Chapter 3: To the Casino!

...? Everyone

Uh... let's see. Maybe a week or two? We haven't gotten any jobs since then, so everyone's been doing their own thing.

I saw going out to hang out with other people every single day.

Popular. The definition of a social butterfly. A human capybara.

Seeing how you have absolutely no memory of what you did...

Yep! You definitely had a blast playing around!

But why are you suddenly asking about the date? Did you have an appointment or something...?

Huh? Seriously? That's all we have left already?

N-No way...

Theta, how much did we spend, and on what...?

Accessing bank database. Searching records...

Approximately 34 million Credits were spent on one year of back rent, various repair and maintenance costs, and clearing overdue tabs.

In other words, you have spent 15 million Credits on living expenses alone during this time.

... Everyone

Well, I mean, you went out drinking, bought figures, bought games, and all that too, Big Boss!

S-So, it's like... our pent-up consumer desires were awakened, or something like that...

Analyzing spending patterns...

Lumina: Designer underwear auction. 3 million Credits spent, including living expenses.

B-But it's a brand I've wanted for a long time...

Freya: Books, toys, board games, and other miscellaneous purchases. 2 million Credits spent, including living expenses.

Ahahaha... B-But isn't it great to have lots of fun things to do in the hideout?!

Theta. Spent 0 Credits, including basic living expenses.

I did not lie. I can just eat the bread samples.

They are samples. This is what ingrained thriftiness and frugality look like.

Of course, I used some power to charge my boosters. But that's a shared expense, so my spending is still 0 Credits.

And . For miscellaneous expenses...

Spent 10 million Credits.

...Did you say something about the electric bill?

What?! So in the end, it was who spent it all!!! Why are you nagging us when you did that!!

This is quite disappointing, even for me.

I was satisfied with the cheapest brand, but , where on earth did you spend all that money...?

Yeees, yeees. Sure you don't!

*Sigh*... I guess this is the start of our penniless life again...

Hmph! Go ahead then!

Can you bring back some melon-flavored ice cream when you return?

I would like Mont Blanc. A large one, please.

Hey, hey! You there, the handsome guy who looks like he has a lot of free time!

Would you like to come play with us this afternoon?

Do you know what day today is?

It's an event day with a very, very special event!

Exactly! The Bunny Empire has finished its renovation...

And today is the grand reopening!!

Huh? No way, you don't know the Bunny Empire, the largest casino in Humanitas?

If you don't know the Bunny Empire in Humanitas, you must be a spy!

Wow! Then you meet the requirements for our second event too!

That's right! A special tourist perk! You get a special bonus when you exchange your chips!

Combining events one and two, it's a double chip exchange event!! Everyone

Yes, yes! It's a special perk available only today!

Of course, you know you can't immediately cash out the extra chips from the double event, right?

You have to come! That way we can get our bonu—ahem, I mean, we can have fun playing together!

Goodbye then! See you later!

Welcome to the Bunny Empire!

Slot machines, poker, blackjack, roulette... Try any game you like, and may luck be on your side!

Oh dear, valued guest... You were terribly unlucky!

How did you only get blanks... Not even a shred of beginner's luck...

Well, you can always try again once you get some more money!

It was just bad luck today! I'm sure you'll do much better next time...!

Hmm, I feel as though someone has absorbed all the bad luck around here— ??? ???

Excellent. This is the exact moment to spin the slot machine one more time— ??? ???

S-Seven, this is not the time for that!

But if I win now, a fortune—

Ugh, seriously—

...A problem has occurred in the process, and it must be restarted. Restarting automatically.

For more details about this problem and possible fixes, refer to...

Just follow me in autopilot mode for now. Don't wander off, got it?

Sigh, of all days, everything is falling apart today...

Executing administrator Caren's command...

Ahahaha... S-Sorry!

SCREEECH!!!

Hey!!! Are you crazy? What were you thinking, jumping into the road out of nowhere?! ??? ???

People shouldn't just wander into the road! You'll dent the car!!! ??? ???

Oh, you're awake! ??? ???

Nurse! Nurse! The patient is awake! ??? ???

Thank you, Eileen! ??? ???

, are you feeling alright? ??? ???

Goodness... Last time you collapsed in an alley... ??? ???

You really need to take better care of your body! ??? ???

Sophia, is he going to be okay? ??? ???

Yes, he's perfectly fine other than a minor impact. Though, it's quite surprising that he passed out just from getting bumped by a car...

Is your car alright, Charlotte? You must have been so startled...

It's Lucky Truck, Lucky Truck! I've delivered packages to your "base" so many times, and you forgot already?!

You even worked part-time for us last week, yet you forgot so quickly? You foolish Servant.

What are you talking about? I even gave you all the invoices. Did getting hit by the car wipe your memory?

Hello? Hey, are you listening to me, you foolish Servant?

*Sigh*... You really are a manservant who never listens...

Anyway, the truck is in better shape than I thought, so there's nothing for you to pay for.

Watch the lights properly next time!

Huh? What are you talking about? Even if a dump truck or a road roller hits someone at full throttle, an average person wouldn't get hurt, you know?

On the other hand, if a car collides with something, it's bound to get wrecked. So you always have to handle them with care.

Exactly!! Of course I'm more worried about the car. The bumper gets smashed, the axle gets bent, the tires pop off...

Every single one of those things costs money! Money! We got lucky this time since it was just a light tap and nothing broke.

Meanwhile, you are completely fine. Right?

Don't play dumb. You don't even have a single scrape or scratch. Right?

That is the most obvious terrible acting I've ever seen! Who do you think you're fooling!!!

P-Please don't fight, everyone!

Whoa, so heavy— Mmph!! Mmph, mmph!!!

Ah! I-I'm so sorry! But you shouldn't use violence on a patient!

That's right. No matter how much it seems like they're faking, one must always be careful...

