on like this... I feel like it'll have a bad influence on the Princess again...

Listen up, everyone!!!

From this moment, the distribution of desserts under the name of Morgan le Fay shall begin!

You should all feel honored, you know?! I am specially sharing the tribute offered to the Fairy Queen!

So there was a bribe in that other bundle.

How dare you call it a bribe! It's a tribute, a tribute-!

A tribute to strengthen friendship between Avalon and Ygritte! An offering!! A homage!!!

.......

(whispering) Um, Morgana...?

(whispering) I know the culinary world is ruthless, but......!

(whispering) If the Princess's cooking gets compared again... m-mph!!

Well? These sweets are delicious too, aren't they?!

In the world of gastronomy, only the victor defines what is right! Weak recipes are simply weeded out!

Ah... Yes... It is d-delicious.......

B-But still, to me...! Elizabeth's apple pie is way better!

...!!! Wait, Morgana! That book in your hand... is it really?!

Heh, you do have an eye for these things.

Correct. This tribute also included the royal court recipes of the Ygritte Empire.

But certain key ingredients or steps were missing from each, as if they were left out on purpose.

...Yes, I understand. It means that if we want something, we must win it ourselves.

A worthy "battlefield" accompanied by such a provocative message...

...In a sense, this could be considered a "declaration of war" directed at me!

Oh, that's the spirit, Elizabeth!

You've finally grown past the disappointment of that apple pie-!

Yes! I cannot afford to lose, either as a chef or as a gambler!

Staking the honor of my culinary mentor, Estheria, and the Pendragon Royal Family...

...I will absolutely lead us to victory in this "war"!!!

.......

(whispering) Um, Ethan...? I know this is necessary, but...

(whispering) Having Elizabeth go to a casino is still a bit...

It's someone else's money anyway, so who cares? It's not like we have any other choices right now.

Besides, the current story for Elizabeth is that she's a "spoiled queen who fled her coronation," right?

Then it would actually be weirder if she didn't hang out at a casino.

Ah... Yes... Well... I guess that's true.......

.......

..........

Sigh.......

We can't get in because I'm too short...?

The Fairy Queen, who has a history and tradition as ancient as this city?!

Well, there are many cases where it's hard to judge age by appearance alone!

It's a necessary rule to protect children!

By my standards, every human here is a child, though?

Nothing we can do. Since we're at a casino, we have to play by their rules.

But the good thing is...

I refuse.

...the exception clause that Elizabeth found after combing through the guidebook.

I said no!

<Minors can enter when accompanied by a guardian>. This is our only option right now.

I'd rather you just kill me.

I bet undead are banned, too.

Are you really joking right now?! This is a matter of the Fairy Queen's honor!

Honor, at this point? You should just be glad if you don't get treated like a Chihuahua again.

Grrrrr......!!

Pets are also banned. Though it's fine if you get permission beforehand.

T-Then, if we apply for pet permission right now...!

That's even worse than before!!

Ayy... You can't expect to catch a fish without any bait!

Whether it's a person or a puppy, you have to show some sincerity before putting a leash on them.

Yep! So we brought some proper meat this time!

Huh!? Who are you guys...

Who... are you......?

Would you like one too, Morgana? They're chicken skewers I bought at the night market on the way.

Oh, yes... Thank you for the f-food...?

T-Tina? And even Caira...!

Ahaha... Come to think of it, there was one detail missing from the letter.

"Win by any means necessary"... but the most important part, "against whom," was missing.

Looks like that "whom" is you guys.

Mmm! If the Hero's party is our opponent, we'll have to go all out too!

Ehehe, I actually don't know much about casinos, but...

...it can all serve as research! I'll do my absolute best!

Well, it's nice to see you so enthusiastic.

But could you explain what's going on first?

Suddenly dragging us into a casino battle. You have to consider our position, being yanked around like this.

Wait, come to think of it, when we met last time...

...didn't you flee, saying that human named Crassa was terrifying?

So why did you come here on your own accord......?

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.......

.......

Aha.

So you ended up getting caught after all.......

Actually, it would be weirder if they didn't know... Ahaha.......

No doubt you had plenty of other sins besides that spider massacre.

You troublemaking, shameless, walking-disaster nuisance of a villainous couple.

Ugh...! Every word of that is true, so I can't even argue...!

Howuuu... I'm sorry for being a nuisance villain.......

Sigh... well, I kind of pictured something like this from the moment we met.

