【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOA1Xt8mx9s
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZI2emfD4hz
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtq7cbpEFNx
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpiGRHnOJD
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T7cCf4NhX
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzJkfLdK3U
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dbrLExOsJ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9QUrIUFuB
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyyHE6MESS
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KJkTFaa4y
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinQuukvRS1
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC89hE1nRp
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZKlcWlqAd
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTW00U4BFcE
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNXcK9a3o4
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYcGUIIxsN
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...
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tdSKohXYM
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7cjPzJ8oj
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8dcF7SjpJ
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyGbStFUkK
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgaFOANM7y
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjThMk4RAF
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8e4V63rA6
Yes, it all started that very night.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDdm9UbJdG
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Xj7XunK6R
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJ4YxTaYkO
People were laughing..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDA3E1U3M6
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPKblmPB02
"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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7SQfDWc52
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMC1CF5Omla
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AVCJskdMS
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeT3VscoYK
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJQMPqVgky
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXu2L8wmHea
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6O6fqfTXw
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRJUOA376B
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQiboGMtU3
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFYlZERNxP
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?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskybclZp2x
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMM1yvOcJsB
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlUM0s5byi
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh39XedJeH
"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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1LBSZEwHe
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlirsNArE6
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWuUJpqCGj
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.."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9udkuU04r
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaUfAIbLxJ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhimZoQodIC
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVtgCZYzrs
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwVFbuoAbN
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pVZKQV1cV
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjuylATSRf
【Silence...】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8UGBZt5Lt
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcLmGIPxv9
It sounded like an unfair bet.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPO1mVNKfdv
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YaHJhSwes
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tZbL1QESY
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhPTaUVZXO
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVfIY2vVe5
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KugO5zqGi
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggdna9tizR
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9r35q2JqMV
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGA10gUBC7
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6DEoWAsQt
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXMytb5jAZ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVCnVzgX9R
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IV2hGJFeO
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVvFpOTtVA
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y6tGtXz90
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjQDpmS0kF
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?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsO5zmWkIXb
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGkugapoR4
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iFwMiq9ob
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDny15iqlO
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGgXMTI8iM
”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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnPLAynGgE
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXTzft3BAo
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmX8MIWa1c
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEll6cnXoXt
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?”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvEeKvOb7R
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRT3xWzcIk
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54dz6J0AsO
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Uha0pWnNt
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGPrQQsUMm
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDMoC8wX3I
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizRNTzRxxA
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihBp1CB2s4
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Y7k67W0SB
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6J1Mq5axA
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15dQiRnypi
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIjkNFxNJn
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjwBaBgpvZ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42I0eGVcHZ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhKwoSpi22
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z42P1NW3Y
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn1PeHKQBh
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSptgmucAq
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wWZUFawjo
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5i8WUSff7
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OhRdGjj1k
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡut5OPFkNhn
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJnaGzr9MX
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0T9rmlr0p
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uSpX49oSH
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNywoan3B2x
「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~"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPswCG1NKhk
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnKwHTRFTf
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeArDvmbgi9
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ3KFwFpFT
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmjjUjSmKp
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtP5ewHvGu
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxCmyCCrqa
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RKGPKWyTx
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡITXBNQZq81
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45r7fIGaIX
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuVu6kNMeW
Of course, there 【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYnQB5VpU7
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdM4LxbOtz
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQdSXzY8wcT
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29cVbDDtuP
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdoIy1uwwX
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPvCiLVwWE
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtVQq7ZWSp
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlOjoUNgJ7
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO9wONya8J
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7XKPr2Gse
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60w03Sr57U
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdy55hmbb3
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjiyDxORtoZ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEaw6Ij4bD
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4WDETCQQI
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNjvzLEP6E
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...
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiaaWwXoKd
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKj4NZ0y6an
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqZE0tjkbk
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnYP52KyNN
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2c6GVpzBz
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oK3AZzHt6
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28iquCpuBP
Yes, it all started that very night.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbKp64L6p7
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYb5YPW2l2
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgbUnu14AM
People were laughing..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXQEZSrHv4
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQIhEbHuJs
"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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsi0hKysMSZ
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBDUcz4VLd
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gCmON87NQ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJACdiiI6S4
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChY2mAV2GJ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5caI03iBI7
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTPL1X0lbx
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0KRt1bnLp
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHKft7SKG9
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1BvNpyxzp
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?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkKa6xuUbf
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMsyWugZlF
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8tJj34T56
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvUIBcqDYF
"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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMvDPR2tTm
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjAhfG8TNz
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHohPn76ijy
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.."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBszbrkapUH
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOhUYcxDGE
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooq8jXFbZZ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNm2Nr0IDn3
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPIqRQ5mpt
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVfxEKk1fJ
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZcMHQNkVS2
【Silence...】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5pa7sUHfuD
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioIqmG3kZE
It sounded like an unfair bet.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ28ZrlBlpki
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEflssHxQqn
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3fOLmAIRHL
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELrCz1LMQu
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmulU5ljDgb
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTQda0Fvog
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IwqU4JehO
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsBT943naO
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaXiRo4T50
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ixgg6PZCR
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwOEZZQiDq
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwpTrEj7rI
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAD44qXykcQ
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsZs6qkKtr
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2z3YDQzSGc
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEVbwEOusm
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?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbyFpeERK2
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3fmz0pzfa
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyNxsQPrLS
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWkgjcz3Q2
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVgIN5r6LVu
”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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgLrsJmwJI
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKJtFjtG8F
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJD5yM38TvO
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zNIuS4ph1
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?”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo3mS3x2h4
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjVYigMIiD
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygcMiifuyn
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLheAVhD4gC
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mZKfrXlk2
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGg7xESyrIr
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSv1D23gC3
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."
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwx7AA23scV
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwPEI5HyV
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbDOOtxqE7X
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc90KvEx81
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkl1sAZKMQ
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzhTr3ctvr
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57q9EhHxhK
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO005GGv2ym
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b7Xq5pGTL
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8g6z6gbmQ
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC5v1ELFCU
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBVY3vItvs
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3srGlDpnS
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGIPZmTAQO
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdvUJi0lD8
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZI3aZkLw4
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNaI9mqcFQ
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsnJ36bFM5
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡllaAe8Ryb0
「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~"
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq2LWgSqbuk
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBtRqhZwam
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59wNW9CuDO
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmbg4AxSkx
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CKwK7NkER
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqjkiZLv1u
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBysa0DiQqH
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ94Q93WEKs
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IKufdPVeU
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.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vXvFORvYn
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLEG3ZGElE
Of course, there was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jokszJRWS
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:
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocmYs0TrT1
【Do you want to try your luck against me?】
515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6HfP8azxw
【Sandwich - END】was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
ns3.14.134.62da2