Huh? Whatever do you mean by that...?

Don't worry, that's just how they are here.

Even if my Servant is basically an insurance scammer, they'll still look after you with all their heart.

So while you were knocked out, I brought you here just in case. Be grateful.

Then you should've been more careful before stepping into the street! Are you trying to bankrupt me?!

Wait, what on earth do you mean by...

*Sigh*... never mind. Right. I guess that's possible, for my manservant...

Hmm... But I wonder, did you perhaps hit your head hard during the accident?

Not knowing the basic fact that humans are sturdier than vehicles... Maybe you really do have short-term memory loss...

What...?! But that sounds really serious!

Quick, we need some medicine... or some treatment... Oh no, oh no...

Oh! Should I go get Rana?! I'm sure Rana has some medicine...! Or maybe even a shot...!

Wonderful!! Complete bed rest is key for patients!

If you keep saying that, I'm going to pin you down again! I might just flatten you like a pancake!

I should be the one asking that. Why are you in the recovery room?

Since when is a hospital an isekai?! And let me repeat: you jumped into the street!!

Hmm... How strange. Is it not common sense to remain unscratched even after being struck by a giant iron carriage?

I suspect you have been neglecting your physical training far too much.

Haha, to some extent, yes. So, are you hurt anywhere?

Hmm, to be carried in just from being hit by a car. Has your body been ailing since our last encounter?

I shall procure some Four Gentlemen special Gongjindan for you next time.

*Cough* *cough*... Ugh...

A companion of mine. I was already planning to do something about her condition.

I know not what struck her... but ordinary medicine seems of no use.

Rather, she exhibits symptoms akin to those exposed to an evil aura...

According to her test results, there's physically nothing wrong with her... So there wasn't anything we could do.

It feels a bit odd to say this as a medical practitioner, but why don't you try visiting Vermont?

I've heard the high priestesses of the Harmonix Faith are quite well-versed in these matters.

Indeed, that is an option. It is closer than Four Gentlemen, after all...

You have my thanks. I shall do so at once.

Ah, yes! They just came in.

Fortunately, your body is completely fine. Squeaky clean, without a single bruise.

, you have no health records on file...

But it's always better to be thorough with these things, right?

Hm? What are you talking about? I was just making sure you didn't move!

Anyway, since Sophia guaranteed you're fine, you're free to get up now!

I don't think it'll stop at a million, though.

What do you think? You ruined my day, manservant, so I'm charging you for it.

I even paid your medical bills in advance. Since you don't have insurance, it cost me 300,000 Credits!

I wasn't planning on asking for cash anyway!!!

Just come over later and help out with some work. Without a Servant, we're short-handed on moving cargo and cleaning.

Well, as long as you work diligently, I'll make sure your daily wage is solid.

Are you even eating properly these days? You're so weak from not eating enough, no wonder you passed out after getting hit by a car.

Today's deliveries were finished ages ago. I was actually planning to relax and take a good rest for once, but...

I got caught up in a traffic accident on my way back because of you.

I was actually worried that your frail, pathetic body might have gotten seriously hurt, okay?

Tell me about it. Delivering anything, anywhere, perfectly is our company motto, after all.

But with so many petty thieves around lately, doing business is getting tough.

Well, that's because you're poor.

We at least make enough to get by. Anyway...

Petty thieves are one thing, but package thieves are the worst lately.

We make in-person handovers a rule, so we haven't had any major incidents, but other companies are suffering crazy losses.

Sometimes a package gets stolen the very second it's dropped off at a doorstep and the delivery person turns their back!

Apparently, videos of people baiting thieves with fake packages have become a huge trend.

There were glitter bombs, glue-spraying machines, foul-odor devices... Oh, and there was even a rumor that someone used an anti-tank grenade...

*Sigh* I have a lot to say about that too, but...

Ah, ! We actually just had a client arrive...

And I think you should come over right away!

Well, yes, but... you'll see once you get here!

Anyway, please come as fast as you can! Really, as fast as possible!

Fixer work?

...?

What's with that look, Servant? Why are you staring at me like that?

We have a huge problem! A huge problem!!!

...? Slammed into, by what...?

Ah, that would be...

Kyaaaah! No!!! Don't poke me!

This is client abuse. Our leader will not take this lying down.

What do you mean by that?? ??? ???

You're throwing away a chance to become the foundation for the glorious research of Chronoscholar?! ??? ???

No, but why are you so obsessed with taking a blood sample in the first place?

I hate needles! They're scary!!

For your information, I can block pain. But I still dislike needles.

Um, excuse me...

Huh? I hate needles too! ??? ???

I don't even need a syringe! Why are you making such a simple magical process so complicated?! ??? ???

How can I believe that?! That's exactly the lie they tell at hospitals before they stick you!

Precisely. If it is not a syringe, that only implies you will use a more painful method.

Ah, this is so frustrating!!! ??? ???

Well, yes...

Our client has been poking around for a while now, claiming she "senses a peculiar energy from the people here"...

A scammer? That is absurd! ??? ???

I am the head of Chronoscholar, the historic magic family of Vermont!

You should address me as Lady Yuria!

...Don't tell me you have no idea who I am?

...Ugh.

*Sigh*... The request is important, but as a mage, this is just as crucial!

I sense an energy here that might finally offer a new breakthrough for my stagnant research.

Therefore, I must obtain blood samples to identify the nature of this energy.

Huh?

...Hmm. I cannot argue with that.

Fine! How about 100,000 Credits per person?

130,000 Credits!

Why does the price keep going up?!

Hmph, playing that game, are we?

I was planning on giving you a hefty reward for the request, but if that's how it is, I'll just do this myself!

About this much...

Big Boss?! Are you selling us out??

I never expected this. You are the worst.

Oh my, what a betrayal...

I am so glad to hear you say that.

Now, starting with you...

