【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
369Please respect copyright.PENANA0830jy3ETn
The dark night sky was filled with black clouds. It looked as if they would cause the country villa located at the corner of the town to collapse, meanwhile, a scintillating light emanated forth from the clouds every now and again.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAQH1bUOjHW0
The rooms inside were dark, nothing was visible. Suddenly, a flash of lightning struck the window of the villa, lighting up the darkened room. It was then that I could see a small figure crouched under the window.
369Please respect copyright.PENANApP6G3q9kRK
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAhHDPh9Epfl
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAeLZDDXyIHj
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
369Please respect copyright.PENANAVLeGMAu79N
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAJkUMgY9Pgu
Without getting a response for such a long time, there was nothing else to do but sit on the counter and play with a deck of cards.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAnccp8o2ijp
Off in the distance, the lightning cut a flash into the sky again.
It provided enough for me to make out what the lady looked like.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAU60pjUOJUR
Her face as beautiful as a doll, with noble golden curly locks hanging down like silk strands.
An elaborate gown flowed down her thin frame, which, coupled with the luxuriant decorations around the house, it was not difficult to see that the cooking attendant was nobility.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAbVra2BZnHk
The lady was the daughter of an Earl, but her father was known as a man who loved gambling.
Because he lingered all day at the gambling table, he was given the informal title of, the Gambling Earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAhUBlCi14vb
At that time the aristocrats wielded massive power, the throne itself was just a charade.
All the nobles were addicted to fun. Gambling was just a pastime, it was nothing curious or peculiar.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA28FRPhwxUQ
Yet, I couldn't understand, what it was that could possibly make this little daughter of a wealthy earl, a girl who was set up for life, sit crying on this rainy night.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA3aCad1kBh5
The lady kept wiping away the tears from her face with the sleeve of her expensive dress, then, pretending nothing was amiss she stood up.
She tried to keep up the charade though her eyes were still red.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAyreu9NdPVt
I couldn't help but laugh at such a wretched sight. She didn't say anything, she just sat with her back to me, as if she was angry.
369Please respect copyright.PENANARsnjOlSab0
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
369Please respect copyright.PENANApnuVquQGCK
I figured she was a naive girl, too young to know much about the world. As a food soul, I should just talk of whimsical and fantastic dreams with her. Or just play card tricks to make her happy. So...
369Please respect copyright.PENANAhZ1CLxFZNF
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAddfGTwnRgT
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAdqAtnOaeh0
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAG678JNpL5D
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAvi6OGioc94
Another bolt of lightning streaked through the dark sky.
The deafening thunder made me think that I had misheard the little lady, who was now smiling, had just said.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAZTOIWclvQj
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAi2n2PiyipK
Yes, it all started that very night.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKS3l6hBOnQ
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAGdMcb82fE6
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAC7aYFsY639
People were laughing..
369Please respect copyright.PENANAXvqOKdKqyk
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAlr2RIy67df
"God bless you" The Little Lady said as she walked in with holding the earl's favorite food.
She placed the plate next to the earl's right hand, to make it convenient for him to eat.
369Please respect copyright.PENANATG37xuev6U
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAYAImQVfzO8
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA5SRxigJgMe
But I knew, the food, meat, and vegetables placed inside the bread was the one thing that the pampered Little Lady could have done. And it's also the reason why I was here.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAGTQhXHWz18
At this point, I could only play the role of an observer, leisurely sitting on the banister playing my favorite card magic. No one knew of my presence there.
369Please respect copyright.PENANArkIPTbBvQa
Until the earl, who had been reluctant to leave the gambling table, reached out for the food that the Little Lady had prepared for him.
