Around three in the afternoon, the long "gamble" finally drew to a close.
The butler became the winner, as expected, taking possession of Lord Olga's notebook and Lady Inesha's pop-up book.
In addition, there were two large checks, intended as "hush money" for what was to come.
Once he integrated and digested their two 'Stories,' he would perform a simple little ritual to complete his eighth Transcendence and become a Deputy, just one step away from a Saint.
"Alright, congratulations, old friend. I hope we're both still alive the next time we meet."
Lord Olga spoke with a fair amount of grace, but his face was pale and he was grimacing. It was hard to say whether it was from the pain of his loss or the physical discomfort of losing his 'Story'.
Lady Inesha, equally pale and grimacing, was much more direct:
"I can't be bothered with pleasantries. I just want to go have a private meeting with my little cutie right now."
The butler spread his hands and replied,