Ugh... Never again...

I feel violated. This is the worst.

Fufufu, actually, I might have enjoyed it...

I merely collected the samples another way since you didn't want needles, so why the fuss?

In the magic academy, this level of sample collection is just part of daily life.

That's not what I meant... *Sigh* You're not even listening, are you?

Now then, shall we discuss the request?

So why do I have to play chauffeur for my Servant again?!

And not just for my manservant, but for his client too—!!

Who are you calling a Servant?! Sigh...

Tsk, I should have just left and ignored your call when I was starting up the engine to go back.

Just so you know, I'm going to charge you full price for fuel plus a hefty tip.

Ah, boss! I got your call!

Jennie, prepare an invoice and a contract for M.A.D. We need to squeeze out way more than just the vehicle rental fee.

Ah, yes...!! Wait, are you... with my savior right now...?

*Sigh*... Jennie.

I know that Servant helped you out when he fell from the sky, but—

Ahhh! M-Miss—I mean, Boss!! You said you'd keep that a secret—

I-I'll get the documents ready at a nearby internet cafe for now!

Right, and don't forget to charge for the internet cafe and printing fees.

Whoa, but how is there still space left even with all of us inside?

It didn't look nearly this spacious from the outside!

At first, I wondered if such a shabby vehicle would be alright, but it's actually not bad.

If I had to nitpick, it's just that it's a bit dirty.

Well, excuse me for having such a shabby, dirty truck. It's still been expanded with top-of-the-line spatial expansion tech, you know.

Thanks to that, we can carry a massive amount of cargo all at once, but...

Our cleaner has been taking a break from their part-time job lately.

Is there any car without autopilot these days? I only take the wheel when we're in a real rush.

Like when we took you to the hospital...

Huh? The hospital?

*Sigh*... I literally just told you. Were you not paying attention?

Our family came to Humanitas for a long-overdue vacation, but...

While I went to investigate a strange energy I felt, they all scattered—

I'm not the one who's lost! Those two just decided to wander off on their own!!

They're both so selfish... The moment I take my eyes off them, they vanish...

T-Tentacles?? Bondage play...?

C-Can you not make it sound so weird?! They aren't just normal tentacles, they're a manifestation of temporal Shackle Magic—

Urgh...

*Sigh*... Right. I suppose you're right.

The first is Claire. She's a homunculus that has been passed down in our family for generations.

Powerful magic comes with powerful mana backlash. So she's a magical lifeform whose body was engineered to withstand it.

...?

Your intentions sound rather impure, but you're not wrong.

Except... because of that, her body was designed rather inefficiently.

She has a constitution that constantly requires a massive amount of protein in addition to mana.

Meat is her top priority, but she tends to stuff anything edible into her mouth...

And she has an incredibly keen sense of smell, so she's amazing at sniffing out protein. I just hope she isn't raiding some meat restaurant right now... *Sigh*...

There's only one place it could be...

It has to be that place, right?

It seems we have no choice but to go there again.

...?

*Munch munch*...

One more of every tofu dish here.

Man, we're completely cleaned out of tofu today...

Us too! I don't even remember the last time we ran completely out of stock...

Wow, she can really pack it away. How does all that even fit in there?

Seriously! But she does have the money to pay for all this, right?

Of course.

Money is not an issue. My lady gave me a black credit card with no limit.

It's definitely around here somewhere... Hm?

...

... Kasa & Rona

U-Um... Do you... not have any money?

Hm. I must have dropped it somewhere.

Put it on my tab.

Whoa, this is getting crazy. I'll drop you off here before the car actually gets scratched, okay?

Good luck!

Woohoo! That's our specialty!!

Today's snack is a tofu sample.

Ahaha, it's a complete mess today too!

*Sigh*... Claire, seriously...

Huh? Wait, she was a Fixer colleague of yours?

I guess yesterday's ally is today's enemy!

Ahaha! That's true!

Wait, isn't this just a matter of paying the bill?! Why are you taking it this far?

If we back out now, it's going to be a huge pain later!

No, but I mean, why—

Look, my lady. The others are fighting among themselves. Infighting?

W-What on earth...

Ahaha, they saw an opening and jumped on the easy target!

That's how you grab the best spot!

...???

So slow on the uptake. Hey, just blast us with something big.

We have to at least pretend to fight so things are easier for us later, get it?

Urgh... W-Well, if that's how it is...

Haaah—!!

Hyaah...! W-What is with these tentacles?!

Ah, the tentacle is slipping under my mask... Mmph...!

Mmm... I-It's wrapped around my tail too, and it feels... hng...

They're kind of bouncy, like tofu... Hya! Don't touch me there!

S-Shut up!!! I didn't mean for that to happen!!

Wait, I definitely gave you the card! Where did you put it?!

I am sorry, my lady. I'm sure I put it somewhere after you gave it to me...

Our ancestors surely put enough effort into your memory capacity when they made you, so why do you only forget things when you're distracted by food...

...Don't tell me you ate the card too? Right?

I have never eaten a card before.

Then did you put it between those uselessly huge breasts of yours? You used to put a cup there to drink while lying down.

My nutrient reservoirs are not useless, my lady. And if I put the card there, it's hard to get out... Ah.

Now that I think about it, I put it down below. Thank you, my lady.

Why is the card in there?!!!

...? Because I don't have pockets?

*Sigh*... Fine. I'll have to buy you a bag or something next time...

Just go and pay the bill properly.

Shut up!! Claire is just lacking common sense!!

And stop saying things that can be misunderstood!! She just pulled it out from her clothes!!

Hey!!!

Can I sit here?

Ah, sure. Go ahead and sit here!!

Excuse me. I smelled something nice coming from here.

...So why does she keep staring at the empty snack bags?

...If it's Claire, she very well might be.

I'm hungry... Tofu digests too fast...

