The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 87
The place Shaelock took me to was a gambling den located in an alley.
From the outside, it was nothing but a shabby hut.
“Put this on your face.”
She handed me a mask. It was a mask that covered half of my face.
It must be a rule created by those who, even if they roll around together in a place like a gambling den, cannot reveal their true identities.
‘How absurd.’
Are they worried about getting caught gambling openly? If they know it’s illegal, they shouldn’t be doing it.
The inside of the hut was set up like a regular pub.
One peculiar thing was that everyone here was also wearing masks.
Shaelock approached a man standing in the middle of the bar, observing the people, and handed him something like a square card.
It seemed to be an ID that allows entry into this place.
They wouldn’t accept just anyone as a member.
“Please wait a moment.”
The staff took our cards to a machine behind the counter and inserted the IDs into it.
‘Do counterfeit bill machines look like that?’
Seeing a machine that seemed quite advanced, the story about counterfeit bills from this place seemed more credible.
After a moment, there was a “ding” sound, and the IDs came back out of the machine.
“Welcome.”
Returning the cards to us, the staff politely greeted us and led us to a space behind the curtain on the counter wall.
Behind the curtain was a massive door.
As the door creaked open, a luxurious space with gilded columns was revealed.
“One more card!”
“Exchange more money here!”
The raucous voices of nobles who had thrown aside their elegant façades could be heard. It was no different from a pub.
‘When they reveal their true nature, they’re all the same.’
It was a moment that made me realize once again how absurd the class system was.
The lavishly decorated gambling den was undoubtedly high-class. Despite its outward appearance of being plastered with money, the space reeked of various cigarettes, incense, and alcohol, leaving a poor impression on me.
In the end, I covered my nose.
Next to me, Shaelock shrugged her shoulders.
I was surprised to see she didn’t seem to mind at all.
“Hmm, shall we try this game first?”
I blinked at her.
“Before meeting Marquis Shepherd, we need to get a sense of what’s going on here.”
“Do you have money?”
“Of course I do.”
She pulled out a wad of cash from her waistband. Shaelock whispered softly.
“Don’t worry, we’ll recover it all later anyway.”
Seeing her determination, it seemed she would go to the ends of the earth to get it back.
Her resolute demeanor was reassuring.
It made me proud to know she was the princess of this empire.
In an instant, the money was exchanged for colorful chips.
“Here, you should try it too.”
She divided the chips into two piles and handed one to me.
“I’ll join as well.”
A familiar voice came from beside me.
‘Where have I heard that voice before?’
Turning my head, I saw a man with striking silver hair and a mask.
The mask, encrusted with jewels, suited him perfectly.
Strange. Why does he seem familiar? I tried to recall the voice but gave up.
Eh, it must be my imagination.
“Then let’s start the game.”
“Wait a moment.”
Another unfamiliar hand intruded.
As I looked up, I saw a mask dusted with fine pearl powder in a delicate golden hue.
Though the face was completely hidden, there was an overwhelming presence.
This person wore a cloak of a soft material that resembled clouds.
With their body shape obscured, it was impossible to tell if they were male or female.
…Could it be? I was uncertain.
This person wore a mask that covered their entire face, making it impossible to discern any features.
Yet, I recognized the build and voice the moment I heard it.
A chill ran down my spine.
I knew exactly who the owner of that voice was.
Thud. Somewhere, a biting sound echoed.
“I’ll join the game too.”
The voice, an enchanting mix of sweet and clear tones, confirmed my suspicion.
I inwardly screamed.
‘No, why is Hedonia here?’
* * *
Think positively.
After all, I needed to talk to Hedonia separately anyway.
In this place, away from the Apharantes estate, it seemed much easier to find time to talk alone.
It didn’t look like there were people hanging around Hedonia either.
But what would he think seeing me here?
Did he realize that the person who came with me was Shaelock?
Would he think I was goofing off instead of going to the palace?
I had to explain somehow.
“Alright, so there are four of us.”
Whether she realized the gravity of the situation or not, Shaelock looked at the dealer with a calm face.
“Let’s begin.”
The dealer nodded.
“Then, let’s start.”
Before I could say anything, the game began.