As if by some deep-seated unwillingness, my body took a step before i thought about what i was doing.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAbXgBOTYl1l
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
369Please respect copyright.PENANANxCWHmK6zm
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANACwYVeKAzAj
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAOHusl1YGpO
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7EvHT947w
I laughed as heartily and as carefree as I ever had in my life, even though I was surrounded on all sides by soldiers. The earl did not order the soldiers to kill me though, he just looked at me keenly with particular interest, and asked, "The reason you have rushed in here so abruptly was not at all out of some queer death wish, isn't that right?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANA4HLbyKtFxh
I am not sure whether the Earl knew of my identity as a food soul. However, I was confident that I would not be stopped by them if I wanted to leave.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAk2DcrxEF8B
I sat on the poker table without hesitation, pulled the ace of spades out of the deck and laid it flat on the table, then I pushed the cards towards the Earl, and said: "Let's place a small wager, sire."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAeWjY3hNBC5
He laughed a hearty belly laugh as is he'd heard the newest joke of the day, and others around him burst into laughter as well.
369Please respect copyright.PENANABhxjEtAZSs
"I have not heard a jest of this manner for ages," The Earl snorted as he laughed, "Tell me my good sir, what on earth do you think you have to place a wager?" The Earl looked up and down me after he said that, and couldn't help laughing.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKDr4v8gyS0
I did not care that the Earl teased me mercilessly, I just picked up the cards on the table. I quickly shuffled the deck, took one out and placed it in the middle of the table, then started to deal.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAmbfNCRZOmr
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAmeARUj3MFU
Sandwich :
"Now, my lord, please be so kind as to look at the cards in front of you now, and do please note, that the card in my hand is the only one I have yet to deal to you sire.."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAM708T3tZ5q
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAX6lGx1tkJw
The Earl's eyes looked at me with scorn. He turned the card on the table casually, but his face stubbornly carried arrogantly, he was only willing to glance at it reluctantly.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAuaBnYZXvWG
He leaned forward, stared during the moment he saw the cards. Wasn't sure why, but I felt happy when I saw his expression. It must have been the asinine look on his face.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA0Falw7tV0C
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAQxk6SYlXYk
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
369Please respect copyright.PENANACmpYQonnSm
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAETuiXknDys
【Silence...】
369Please respect copyright.PENANAy8foWD6JiM
Sandwich :
"Be that as it may, if I lose, I will use my gambling skills to help you acquire power and property, if I win you must surrender all your land and power to me."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAZPXjJmh9uE
It sounded like an unfair bet.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAmVR9J9tEKo
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAV32ECkc81X
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAcmsyYUMKye
The soldiers who had been stood still suddenly began to approach me after the Earl finished speaking, "There are two choices for you at this point, one is to be my servant, the other is to die."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAMfmbOfSEii
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
369Please respect copyright.PENANAiQL0EHsfp5
He didn't know that, as a food soul, it was my Master Attendant's feelings for him that were important. this was the first time I felt myself to be such a pitiable sort.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA14kGZPwO9e
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA544tBEgUoF
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
369Please respect copyright.PENANABV5P3Gt3f6
Out of the clear blue sky, this honored Grand Duke suddenly invited a host of nobles from prestigious families to a great feast at his palatial estate.
The Grand Duke himself had never held many dinner parties, and many nobles came from far and wide to attend the event.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAVPglEEmrMA
The Grand Duke also invited a prestigious Earl , top dog of the aristocracy and a big gambler, to the great banquet.
Meanwhile, with you being my servant, you could also join the party.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAwGX1jfvmsp
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAh0BdaHAsQt
This is the place that the Grand Duke set up for the gambling Earl .
The villa that was all lit up like a castle shed its disguise and disappeared into the black night
The withered branches surrounding the villa were covered in crows that surrounded the villa staring at the sole orange light that danced in the window.
The light that reflected back from the crow's eyes was the color of blood.
In another part of the window a gambling table was visible.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAJ7yBAWubxu
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA3AWUblmGUJ
One elegant-looking chap with a wry smile on his face holding a smoking pipe near his lips sat looking at the other in front of him,
who sat there with an unflinching look on his face, staring at his rival sitting across from him, while rapping the table with his index finger and smiling arrogantly.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAa2AUnMPE4O
They didn’t say anything.