I want meat... Pork is good, beef is good, chicken is goo—

Oh, I found some beef jerky here! Would you like some?

...!!!

You're a good person.

H-Huh?? So suddenly...?

And I'm counting every single snack that other girl is taking too, so keep that in mind.

Hmm... Well, she likes places with a nice breeze. And places that aren't too crowded.

Oh, but she doesn't go to completely deserted places either. She kind of... likes sharing her personal tastes with others.

Hmm, out of those two, the park seems much more likely...

The Elemental School prefers places with strong natural energy, after all.

My lady. Are you looking for Lady Emily?

Ah, yes. Do you know something, Claire?

...No.

But I can find her by her scent.

Enhancing or dulling my senses as needed is easy.

A lot of different features were added to create the ultimate body.

?

Yes. I am not quite as good as a canine beastkin, but this much is easy. Leave it to me.

...Lady Emily's scent is really strong near here.

If her scent is this strong... she must already be undressing herself and others.

Why on earth is that interesting to you?!

Come to think of it, Servant, you were naked when you fell from the sky too...

Haaah...

Fantastic curves, a perfectly toned body... Whew! I never expected to find someone like you in a place like this. ??? ???

Are you a gravure model from somewhere? Or maybe an undiscovered rookie? ??? ???

With a little polishing, you could make a fine actress. ??? ???

Ahaha, thanks for the compliment, but not quite! ??? ???

I'm just an ordinary mage walking the path of magic! ??? ???

Oh, silly me. I haven't even introduced myself yet. ??? ???

I'm Valentina from Kinogarten. I run a small film studio.

Emily, right? If you ever get interested in intimate, passionate art, give me a call sometime.

If it's a movie where I can feel the breeze, I might actually consider it.

Director Valentina, was it? How about you? Do you want to feel the breeze too?

If it's that magic of yours that shreds clothes, I'll pass.

Ah, but why don't you try it on those people passing by over there? I think they'd make excellent subjects.

Well, if you insist!

O wind... blow it all away!

Kyaaaah?! A sudden gust of wind...!

N-No!! Even my underwear is flying off...!!

Nice. We can use the scene of this magic as an opening hook...

...? Why did it suddenly stop?

Hmm, this mana signature... They're already—

—Ack?! W-Who are you guys?!

The clothes she stripped off are floating through the air, chasing after her on their own...

Hmph. Now that's a scene I'd love to shoot.

Pffft!! Our dear Family Head Yuria, you've gotten quite wild since I last saw you!

Where did you get all these lackeys anyway?

They're not my lackeys, they're temporarily hired Fixers.

So, you were blowing off the clothes of innocent bystanders again?

Yep! I found a spot where the breeze feels incredibly refreshing!

*Sigh*... I'll never understand the Elemental School. You're all a bunch of weirdos.

Walking on hot coals to "feel the fire"... diving for hours to "feel the water"...

Excuse me?! Sensory perception is the foundation of magic! And the most reliable of all senses is touch!

Since you've never truly felt your own shackle magic, that's probably why you're stuck in your experiments lately.

If you try getting tied up yourself, maybe you'll actually learn a thing or two.

My shackle magic is Conceptual Magic, not Elemental Magic! The whole approach is completely different!

Oh, come on. It's all the same once you try it.

Do they always bicker like that? Aren't they the family head and a member?

This feels quite different from any normal family I know...

Want some?

Oh, thanks...

Wait. Where did you get this popcorn? This brand looks really familiar...

It was in the truck's snack stash. There were about three tubs?

I already ate two, and this is the last one.

Anyway, this completes the request. Good work.

I've transferred the Credits, so you'll see them if you check.

I even paid extra for the blood sample earlier, so don't complain later.

I can easily afford that much. I might even give you more if you agree to be a test subject later...

Fufu, we'll see about that when the time comes.

Lost money? What money?

Ah... actually, there is one more thing I'd like to ask of you.

I've done plenty of walking around today thanks to a certain someone. From here on out, I'd like to go somewhere I can just relax and have some fun.

Do you have any recommendations? Like some of Humanitas's famous landmarks or sightseeing routes.

Uh... the Panoticon?

A bakery.

I could introduce you to some lingerie shops or adult toy stores...

I don't really feel like going anywhere too crowded. And I'd rather avoid the places we just went to if possible...

Ah, that casino you mentioned doesn't sound too bad. It would be nice to enjoy some leisurely gaming for a change.

I don't know who it is, but they sound like a total amateur.

It is indeed a lucky day. To think we would receive two requests.

Today might finally be the day I get to buy and eat an SSR-grade rare limited-edition Mont Blanc myself.

Oh my, with the remaining 1,000,000 Credits and what we earned today... I suppose we won't have to eat grass from the park for a while!

The park staff actually threatened to dress me up in a cow mascot suit and lock me up in the Panoticon if I get caught eating grass again, you see!

Oh, it was a mascot suit, not a bikini. But if you really want, I could easily do that much for you...♡

If you're going to wear a bikini, going completely naked wouldn't be bad either!

Cow... Dairy cow... Beef sounds delicious...

*Sigh*... You two, just sit still.

Anyway, are you going to accept that request? Half the money in the vault isn't a bad deal.

The casino is loaded anyway! No one's going to complain if we borrow just that much!

Is that coming from the guy who wants to conquer the Panoticon? You're the one who has no conscience, Big Boss.

Huh? What, what's that? Is it some kind of point shop?

I am always smart, not just "at times like this." But to explain it first...

...First, the details of the request are somewhat strange. It's possible for a thief to get trapped in a vault, but that would imply a lack of skill.

For such a novice to reach the hidden vault on the VIP Floor of the Bunny Empire is impossible without assistance.

Yet, the party trapped in the vault is requesting help through the Fixer Portal... It is rather suspicious.

