【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwpcvnN7x9
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNJX7kqOAk
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIthgqp3vE
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXmT1IFce4
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIWzbjB306
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfT4YhH5bV
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKl8WjGA3x
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8lr2bATKQ
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZXk7oWrNq
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn04BMp8vw0
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQookRQqWI6
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno0KCzI8Zs
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3f4NcKqWk
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0FtW5QK4A
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeuiuzlWNJw
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVsjaIHC9K
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...
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVhviU0E8Z
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRGHBvwAoq
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnyZjku159
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUckhzIiS9u
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYAzH0LRQRM
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRqdtOzZPN
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8Fs5O7LdZ
Yes, it all started that very night.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIids1BpEs
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nrN8BeZaG
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7Xv1kfby3
People were laughing..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfJJNqbPzj
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5h0Q7YVCg
"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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhq3Or2mlL
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8n1qtAZn8W
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMcvUjtRq0
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABPUP6kiFf
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7owpH87hC
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDDxVNPqwh
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECQ8XIOfpK
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfEgVRzHFS
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hZBZvOnfS
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DY1fJm4O8
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?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJmXO1eCr2
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYn2aJJrX3Y
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC9npM1wiAN
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTJYa0es6y
"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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46lJxOElaZ
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0DWANjD5w
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38mbSLfOOq
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.."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXHaCH57Bv
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0q6xNFd4Ts
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTv6pnyOrf
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnFwNqZX0U
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWXR16Dyic
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0oSjI4oEOE
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwy7S2Snld
【Silence...】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyJMD4UchF
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi8zDRW86i
It sounded like an unfair bet.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDW2hN1nJel
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsNpwI09OuR
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK88slCRTfu
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQK0oa9vhD
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhknTko00sn
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcViC0Ztqhu
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oHBtjtbLu
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqOGVxBnEq
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFNdoXCsg5
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFinOIBdJk
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLtjS36pjF
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P5HTsEfJW
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ894X5WpdaZ
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa6rq9AlaD
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LSCVlFDhB
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aggoJpoeg
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?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZTABXer2r
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki0v7QTwLC
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMek1Onqu6
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp39x6iLDzI
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLzsDYAtcY
”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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhty9tndDr
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3A65ox62v
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLRZZELElfW
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi8H00mBQh
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?”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaq64cV9kx
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFmzzpbdA6
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFrN140unko
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDqlfqRaUK
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrH03Sgr4A
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo2t7a9YMM
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYmW8XQ5o1
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDsk9hwJtH
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkG2uNBJWp
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbzAvsUiYc
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8AunRPIWP
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcuEQDLdyLa
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZB75vfUfTM
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTighzM4cbm
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBxS3g16sP
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpsiDbXJW4
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3stoqWgRd
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXwGpDcYQX
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAatqjQuLX
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIA2iVPpuE
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa6pcQcURp
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzldwqpgHMR
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaRsJLRjTK
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ueACBuhWF
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5YeFSWRQwT
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnltUZynv8
「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~"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPeyDAWAno
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLCSXP9SSK
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCEAPQ94HW
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmnrNYWvuP
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19bjwno7Oc
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FfMOr1QsG
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCJR0zHwdq
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfkOcczC3Q
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEBb4AsGPw
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmY42a6aBYe
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQh7cLAcBu
Of course, there 【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Vl24Ze3mw
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7Tfjyiq15
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtpEqOqW9t
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8szLjx9iBT
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2auYlqZhje
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID65fB06wQ
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPuUdeW9Dp
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpuWKowsmd
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9csbu7eOP
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMeo1MFwA5
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSnq8EzNRy
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYye0zq9uH2
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9hY9WxJUp
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLOvashSP7
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JsMUn1Jg4
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPhJIcpm0b
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...
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8tywdKqJW
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1X5LKwE08H
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2HDIH8cS8
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCAdt3WRVf
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlqaET1ouTB
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0nDRmnENC
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq554dJbSl
Yes, it all started that very night.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXH78hJXOo
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQLdSIFDuj
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHsrhTLEsw
People were laughing..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EPGZP30wE
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLflaH1dHCJ
"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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYUOepFAXEw
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaxZ99kvIS
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVDy6nlVzP
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjzHUkcOXm
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ3Zu4b3Mh
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukW7xwf7t7
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRJm3OmWsU
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSx38BjDwFT
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11SwnGpB4N
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1esO3CShN4
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?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RQoroWQKY
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg66p2ejRhA
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdsrfUp56E
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnuKHWCOWH
"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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDEoR0BY8o
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWudH1f885q
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhtMrGsdHS
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.."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHxBmaZp75
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdUnOYoEa5
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnq3BgGYIV
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIHKiKz0pg
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteKOwDzga3
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXJfeLC2qN
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kMNoOCSdI
【Silence...】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGLP83la8r
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKtudOuOeE
It sounded like an unfair bet.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W0buHQi0N
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdIUa2Ykqn
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EerQC8LdT
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lKIGP6ukV
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlTA6DP2mM
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcZRjSC5pa
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzJDZ95yBw
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJc2Dg9YqG
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G3UtFdkgK
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2GSFQO742
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB79QEl4fYR
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhRkhOE0PP
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TVL68RlPm
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIzjQ38vu9
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFS0J6Nppa
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQxxQ7m9YW
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?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TFJwdMVKd
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFxXrt38D6
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoctkIWN5d
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zb2CFA2lw
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4qa2cft6K
”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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQwWP1fCVP
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBgJF4EQco
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMmUCZOI7a
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0L4fkVqQWi
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?”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMqRxl58P4
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKIcaTOSLR
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jN06I7Hmg
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQCSI0snUs
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy97u3gUqp
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MFt8vOJus
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmx2TQ0lKEQ
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."
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVXlooABA8
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA8AYQAA1U
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbsM9oCAH6
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UxuMS9QRP
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhn5ykdJ0s
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPp1KHHYm3
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpciInnSmLh
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAS5Rp4peoX
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19aEFGCrj1
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMOxj7PKhRZ
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCCPnRNWBP
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSxvF5xuBC
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqygMMwYPzT
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyleTOoPmH
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB9692x7TkV
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwM9wWLLBN
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKQnD0EeRI
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6QPIIAUXH
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmOEfZk6te
「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~"
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGhXCZ5zdX
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7FyJjo5Jg
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHVr7UxgpT
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCzI8aNCpz
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgzsQv2cJ7
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCae19mryL
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCnSjcFq8g
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡftB3awQpWE
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic7LDZu4Q9
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.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZN4Tr3PYuG
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTXXTSc9QB
Of course, there was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3IrzVC4lv
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:
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfE5jHpHtFS
【Do you want to try your luck against me?】
572Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoHfvF0XvZ
【Sandwich - END】was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
ns216.73.216.82da2