As usual, I was responsible for shuffling, I dealt the cards, and then quietly placed them on the table, waiting for the opening.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAoZkvgZJWvf
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAUv3yo3yJiW
Earl :
”It’s rare indeed to be able to sit at the gambling table with your Grace , why not make this a bit more interesting?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANArHVsypYe7x
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
369Please respect copyright.PENANA8V8k8U4xEp
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANA2UcEvvkyZR
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAHJ7DZlaTiH
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAVdvv5AVBGY
”Though I am a mere peon compared to your Grace, I am willing to exchange all my property for this estate and the surrounding land belonging to you,”
The Earl said.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA4MUWtvvbqe
I really wasnt sure what valuable things the Earl intended to bet, but I was shocked by the fact that he so cavalierly threw out the idea of all his fortune."
369Please respect copyright.PENANALN04P5F6dp
I knew that this was the gambling earl’s tactics, which would cause the other party to raise the stakes.
But I never would have thought that the earl would go all in like that.
It was most likely due to my presence there.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAVaAVymm4T0
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAdwq32dMmq0
Grand Duke :
”Long ago I was told of the bold and adventurous earl who was partial to a good wager, now i see with my own eyes that he indeed possesses a boldness of spirit a common man will never have..
Such being the case, I shall add to my bet the vast green pastures at the edge of town,
What say thee, sire?”
369Please respect copyright.PENANAN8ipUqWR3I
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKhywosa958
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAMPbjuyeuy1
The seconds turned into minutes.
I noticed the Earl’s face, once brimming with confidence, had gradually been stricken pale.
I knew how this was all going to play out.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAY1nMkMy1er
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAiauRtyQhme
Purely out of force of habit, the gambling earl reached out to take his favorite food from the table.
But the table was empty as the earl’s pockets would soon be, as he was just about to lose it all.
369Please respect copyright.PENANACGdLfBwDuE
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAoBSb88mbTl
Sandwich :
"My lord, the Earl , it is you who will lose this game of luck, the only question is whether it will be to lose to his Grace, the Grand Duke, or to me."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAgN2XnnQQxA
369Please respect copyright.PENANAYotNqWqHI0
369Please respect copyright.PENANAjNLKvr15LA
369Please respect copyright.PENANAHBODKS85z0
369Please respect copyright.PENANAHkVHqT9IKE
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAbfaRh9bMAj
Two years later, the country's aristocracy had collapsed, and the people were now free.
Some people were leisurely enjoying their relaxing afternoon tea under parasols,
while others chose to spend their time getting together and going to the cinema or theater.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAuNJ5bKN1JH
Hardly anyone knew what had happened the Earl of Gambling all those years ago.
Over time, he became a joke that people might mention in passing after a good meal.
369Please respect copyright.PENANADhBhEICJHp
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAjntv1ZUGid
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKryJvdDoFc
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANA3zHWUlbO1w
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
369Please respect copyright.PENANArvTl0KPG6U
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAjThcS2F9ZO
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
369Please respect copyright.PENANA0mogRI56pV
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAq7LmQKJiF1
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA8KYWS2Uc2D
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA7b3LPMW3u5
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKvypTTcy84
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAG4hmKLOIgF
「Woman」 :
"Thank you for your invitation, but I'm going to have to decline. But if you have some free time you should come visit my restaurant~"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAKfpf0KULUx
369Please respect copyright.PENANAwAufQp4M1O
369Please respect copyright.PENANAB7RuvSyl07
369Please respect copyright.PENANAbrGok4458z
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAqKBPyo4cbG
This was a restaurant called Sandwich that had opened up here a few years ago.