A reckless newbie challenging the final boss dungeon at level 1, relying solely on an online guide of unknown origin. The guide itself is suspicious.

I cannot say. Too little information is available. Besides, a vault thief and a petty thief operate on entirely different levels.

Absolutely not! With a blunder of this scale, it wouldn't be surprising if they were branded as the city's worst amateur thief, you know?

There are a few thieves and organizations known for their sheer brilliance, but a thief famous for being terrible might just be born today!

Speaking of famous thieves, there's the legendary phantom thief group, [Carmento], and [Super Rich], who target only the world's finest security systems.

There are many rumors that Carmento has disbanded since they haven't been active lately...

And because Super Rich only targets the vaults of major corporations, very little is known about them!

...? Why are you looking at me while saying that?

What? A score to settle?

Do you have some personal grudge?

Wh-Whaaat?!

...

Lost money...? Don't tell me...

Caren, is it going to take long? Didn't you say you've opened another vault here before!

We aren't going to get caught like this, are we? Urrrgh…

Just wait a bit, Lafine. Security wasn't even tight back then...

Since the city's public order has been getting worse lately, cracking vaults on the down-low has become much harder.

I barely even got the intel on this vault through a new broker.

For now, I've planned about five emergency escape routes... But can we really trust that broker?

I'm getting a bad feeling about this... Ugh, where did Joy go at a time like this...

She said she had family issues. Nothing we can do.

More importantly, Seven. Are you sure absolutely no one is coming?

Yes. Not even a single ant has been caught on camera.

Whether living or inanimate, there is currently nothing that could interfere with our operation.

Alright, give me just one more minute. I'll crack this vault's security one way or another.

Seven, keep the surveillance camera connection stable and make sure no errors occur in the looped footage.

We don't know how it will react once the vault opens, so keep monitoring the feed.

Do not worry, Caren.

Even if something happens, as long as I am here, there will be no issues.

For that is the way of Lucky Seven.

...I wonder how far that groundless confidence will take her.

Ahaha... Still, our luck has never been truly awful since we teamed up with Seven!

Then again, it's not like we've ever had amazing luck either...

That's because she wastes it all on gacha games while claiming she's lucky.

For your information, luck is not something to be consumed, but rather converges toward absolute probability—

Whatever, just keep watch!! Getting immediately distracted the moment gacha or luck is mentioned...

...Lucky Seven will remember this.

She's copying some game line again. *Sigh.*

Ahahaha...

Alright, it's open! Let's quickly see what kind of treasure is inside.

So many small vaults inside the vault...

I'll quickly disable the Master Lock, so start packing everything into the bag from both sides.

...??

What the...? Why does the console keep displaying something weird instead of the Master Lock?

Is there something else hidden here besides the vault?

W-What?! I didn't even do anything yet! I haven't even requested lock access!

T-The door shut too! Are we... locked inside the vault?!

You said you were Lucky Seven! You said we'd have good luck!!

W-Well, that is because this is not a gacha game...

And there are no figures or prizes on the line...

Someone do something about this dopamine-addicted android...

*Sigh*... No choice then. I really didn't want to resort to this...!!

Dammit, why isn't she picking up the phone!!!

Ugh, I have no choice. I'll just post a message on the board...

Wow, this is my first time actually stepping inside here!

I came here once before because I wanted to try on their outfits, but they kicked me out at the door, telling me to scram if I wasn't here to gamble!

I visited a few times as a guest before settling down in Humanitas.

I even received a few scout offers to work here!

...?

What is it, all of a sudden?

Ah, you did not know. I use it to generate electricity.

My body is essentially capable of producing bio-energy.

If I were to charge them all the way to 100%, it could use more than ten times as much electricity as we normally do.

Therefore, I only charge a small fraction of it and cover the rest by eating.

Actually, bread is not highly efficient either.

However, it is delicious. It makes me happy. It is the best.

It cannot be helped. We have no money.

Besides, there is not much reason to maintain a 100% charge anyway.

I have never particularly hidden anything, though.

...!

A buffet in the 1st floor lounge...? Unlimited meat...?

My lady, I think this place is heaven.

Even if it's a buffet, I feel like you would actually eat an infinite amount, Claire, so could you please show some restraint?

*Sigh*... Anyway, I won't stop you, so just don't forget where you put the card this time, and tip the staff if they say anything.

Yay!

Hmm... Being indoors just doesn't get me motivated...

I can't feel the breeze... It's kind of boring...

Still, since we're here, why not look around?

There are so many games you've never tried before, you could at least spark some curiosity.

No, games are a bit...

It's not like we're short on cash, so just give it a try!

Ahaha, having a lot of money is nice, but shouldn't you control your spending first?

Like , who blew through 11,000,000 Credits in 10 days?

What's that supposed to mean?! I'll have you know I'm actually a pretty sensible person!

I said I'm sensible!!

Ugh, seriously—

Just you wait! I'm going to win a whoooole bunch of money and wipe that smirk off your face, Big Boss!!

What do you mean "decent amount" when it comes to winning or losing? Every single coin is precious.

Besides, if people could control that, every casino in the world would have gone bankrupt. Mathematically, the house always has the edge.

Just, how should I put it...? I have some bad memories here, but I also learned some life lessons.

It brought back some memories, so I decided to come along.

...Manservant, you aren't trying to make fun of my height and the size of my company at the same time, are you?

Not really... Ugh, never mind. It's a waste of breath to even explain.

Let's just say I had reasons to frequent casinos now and then before I started the delivery business.

What you don't know can't hurt you, so don't pry.

...Don't tell you what? Wh-What's that look for?

Hmph. Oh, is that so?

Fine, let's make a bet. My luck versus your luck, Servant. Let's see who's stronger.

I don't know what the request is, just hear me out. It'll only take a few rounds of a game.

If I win, I'm going to order around for a day like a real manservant... no, like a slave. Without any pay.