Let me guess the rest of the context. If you beat us, you don't have to be "punished," right?

And the winner is whoever wins more casino chips.

Yeah... you're right, Senior. This is just one of Crassa's sick pleasures.

To her, the casino is literally a "battlefield."

Where you have to bet everything at every single moment...

Where every single choice ultimately leads to ruin...

An abyss where the absolute dregs of humanity gather...!

Where 10 stories lead to 100 bad endings...!

The most glamorous abyss in the world......!!

A deadly yet ecstatic spiderweb......!!!

Indeed... a "battlefield" truly fit for a clash between a queen and a princess!

It just means it's the perfect place to lose all your money and ruin yourself.

Ayy! It just shows how important this match is!

Y-Yeah! Our lives are literally on the line here!

Mmm! In that sense, there's a favor I'd like to ask.

O-Of course, if you refuse, there's nothing we can do, but...

.......

.......

What is it?

We'll put in a good word with Crassa, so...!

...could you go easy on us just this once?

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.......

...I-I think that might be okay too...

What do you mean by that? Did I mishear you?

First Imperial Princess of the Ygritte Empire, Caesaria Flavius?

Hic...!

E-Eli...?

Caira, you are someone who will one day become the face and voice of this nation.

And yet you ask to "go easy on you"... Would you make such a plea to an enemy on the "battlefield" as well?!

N-No... that battlefield talk was just a figure of speech...

Then that is even more of a problem! It means you have taken the value of a "match" far too lightly!

As my great-great-great-grandfather, <Slime Racing King> Edward Pendragon, once said: "Let any who would be a monarch approach any manner of contest with chivalry. This is to embody the law of the 'battlefield,' where a single moment of dropping one's guard leads to death, into one's daily life..."

Uh... um... eh... uaaah...?

S-Slime... "Racing King"?

Wait... this could actually make for good material for my book!?

...And the famous <Slime Racing Bible> is a direct reflection of this history and tradition. As it is a masterpiece that encapsulates all the experiences and theories my great-great-great-grandfather gathered on the "battlefield," I am sure there is much that would benefit you of the Ygritte Empire.

Wow! I had no idea Britannia's history had such an aspect to it?!

The <Slime Racing Bible>... I'll definitely have to find a copy and read it later!

Heh, if I'd known, I would have brought a copy from Britannia.

Or perhaps I could ask my publisher?

O-Of course, preventing the war comes first... but I can still pitch the idea in advance!

R-Really? You could do that?! Thank y...

.......

Wait, if it is Tina's publisher... is it the same one that published <Cotton Candy Expedition>?

Yes? Y-Yes, it is, but why?

.......

...While that publisher's folly is certainly not Tina's fault.

I must still address this issue clearly.

Regarding the "historical distortion" that is still rampant in the Ygritte Empire.

Uh... yes? H-Historical distortion......?

.......

Yikes?! Ahhh... N-No, Elizabeth!

I wasn't dozing off!! I swear I wasn't!!

Hey, Elizabeth?

The history of the Pendragon family...? ...Of course protecting that is important, but!

Right now, shouldn't we focus on getting into the casino first...

What do you mean by that, Ethan!

Even if only to prevent the war, we must settle this matter once and for all!

Oh... dear! Come to think of it, Ethan, you probably aren't familiar with the <Legend of the Slime Racing Queen> yet.

But don't worry! I'll break it down so it's easy to understand!

...Wait, didn't you say that Slime Racing thing is just a "legend" in the first place?

Calling it "historical distortion" when the source itself is so vague is a bit...

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Gasp...!

Uuuugh... I knew this would happen. That's why I wanted to avoid the casino so badly.......

.......

....... (gesturing with eyes)

Huh? What's wrong?

....... (gesturing with eyes x2)

.......

...Huh?

(whispering) Ugh, seriously, you dummy! This is our chance to escape!

(whispering) Let's go! Before Ethan's sacrifice is in vain!!

What?! B-But I want to hear more... m-mph! Mmph!!

.......

...Sigh.

...Alright! That is all the basic knowledge needed to understand the controversy.

Does anyone have any questions?!

N-No... none at all.......

I understand it perfectly, completely, down to my very bones.

Every single legend... no, "history" of the <Slime Racing Queen>.

Great! Then this time, let me ask you a question instead!

Only when you can explain it to someone else can you truly say you've mastered the knowledge.

Urk…!