It wasn't a particularly fancy restaurant, but the customers came in droves.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAx3HG8aknrP
The restaurant had a wide variety of bread and other ingredients, and their specialty was putting things between two slices of bread.
And if customers didn't like the customers combinations, they were free to make their own; this was another of their big selling points.
It was both tasty and convenient, and people just couldn't get enough of it so their customer base was always growing.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAMvvCOhKD4r
The owner was a young lady who had just become an adult.
Her features were as exquisite as a porcelain doll, with long blonde curls.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAgcUhGXj9Y8
She was warm and hospitable, always ready with a cup of fresh coffee.
There were more than a few customers who came to the restaurant just to spend a wonderful afternoon chatting with such a beautiful young woman.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAjFQT5YmMVY
And all of the regulars knew this one thing.
Every so often a well-dressed older gentleman (too well-dressed for a place this cheap) would enter the establishment.
He would order a cup of coffee from the owner, sit in the corner, and then sit in the corner eating all afternoon without uttering a word.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAvmNxLsjrAb
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAgZQbAeH7ry
Of course, there 【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
369Please respect copyright.PENANAS0rf6tdLxX
The dark night sky was filled with black clouds. It looked as if they would cause the country villa located at the corner of the town to collapse, meanwhile, a scintillating light emanated forth from the clouds every now and again.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAdLZqqjEdUK
The rooms inside were dark, nothing was visible. Suddenly, a flash of lightning struck the window of the villa, lighting up the darkened room. It was then that I could see a small figure crouched under the window.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAxedv9HTtm9
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAGjWjjsIpol
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAkC95JEj3Ga
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
369Please respect copyright.PENANA0ROnGhdbh6
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAQNKFFNzTHn
Without getting a response for such a long time, there was nothing else to do but sit on the counter and play with a deck of cards.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAPp4d1kStx0
Off in the distance, the lightning cut a flash into the sky again.
It provided enough for me to make out what the lady looked like.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAYXESzPcKSu
Her face as beautiful as a doll, with noble golden curly locks hanging down like silk strands.
An elaborate gown flowed down her thin frame, which, coupled with the luxuriant decorations around the house, it was not difficult to see that the cooking attendant was nobility.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAFdThMv3KrF
The lady was the daughter of an Earl, but her father was known as a man who loved gambling.
Because he lingered all day at the gambling table, he was given the informal title of, the Gambling Earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAW2SoCRmTPn
At that time the aristocrats wielded massive power, the throne itself was just a charade.
All the nobles were addicted to fun. Gambling was just a pastime, it was nothing curious or peculiar.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAr9ajHRg6FR
Yet, I couldn't understand, what it was that could possibly make this little daughter of a wealthy earl, a girl who was set up for life, sit crying on this rainy night.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAH5hKSIZm1i
The lady kept wiping away the tears from her face with the sleeve of her expensive dress, then, pretending nothing was amiss she stood up.
She tried to keep up the charade though her eyes were still red.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA32RvYLlVlC
I couldn't help but laugh at such a wretched sight. She didn't say anything, she just sat with her back to me, as if she was angry.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA4Tc2LmLjdS
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAx4TvOhak7d
I figured she was a naive girl, too young to know much about the world. As a food soul, I should just talk of whimsical and fantastic dreams with her. Or just play card tricks to make her happy. So...
369Please respect copyright.PENANArzCdRRJ7Gx
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2y1JUASIK
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
369Please respect copyright.PENANABZXKyHjx5b
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAbV9ghAnQQD
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA4ars0yUnCp
Another bolt of lightning streaked through the dark sky.
The deafening thunder made me think that I had misheard the little lady, who was now smiling, had just said.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAov1wE3xwCz
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANA985oORdxNQ
Yes, it all started that very night.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA1EZ6s7Y4TQ
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAiJogPU1Ic6
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA2lgksq7CQp
People were laughing..
369Please respect copyright.PENANAQWiKZ4Xph1
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAn5WjU3zHIf
"God bless you" The Little Lady said as she walked in with holding the earl's favorite food.