But if I lose...

I'll do just one thing for you, whatever you want, for the rest of today.

Don't worry, I won't ask for any money.

Scared?

It's been a while since I played blackjack... You know the rules, right?

That's not entirely wrong, but it depends on what the house rules are.

So, dealer? Any special rules today?

Ah, there aren't any extra rules today!

We'll be using six decks, and we shuffle them with a machine every round!

Oh, come on, what are you saying!

There's no way we'd fleece our guests—I mean, run an unfair game!

Is that so? Alright, let's settle it here.

Fufufu...

It's not a scam if you can't prove it. Besides, the dealer guaranteed it was a fair game, didn't she?

Pure. Sheer. Skill ! How about you just admit you suck at blackjack, manservant?

Go ahead!

Hey, we were having so much fun. Why'd you call us all of a sudden?

Since you interrupted me while I was busy picking out bread from the buffet, I expect this to be of utmost importance.

Everyone was enjoying themselves much more than I thought! Fufufu...

Oh, I was a little curious about the bunny girl outfits... So I snuck into the staff locker room to peek, but got chased out!

What is it that requires so much build-up?

Oh, really? Well, if it's for the request, I guess I've got to do it.

But what does that dealer have to do with the request anyway?

Tsk... Fine, I get it. Just give me the signal when you're ready.

Oh my? Finding someone like that is easy enough, but I wonder what it's for!

Ah, I've pretty much figured it out! Hehe.

...!!

Have you finally understood the greatness of the path of free samples, ?

Welcome. Now, let us go together and sample the opening-day offerings at every bakery in Humanitas—

...

Very well. Theta, deploying.

What took you so long?

I won even more while my Servant was in the restroom, you know?

Ah, ahahaha...

I don't know if this customer is incredibly lucky or just has amazing instincts, but she never loses...

Hmph, that's a huge amount for a manservant to bet all at once.

Well, fine. This time I'll knock you down a peg!

O-Oh... A showdown of the century(?) like this...

Very well! Then, the first card—!

If you apologize now, I might keep you as my Servant instead of a slave. What's it gonna be?

No matter how you look at it, I think I've won! Ohohoho!

You're hitting on a nineteen? Your only hope would be drawing a two or an Ace, you know?

No, no. Think about the probability.

...If you don't have money, value it a little more!!

Stay! See? I told you I'd win.

Now all that's left is to watch you bust on the next card, right?

Ahaha, my total is in an awkward spot. Of course, I'm going to hit too.

Alright, let's see the next card.

I can't wait!

Geez, you startled me! Why are you suddenly shouting—

Argh?! What the, why is there suddenly a crowd—

Ugh... I got bumped all over the place, damn it...

What on earth! Why did a whole mob of bunny girls suddenly rush in like that...!

I'm fine... Huh? The dealer changed?

Hmph... Well, she was standing for a long time, so I guess that can happen...?

Anyway, where were we?

Ha! Ridiculous. Do you honestly think that makes any sense?

We're using six decks, and a two already came out. Do you think that's actually gonna happen?

?!?!?!?!?

W-What? This is cheating! Otherwise, there's no way there'd be this constant physical interference—

U-Ugh...!!

G-Ghh...! N-No way! I refuse to accept this!!!

Grrr...!!!

Grrr...! Hey!!! What about the request?! What about the request!!!

Don't 'Oh right' me!

*Sigh*... I knew I shouldn't have gambled with high stakes...

Ugh...!!!!

Dutiful daughter, my foot! Don't say such creepy things.

*Sigh*... Of all things, to think I'd become an accomplice in rescuing a thief...

Ugh...

...But why do you keep glancing at the chips I won? They're your money anyway.

I-I was just lucky... *Sigh*... Forget I said anything.

Must be nice to be so carefree.

I mean, sure, money is great... But do you think making money from gambling is easy?

There's always the risk of losing everything in a single shot...!

Mmm... Well, there are other reasons besides that...

Since it wasn't my money, I guess I felt like making bolder bets...

I said it for you to hear, Servant.

Since I lost the bet, I'll endure it for today. But after today, if you call me a slave even once more—

...Starting from about five million, I've grown it to sixty million Credits.

But nobody knows when we might lose it all at this rate, you know?

Huh? What was that last part? I couldn't hear you.

Mmm... The minimum bets for those games are so huge, it's a bit nerve-wracking... The minimum is in the millions, right?

, wouldn't you draw even more attention falling naked from the sky like last time?

...That is hard to believe. You often walk around half-naked at the hideout, after all.

Sigh... Fine. I did agree to help since I lost the bet earlier.

Besides, that conversation just now completely took the edge off. Whatever, let's give it a shot.

...

I got... wiped out...

A whole five hundred thousand...

Ughhhhh...

Ugh... I kept pulling the lever on the s-slot machine, but I didn't win a single thing in the end...

I was definitely winning a bit at first... But while I was away for a moment because of what happened earlier, my rhythm completely got ruined!!

...What happened earlier?

Tsk, at least I lost less than the Big Boss...! I'm not down a million yet!

This won't do, I have to play the slots again!! I'm gonna win it back somehow and beat the Big Boss!!!

Aaaah!!! No!! I want to play the slots too!!!

Even if it's the VIP Floor, the interior doesn't look any different. Only the stakes are different...

...By the way, it looks like that blonde over there still hasn't given up.

But wouldn't anything more interesting in a place like this just be another form of gambling...?

I simply deemed it the most efficient solution.

Constantly holding her back wastes energy... and we must save enough money for the limited-edition Mont Blanc.

Eh?! What about me?!

Fufu, of course!

Isn't your team just weak overall? You passed out from a minor car crash too.

By the way, is this the upper floor? It doesn't look much different from the floor below.

...Ah, one thing is definitely different. Fewer customers, more staff.

Hello, ladies. ??? ???