...Um, Princess? What you said is obviously important, but...!

Shouldn't we start heading inside as well...?

Huh?! W-Wait a second!

Where did Caira go? And Tina too...!

They went inside ahead of us. While the target of your nagging shifted to that pig over there.

S-Sorry... I couldn't help but butt in.......

No, for once, I can actually understand you.

You did well to endure, pig. You've truly grown after overcoming all those trials.

Ugh, why does this kind of comfort actually warm my heart...?

Oh no... we've been outplayed!

To think they would seize the upper hand while we were having our internal discord!

Wouldn't "nagging" be a more accurate term than internal discord?

Let's head in before it's too late! I will explain our strategy for securing casino chips on the way!

But what about this "kid"? It's not like we can stretch her height now.

I'm fine, so just leave me behind.

I'm getting hungry anyway, so I'll just casually wander around the night market...

I-I am sorry, Morgana...! I also wanted to protect the Fairy Queen's honor if possible, but...

...<Can enter when accompanied by a guardian>. There doesn't seem to be any other way right now.

What? No, no, no! I said just leave me behind?!

It's not like anything will happen just because I'm not... Argh!

Oof, has she gotten a bit heavier than before?

W-What does this pig think he's doing... Argh!!

What a shame. If we had more time, I would have at least registered her as a pet.

Well, pets wouldn't be able to participate in the games anyway.

Let's focus on entering the "battlefield" for now!

No, no, no! At least let me walk in on my own... Aaaargh!!

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Sigh.......

But those are the virtues of a soldier, not a monarch.

For a monarch has the responsibility to shape a peaceful world after the war is over.

Chivalry, unwritten rules, duty, custom, etiquette, norms, and procedures.

To know that all these values, though mere superficialities on the battlefield, are ultimately seeds that lead to the future.

That is the "common sense" with which we face this era.

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.......

.......

So, what you are trying to say in the end is...

So, please approach every single match fair and square!

No tricks of any kind! No cheating!! No underhanded methods whatsoever!!!

Staking the future of Britannia! And the honor of the Pendragon Royal Family!!

The glory of <Slime Racing King> Edward Pendragon! And the name of <Slime Racing Queen> Clarisse Pendragon!!

Alright, alright! So you're basically saying just don't break the rules, right?

Since the fine for cheating is insane anyway, there's no need to take foolish risks.

Yes! Then I'll explain our winning strategy right away!

First, since Ethan is smart and strong at mind games...

...try practicing that game over there first!

Indeed, a foolproof winning strategy.

Since Morgana cannot participate in games by regulation, and her guardian needs to be by her side...

...please just watch from the sidelines!!

Then why did you drag me here by force!?

Lastly, Bedi is...!

Would it be okay if I just watched too...?

I-I naturally have no confidence in mind games.......

Honestly, I think it'll be hard for me to even understand the rules...

What are you saying, Bedi! This isn't a simple match; it's a test from Crassa!

Don't worry about useless things. Just compete with your own flow and intuition.

If you're worried about complex rules... right, let's start with that slot machine over there!

A slot machine...? Ah.......

Yes... well... I think I can at least manage that much.......

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.......

(whispering) ...You're thinking the exact same thing right now, aren't you?

(whispering) Yeah, to hell with fines. It's fine as long as we don't get caught.

(whispering) I've already deciphered all the magic formulas placed on this casino on our way in.

(whispering) Hehehe... To think they tried to stop the Fairy Queen with such amateurish security.

(whispering) Hehehe... And since you look like a kid on the outside, there's no way you'll be suspected.

.......

(whispering) Argh...!! Biting my finger again?!

.......

..........

...Th-This machine eats people-?!

I-It's just a figure of speech! Besides, this section has low multipliers, so it's relatively safe.

But if you gain enough experience here and grasp your own sense and flow...

Bedi, you will also be able to place a real bet someday...!

A fated battle staking your past, present, and even your future!!

Ah... Yes... Well... I-I'll do my best.......

Uuuugh... I'm going to fail anyway.......

Just 10 times...! I'll just close my eyes and try 10 times...!

Oops... did it come up again?

"Royal Straight Flush." Quite a fitting hand to wrap up the climax.

N-No way! How can you get a hand like that three times in a row?!

This is a scam, a scam-! You definitely did something sneaky with magic!!

Really? There's no way!

This table has an extremely strong security magic on it, you know?

Even in the Ygritte Empire, wizards capable of countering this... no!