She placed the plate next to the earl's right hand, to make it convenient for him to eat.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA5azcALvya0
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
369Please respect copyright.PENANASYJDcQWmKV
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAfVESGMboEJ
But I knew, the food, meat, and vegetables placed inside the bread was the one thing that the pampered Little Lady could have done. And it's also the reason why I was here.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAmxgd3fZY4g
At this point, I could only play the role of an observer, leisurely sitting on the banister playing my favorite card magic. No one knew of my presence there.
369Please respect copyright.PENANALNIyjJiVVw
Until the earl, who had been reluctant to leave the gambling table, reached out for the food that the Little Lady had prepared for him.
As if by some deep-seated unwillingness, my body took a step before i thought about what i was doing.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAYtXnknva6E
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAG90vh0FlUh
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAd1jO1RxMEB
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
369Please respect copyright.PENANA1rD1noEIEG
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAPhW3L81uIk
I laughed as heartily and as carefree as I ever had in my life, even though I was surrounded on all sides by soldiers. The earl did not order the soldiers to kill me though, he just looked at me keenly with particular interest, and asked, "The reason you have rushed in here so abruptly was not at all out of some queer death wish, isn't that right?"
369Please respect copyright.PENANAk406Iy7ocR
I am not sure whether the Earl knew of my identity as a food soul. However, I was confident that I would not be stopped by them if I wanted to leave.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAyaSszsNCZX
I sat on the poker table without hesitation, pulled the ace of spades out of the deck and laid it flat on the table, then I pushed the cards towards the Earl, and said: "Let's place a small wager, sire."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAxDszKT74z7
He laughed a hearty belly laugh as is he'd heard the newest joke of the day, and others around him burst into laughter as well.
369Please respect copyright.PENANABGzQINn6IA
"I have not heard a jest of this manner for ages," The Earl snorted as he laughed, "Tell me my good sir, what on earth do you think you have to place a wager?" The Earl looked up and down me after he said that, and couldn't help laughing.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAhZEGDo4RQX
I did not care that the Earl teased me mercilessly, I just picked up the cards on the table. I quickly shuffled the deck, took one out and placed it in the middle of the table, then started to deal.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAA8cqiNK61s
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAeCh2Ab1Ull
Sandwich :
"Now, my lord, please be so kind as to look at the cards in front of you now, and do please note, that the card in my hand is the only one I have yet to deal to you sire.."
369Please respect copyright.PENANAdRIDSN8KZD
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
369Please respect copyright.PENANAydktJ97qxb
The Earl's eyes looked at me with scorn. He turned the card on the table casually, but his face stubbornly carried arrogantly, he was only willing to glance at it reluctantly.
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He leaned forward, stared during the moment he saw the cards. Wasn't sure why, but I felt happy when I saw his expression. It must have been the asinine look on his face.
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Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
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"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
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"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
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【Silence...】
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Sandwich :
"Be that as it may, if I lose, I will use my gambling skills to help you acquire power and property, if I win you must surrender all your land and power to me."
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It sounded like an unfair bet.
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Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
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Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
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The soldiers who had been stood still suddenly began to approach me after the Earl finished speaking, "There are two choices for you at this point, one is to be my servant, the other is to die."
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【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
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He didn't know that, as a food soul, it was my Master Attendant's feelings for him that were important. this was the first time I felt myself to be such a pitiable sort.
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I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
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There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
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Out of the clear blue sky, this honored Grand Duke suddenly invited a host of nobles from prestigious families to a great feast at his palatial estate.
The Grand Duke himself had never held many dinner parties, and many nobles came from far and wide to attend the event.
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The Grand Duke also invited a prestigious Earl , top dog of the aristocracy and a big gambler, to the great banquet.
Meanwhile, with you being my servant, you could also join the party.
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It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
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This is the place that the Grand Duke set up for the gambling Earl .