My name is Gloria. The manager of this casino and the ultimate senior to all bunny girls!

It is an honor to serve you today.

Today's main game will be poker. Those who wish to participate, please gather at the center table.

For your information, this game features special rules and a special show... So please enjoy yourselves to the fullest.

Of course not!!

Stop projecting your wishful thinking and selfish desires on everything!

Eeeh?? You want me to join that table?!

Ugh, I've got a bad feeling about this...

...O-Okay. I'll do it, jeez...

If I lose all the money, don't blame me?!

Now, VIPs who wish to take on the main game, please come up to the table!

Hmph... So we meet again here, milady.

Indeed, delivery company owner...

...Or should I call you the prodigal daughter of the magitech family?

?!!

...W-What are you talking about?

There aren't many families wealthy enough to apply top-tier spatial expansion technology... or rather, spatial expansion magitech, to a delivery truck, you know?

The rumor that the young lady of a magitech family ran away from home to cover up her servant's crime is quite famous in high society.

I heard she squandered all her money on gambling, and then spent what little remained to start a small business...

To think I'd run into you like this.

...I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.

Ruby-red hair and emerald-green eyes.

Did you honestly think I wouldn't recognize the signature traits of the Russo Family?

...

...Well, don't worry too much. I don't have any intention of doing anything to you, nor do I plan to pry further.

But if you want to keep hiding from your family... You'd better be careful before letting people ride in your truck again.

Once they see that expanded interior, suspicion is bound to turn into certainty.

...You don't need to worry about that. It wouldn't have happened in the first place if it weren't for that manservant of mine.

Who'd care about a tiny delivery company anyway? As long as we keep a low profile, we won't get caught.

...Right. That's fine then.

...?

It's nothing. Just realizing the world is vast and full of worries.

...

Anyway, that's enough of that. Let's just play a civilized game.

Oh, and you'd better not use your specialty Subspace Swap here. I can see right through it.

Tsk.

Such a convenient function does not exist yet, but there is an alternative that can perform a similar task.

Hi. We meet again.

Ah, did you not see? Yuria was on the VIP Floor earlier too.

Yuria joined the game herself, Emily disappeared again... and Claire was eating meat all by herself, you see?

The restaurant ran out of meat. So, while I was looking for the kitchen...

I smelled something good, so I followed it.

A different smell from meat. A delicious smell.

Hmm... It was masked by Lady Yuria's mana scent earlier, so I didn't notice... *Sniff* *sniff*

Fixer, you have a sweet... strangely pleasant scent...

Lady Yuria is very sensitive to mana and energy.

For her to say that means it's a very special energy, even for this world.

When necessary. I can adjust my olfactory level from 0 to 10.

Something like that. If I block my sense of smell when forced to eat tasteless vegetables, I can't taste them either.

Indeed. I relate to that deeply.

I dislike vegetables. Especially bell peppers.

Bell peppers... I don't mind the crunchy part, but I hate the taste.

...

...

I can, but you have to tell me what kind of smell to look for.

Scent of credits is impossible, but I can try the other two.

Everyone here has a similar soapy smell. So I should look for a different scent.

So... What will you give me if I help?

...That's it?

No meat needed. Instead...

Let me suck.

I said, let me suck.

Your blood.

...? What are you talking about?

I just want to taste whatever smelled so good earlier because I'm curious.

Mana and other energies can usually be extracted from bodily fluids.

I don't know... Lady Yuria would know better than me.

She said she experimented with other fluids like tears and saliva, but she didn't give many details beyond that.

Ah, though she was blushing when she said it. I wonder why?

...? What is it?

Don't worry. I eat a lot of meat, but I'll just have a taste of this.

Anyway, should I start sniffing now?

Hmm, there's definitely a different soap smell coming from here.

...Ah, it was the bunny girl dressing room. Sorry, my mistake.

Hmm. I smelled something sour and thought this was it...

Ow, ow, ow... The noise woke me up.

Huh? Where is this? I was definitely at the casino a second ago...

Oh dear. Knocking her out again—

...? But why are those bunny girls chasing us with weapons?

Catch the dressing room peepers!!!

Guests! This area is off-limits!

W-We will evict all of you...!

Hehehe, I don't know what's going on, but are we fighting?! Perfect, I was itching for some action anyway.

All of you, hold right there! Ahahaha!!!

...Should I go and knock her out?

That's impossible while she's already fighting like that.

Hmm. It's my mistake, so I'll help too.

I'm good at knocking people out.

I see Lady Emily naked all the time since we live together. Is Humanitas different?

Isn't she just the weird one? I mean, sure, there are others who wear skimpy outfits like Lumina, but still!

Ah, but on second thought, she might actually get along well with the Big Boss...

By the way, even after such a big fight, it doesn't seem like any alarms went off...?

It seems they just dismissed us as a bunch of random perverts.

Fufufu... But I couldn't help it!

After all, beautiful outfits shine the brightest at the exact moment someone is changing into them!

I'll find it for sure this time. Let's see... *Sniff* *sniff*

...Actually, I had it right earlier.

I just didn't expect the vault to be hidden behind the dressing room lockers.

...I'm not sure if by "found it" you mean the vault, or the underwear you swiped from the dressing room.

Even if I had something that impressive, I wouldn't be able to use it. My computational capacity doesn't significantly exceed human levels.

Huaaah... I can finally get out... Being trapped in here for hours is driving me crazy...

What are you talking about? Only that dopamine-addicted android did that! Lafine and I are only guilty of trying to clean up the mess!!

Lafine, say something too!!

Ahahaha... Ehehe, I can finally go home...

Now if we can just find the emergency escape route...

That's because she's been anxious for the past few hours and only just escaped... *Sigh*

Anyway, thank you for coming. I really mean it.

It's a relief the professor didn't call while we were trapped. If I had missed even one...