Even across all of myth and history, they could be counted on one hand!!

That's right! Because this is a special table crafted by the "Pharos Magic Academy"!

Unless the legendary "White Dragon" or the "Fairy Queen" of Avalon itself showed up...

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.......

Y-You guys, don't tell me... m-mph! Mmph!!

(whispering) ...Should we finish her?

(whispering) ...No, too many eyes here. Let's move to a quiet place first.

(whispering) Hehehe... No need to be so scared.

(whispering) We just want to have a nice "chat" with you.

(whispering) Hehehe... That kind of "chat" is my absolute specialty.

Mmmmmph!!

.......

...Excellent, it seems the blessing of my ancestors is indeed with me.

Two Pair! This is my victory once again!

N-No way! How can you go all-in on a hand like that!?

This is a scam, a scam-! You definitely pulled some dirty trick!!

No, I merely read the flow of the game.

Besides, for me, a true descendant of the Pendragon family, to cheat... that would be "impossible."

Wait, what? The Pendragon family?

That's... a name I've heard somewhere before.

.......

...Ah! That queen who fled her coronation without even her crown!

Then that makes it even more suspicious!! Would a spoiled child who abandoned her own country even have a conscience!?

......!!!

Just a measly village chief from the countryside... huh?! Yet she holds her head high like she's some kind of emperor!!

A wet-behind-the-ears brat... huh?! Clueless about how terrifying the world is... eh?!

How dare you cheat in the Ygritte Empire!?!

Huh?!?!

.......

Oho? Look at her face turning pale from guilt!

See?! I told you! That wench definitely pulled some kind of...

.......

Kind of... trick......?

Guh!!!

C-Caira...!?

Bwahahaha! Casinos are always so fun!

Even someone who's normally decent reveals their true colors the moment their hand starts going south.

Well, it's not like I don't understand the feeling.

But isn't this table... a bit too small to be betting your life on?

Gah... Kah-haaagh!!

P-Please calm down, Caira! I'm okay!

Sorry, but I'm not okay. This is a matter of Ygritte's prestige.

Of course, if Nia or Crassa were here, they would've cleaned this up before I even had to step in.

But sometimes... reckless savagery is just more effective.

Ugh... Gh-Gah...! Cough...!!

Bwahahaha! Look at that! He understood me right away!

...T-That's!

.......

Tsk... Hey, scum. You see the Queen's face, right?

If you make it out of this alive, I'm sure you'll know exactly who to thank?

Y-Yes! I-I'm so sor... ry......

.......

Oh, did he pass out already?

Geez, I should've stepped in earlier if I knew this would happen.

But I was patiently waiting my turn, since we have to do things in order, you know.

Y-Your turn? Oh!

To challenge Eli, of course!

Hunting rabbits like him is one way to go... but where's the romance in that?

As predator versus predator. And Queen versus Princess.

Let's find out once and for all who is superior!

.......

The romance... of it?

Ahahaha... Honestly, maybe that was all there was to it from the very beginning.

In the end, all of this is for peace, yet here I am getting ahead of myself and trying to show off.

And the only thing I can confidently show for it is a silly card game... Heh.

Huh...? D-Did I say something strange?

No, thanks to you, Caira, I actually feel much better.

Keeping your chin held a bit higher than your opponent's, and always confidently taking a half-step ahead anywhere, anytime.

But today, I got too far ahead of myself.

Inside, I was just a child who wanted to be praised... while on the outside, I put on a smile and pretended to be a confident Queen.

.......

...W-Well, as long as I was helpful, right?!

Then that's a relief! I thought I had said something wrong!

Heh, actually, it's not just you, Caira.

Mordred, Princess Guinevere, Lumi, and even Crassa, whom we'll meet soon.

Looking back, everyone was walking their own royal path with conviction.

Believing in themselves almost to the point of shamelessness, and keeping pace with everyone who follows that belief.

So, how could I let myself be the only one wandering like this?

.......

Ahem! I feel like I should hear more about that later, but...

Anyway, you're fine now, right? Can we start right away?!

Yes! But this time, I won't stake the honor of House Pendragon, nor the glory of Britannia.

Because at this very moment, in this very match, I simply want to win.

As a competitor who believes in herself... in the name of Elizabeth!

Mhm! Mhm! That's the Eli I've acknowledged!

But don't let your guard down too much, because the God of Dice is merciless to everyone!