The villa that was all lit up like a castle shed its disguise and disappeared into the black night
The withered branches surrounding the villa were covered in crows that surrounded the villa staring at the sole orange light that danced in the window.
The light that reflected back from the crow's eyes was the color of blood.
In another part of the window a gambling table was visible.
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I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
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One elegant-looking chap with a wry smile on his face holding a smoking pipe near his lips sat looking at the other in front of him,
who sat there with an unflinching look on his face, staring at his rival sitting across from him, while rapping the table with his index finger and smiling arrogantly.
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They didn’t say anything.
As usual, I was responsible for shuffling, I dealt the cards, and then quietly placed them on the table, waiting for the opening.
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Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
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Earl :
”It’s rare indeed to be able to sit at the gambling table with your Grace , why not make this a bit more interesting?"
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Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
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Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
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Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
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The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
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”Though I am a mere peon compared to your Grace, I am willing to exchange all my property for this estate and the surrounding land belonging to you,”
The Earl said.
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I really wasnt sure what valuable things the Earl intended to bet, but I was shocked by the fact that he so cavalierly threw out the idea of all his fortune."
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I knew that this was the gambling earl’s tactics, which would cause the other party to raise the stakes.
But I never would have thought that the earl would go all in like that.
It was most likely due to my presence there.
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But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
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Grand Duke :
”Long ago I was told of the bold and adventurous earl who was partial to a good wager, now i see with my own eyes that he indeed possesses a boldness of spirit a common man will never have..
Such being the case, I shall add to my bet the vast green pastures at the edge of town,
What say thee, sire?”
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Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
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The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
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The seconds turned into minutes.
I noticed the Earl’s face, once brimming with confidence, had gradually been stricken pale.
I knew how this was all going to play out.
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The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
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Purely out of force of habit, the gambling earl reached out to take his favorite food from the table.
But the table was empty as the earl’s pockets would soon be, as he was just about to lose it all.
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The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
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Sandwich :
"My lord, the Earl , it is you who will lose this game of luck, the only question is whether it will be to lose to his Grace, the Grand Duke, or to me."
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Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
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Two years later, the country's aristocracy had collapsed, and the people were now free.
Some people were leisurely enjoying their relaxing afternoon tea under parasols,
while others chose to spend their time getting together and going to the cinema or theater.
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Hardly anyone knew what had happened the Earl of Gambling all those years ago.
Over time, he became a joke that people might mention in passing after a good meal.
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No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
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While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
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Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
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The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
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"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
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Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
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Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
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Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
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「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
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「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
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Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
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「Woman」 :
"Thank you for your invitation, but I'm going to have to decline. But if you have some free time you should come visit my restaurant~"
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The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
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This was a restaurant called Sandwich that had opened up here a few years ago.
It wasn't a particularly fancy restaurant, but the customers came in droves.
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The restaurant had a wide variety of bread and other ingredients, and their specialty was putting things between two slices of bread.
And if customers didn't like the customers combinations, they were free to make their own; this was another of their big selling points.
It was both tasty and convenient, and people just couldn't get enough of it so their customer base was always growing.
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The owner was a young lady who had just become an adult.
Her features were as exquisite as a porcelain doll, with long blonde curls.
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She was warm and hospitable, always ready with a cup of fresh coffee.
There were more than a few customers who came to the restaurant just to spend a wonderful afternoon chatting with such a beautiful young woman.
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And all of the regulars knew this one thing.
Every so often a well-dressed older gentleman (too well-dressed for a place this cheap) would enter the establishment.
He would order a cup of coffee from the owner, sit in the corner, and then sit in the corner eating all afternoon without uttering a word.
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No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
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Of course, there was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
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Whenever there were a lot of people ordering food, a long line would form outside the restaurant.
Then, a handsome young blonde youth would appear and ask you:
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【Do you want to try your luck against me?】
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【Sandwich - END】was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
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