"So where is our base going to be?"
"…"
"Would we have new uniforms? What colour would they be?"
Julien kept jumping from one place to another, pestering me with nonstop questions as we made our way towards our next target.
I must say, this guy sure likes to talk a lot.
Before, he was scared of me, which might have restrained his inner nature.
But now I feel regret for letting him be so casual with me.
The boss is supposed to be respected a little, right?
This guy just thinks we are planning some school trip, with kids in tow.
Although I respect his ability to adapt to the situation, isn't it a little too fast?!
"Can you walk in a straight path, dude!"
I held Julien by the arm, ignoring the looks the passersby were giving us.
We sure looked like some idiots.
As we walked, the street became even more crowded, because we were headed towards the gambling den of Tamyr.
If I go by the game's events, Arthur should own one of the casinos here.
He had settled here in the hope of curing his daughter.
You can't underestimate a father's love for his daughter. And someone like Arthur could be called an ideal version of what a parent should be like.
Against all odds, he never abandoned his daughter.
Never considered her a liability.
Unlike Kael's family, who, according to Kael's biased memories, had completely forgotten his existence.
A disgrace—that is what they called him.
Sigh.
Being an orphan on Earth, I was the last one to comment on what a family is.
We halted before what could be called a skyscraper building, with air that screamed money.
Only the rich could be seen here, guards accompanying them.
We were no different.
Even Julien looked like some rich, spoiled brat with the clothes that I had bought him.
At the entrance, two imposing guards stood, with huge spears at their sides.
One wrong move, and those spears would make quite a spectacle of our bodies.
Not that I was willing to find out.
I paid the regular entry fee, which was ridiculous for being called regular.
This was exploitation in broad daylight.
Ignoring the ache in my heart caused by the massive loss of money, I stepped inside the casino.
As X, I owned many such casinos on Earth, but this one still had its own unique charm.
It existed, but was hard to describe.
The air made you feel like spending more.
Some type of spell?!
These swindlers!
There was a hum in the air, with coins clinking and machines chiming with wins and losses bound by luck or whatever trick there was.
I made my way towards one of the tables, with Julien following closely behind.
He looked like a lost puppy.
Even I was overwhelmed by the sheer wealth that was displayed here.
"Don't space out!"
I smacked Julien's head to bring him out of his daze.
My strategist really needs to be trained a lot in matters of wealth. I can't have him spacing out every time he sees money around him.
It's embarrassing to even imagine.
As I sat on one of the chairs to play, Julien took a seat beside me.
Just close enough to be seen together, but not as a participant—just an observer.
The people at the table briefly glanced at us, and the game began.
Little did they know, they were dealing with the devil himself.
I needed to at least cover the entrance fees for this casino.
Heeh!
The game went on for a while…
***
Long story short, I became a millionaire in the shortest time possible.
Tsk.
Only if those people weren't scared like chickens and hadn't dropped the game midway.
The fun part had just begun.
Julien was currently handling my hard-earned money.
The kid was quite focused, keeping all the money close to his chest.
Like anyone would rob us here.
Still, we attracted some attention.
Was it troublesome?
No!
Did I expect something like this to happen?
Guess?
The authorities in charge made their way towards us.
It was natural after I nearly won all the rounds. These people couldn't just stay silent if they wanted to peacefully run their business.
After all, each of my opponents was on the verge of crying.
Haa… these kids!
If I wanted to meet the boss, I had to make myself known in a respectable way.
Right?
One of the men in a white shirt and a long black coat approached us, with two intimidating guards at his sides.
"Sir, sorry for the disturbance, but the owner of the den has called for you. I hope, if you aren't busy, a meeting could be scheduled right now?"
The tone may be polite, but the message wasn't.
If you want to live, follow me!That's what I heard.
In my mind, of course.
Before I could respond, Julien stepped forward."Yes, we would be happy to meet him. Please lead the way."
My Butler!
He sure has learned some serious skills. I liked his confidence.
"And yes… arrange some refreshments for my lord. The services here seem a bit dull."
"…"
"…"
Maybe a little too confident.