To think we would escape so luckily... Lucky Seven is still going strong.

Indeed, there is always a way out!

You're evil. Pure evil.

I learned that in times like this, you're supposed to call someone a "sadist".

...I'll tell you after the request is over. We need to escape safely first to have the peace of mind to talk about it.

I was planning to let you off after giving you some time to reflect and making you work part-time as a bunny girl for a while...

But you destroyed the vault door, and have finally crossed the line!

I do not wish to hear it, Fixer!

I thought you would become a good regular at our casino, but to think you would stab me in the back like this...!

Of course I do! Are you not the one who dealt a massive blow to that detestable Head Maid?!

If she hadn't interfered with our bidding every single time, we could have established at least three more bunny girl casinos in this city...!

Yes, that is true, but...

No matter what, bunny girls are far superior to maids!!

In the beginning, this place was also just a regular casino.

No one visited... and the atmosphere was neither exciting nor fun.

But!! After I took over, our net profit increased by 1,000%!

All of this! The power of bunny girls!!

Hey!!!

...What are you talking about? Naturally, maids are the absolute best, not bunny girls.

It is only logical. Exposing skin is not the only source of charm.

Isn't not knowing what kind of underwear you'll get part of the fun?!

So in the end, it's gacha again...

Very well... First, I shall capture you all and lock you inside another vault.

After reinforcing the door to be three times stronger, I will add signal jamming and play videos promoting the virtues of bunny girls 24 hours a day.

After that, I am certain you will have no objections to becoming bunny girls yourselves!

You as well!!

W-Well, that's because...

Kh... Only with the best benefits and treatment can everyone happily enjoy the bunny life...

But honestly, with this kind of treatment... is it not worth a try...?

We are aiming for the best treatment in the industry, no, the entire city...

I'd do it!!!

Though I'll probably get bored halfway through and quit!!

Me too. The outfit actually has more fabric than I expected.

More importantly, bread. Missing the bread tasting sessions is out of the question.

H-Hold it right there...! I cannot let a new bunny girl candidate escape like this...!

Wait, so why did you bring me back here again?!

I didn't forget to bring you this time.

And you're basically money too. You're our bankroll.

*Sigh*...

But what about Emily? I think you left one of us behind.

...

Lady Emily is fine. She'll handle herself.

I can handle myself too!!! This makes completing the request earlier completely pointless!!!

Sigh, whatever. We'll just figure it out on our own.

Claire, let's go.

Let's buy meat on the way, Lady Yuria.

...And a bit of tofu too. It was surprisingly delicious.

Sigh... Fine. Let's pick up Emily first.

Fixer, today was fun.

Contact me if you ever visit Vermont. Got it?

I heard that, you know?! Hmph!

We still have an outstanding debt.

Next time we meet, I'm collecting it.

...♡

Really? I couldn't tell.

Ah, I know exactly what you mean.

It's kind of like... , you know that face you make when you watch naughty videos alone...

W-Well, about that...

Ah, w-well, inside the vault...

It was half of whatever we found in the vault, correct? In that case, here, you may have this.

How should I put it... We raided the vault, but there wasn't anything else inside...

More like every vault only had a scrap of fabric inside...

But we found that lying on the floor in the corner of the vault. So, although we didn't know what it was, we took it anyway...

Ah, ahahaha... It was a total bust... Hehe...

We paid 500,000 credits to an information broker for that tip... hehehe...

Therefore, instead of half of our 0 Credits in profit, we shall give you all of our acquired loot.

Since it's useless to us anyway!

B-But... We had already given you the request before opening the vault, you know...?

I-Instead, next time! Just once, if there's something you want to raid, we'll help you!!

Oh, I'm down!

That sounds way more entertaining than this incredibly boring situation right now!

...Wait, actually, thinking about it now makes me mad too?!

Hey! Just take your beating!!

Hieeeek...!! W-We could work part-time jobs to raise the money somehow...

Ah, but if I take on more part-time work here, it'll be a problem if my professor calls for me—

By the way, Charlotte. Did you win any money while we were away?

Ah, that?

Nope, lost it all. I made it to a 1-on-1 with Bunny Gloria, but...

No matter how closely I watched, there wasn't a single trick. She was just so incredibly lucky, all I could do was laugh.

...Is that so.

But I definitely drew a crowd, you know? While making my way to the final round of the VIP game, I caught everyone trying to cheat.

So Yuria tied them all up with her tentacles and tormented them. The crowd found it quite fascinating.

Anyway, never mind that.

Jennie is going to bring the bill soon... How are you guys going to pay me back?

I knew this would happen. Well, I will be off now to make my afternoon free-sample run.

That's why I told you not to trust gambling.

You're bound to lose it all when it really matters.

And you're the one who entrusted it to me, right?

...

Hmm... It seems nothing is missing....

By the way... I simply cannot forgive them for leaving behind the 200 bunny girl costume design books I authored.

What an absolute treasure those are... Those thieves clearly have no eye for value...

Oops! Ah, no. It's a good thing they weren't stolen... right...

Now, let's turn off the alarm first...

*Sigh* I wonder when and how I'll get this door repaired...

This building had plenty of vaults all over the place when I first bought it, which was great for storage...

But it's quite a hassle because I discover new hidden secret vaults every single time we renovate...

A-According to L's intel, I'm supposed to do... th-this, like this... Ah, ahh!!

H-Hiiik...

O-Okay... n-now if I just plug in this d-data drive...

Wh-What? Where did the dr-drive go...?

Umm... Even if it's the b-backup drive...

O-Okay... Then if I do this...

The drive... Where did I drop it...?

Since it's encrypted... there shouldn't be any major issues, but... ugh...

A-Anyway, there is n-no other way to s-save those who were kidnapped...

P-Please hang in there just a little longer, everyone...

J-Job complete...

Th-Then, next is...