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The faint scritching of a quill echoed through the otherwise silent room. In the center of the space rested a low table, upon which a petite, purple-haired lady was seated, her cerulean eyes focused intently on her work. Beside her, an elegant young man stood dutifully, his regal uniform marking him as a member of the Lugunican Royal Guard.
“And that just about does it!” Anastasia straightened a stack of papers, carefully setting them aside before extending her hands and cracking the joints of her fingers.
“You have worked quite hard today as well, Anastasia-sama.” Julius bowed as he took hold of the stack, carrying the papers to a nearby cabinet and filing them away. “Truly, your boundless work ethic never ceases to amaze me.”
“Fufu…Well a gal can’t rest on her laurels, not with the others knippin’ at her heels!” Anastasia smiled, delicately placing her hand over her mouth in a ladylike gesture. “But I don’t mind letting ya cajole me a bit.”
“I meant every word with the utmost sincerity, my lady, but of course, you are correct.” Julius returned a smile, returning to her side as they both gazed out, appreciating the view beyond the window.
The two currently resided in the watergate city of Priestella. More specifically, the expansive guestroom of the Seasylph Lodge, a traditional Wafuu-style ryokan. One side of the room was dominated by large, wide windows, offering a panoramic view more akin to that of a veranda. Outside, the rays of the afternoon sun bathed a zen garden, casting a warm glow over carefully sculpted trees, well-trimmed greenery, and artistically raked gravel.
Indeed, the day seemed far too beautiful to waste on just paperwork, but it could not be helped. Anastasia had invited three of her competitors from the Royal Selection to Priestella for something of a get-together, and it would reflect poorly on her if the preparations were anything less than perfect.
But now that said preparations were complete…..
“Ahh, that’s enough of bein’ a couple of homebodies.” Anastasia suddenly exclaimed, breaking Julius out of his devoted gaze towards Anastasia the garden. “How long has it been since we’ve gone on an outing? Just the two of us as ourselves, enjoyin’ the sights, none of that Royal Selection business?”
Julius’s eyes widened in surprise. “Just over a year, Anastasia-sama.” He closed his eyes momentarily, savoring the taste of that sour appa, or rather, its associations. “It is a cherished memory, and I would be more than happy to accompany you once again.”
“Then I’m sure you’ll cherish waitin’ for a bit like last time, won’t ya?” She rolled her eyes at such over-the-top flattery, then turned toward a private closet to change.
“Always and forever, my lady.”
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And so, the two found themselves in a familiar stroll, this time across the streets of Priestella rather than Lugunica.
"Forgive me for saying so, but I would be remiss if I didn't express my gratitude for the privilege of being graced once again with your beauty in those clothes."
So too was Anastasia’s kinomo attire, reminiscent of their first outing, while the wearer herself donned a faint blush.
“You oh you… still at it after a year… and seems like ya gotten a bit cheekier too?”
Even the banter that played out was familiar, though among the changes…
“Though not like yer one to talk… As expected, a handsome man’s a handsome man no matter what he wears, that’s for darn sure.”
Julius smiled gracefully at her approval. “It is an honor to receive your praise.” He too donned Kararagian robes of vibrant light shades, his royal knight sword concealed expertly within the folds.
The streets of Priestella were serene as the steady hum of daily life carried on around them. Merchants peddling their goods. Families strolling along the canals. Children laughing as they played near the water’s edge.
The canals themselves seemed like veins of life running through the city, providing both transportation and a unique aesthetic. Dragon-drawn boats glided gracefully through pristine waters, their scales shimmering as they caught the afternoon light.
“Did ya know many merchants back home still consider Priestella rightfully Kararagian?” Anastasia mused thoughtfully. “Even just ignorin’ how beautiful the city is, it’s got quite the ties to Hoshin himself.”
“That is….” Julius trailed off, unsure of how to navigate this thread of conversation. As a Lugunican knight, he was all too familiar with the many border conflicts between the two nations over control of the Watergate City. The fact that he was supporting the most prominent merchant of the Kararagi city states made this all the more awkward. “... If there is anyone to carry on his legacy, I believe it is you, Anastasia-sama. As the future ruler of not just this city but all of Lugunica, I dedicate my blade, my life, and my very soul to you.”
“Oh, now yer makin’ me feel all awkward.” She slapped his arm playfully. “I wasn’t tryin’ to put ya in a tough spot. I just wanted ta confide in my knight about this feelin’ of having my work cut out for me is all!”
Indeed, simply being in the city caused a sense of grandeur akin to standing on hallowed grounds to fill her.
“But I’ll give ya full marks for that answer. As expected of the Finest Knight.” Anastasia then added playfully, for which Julius bowed gracefully.
“Now let’s get back to enjoyin’ ourselves shall we?”
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And enjoy themselves they did as they meandered through the city. Anastasia’s sharp eye pointing out the distinctive Kararagian architecture so uncommon in Lugunica. Julius, ever the scholar, offering insights into the historical significance and storied past of the older buildings.
At one point, Julius purchased an amethyst-studded hairpin from a nearby merchant, carefully helping Anastasia fasten it in her hair, his fingers brushing gently against her locks as he adjusted it. Anastasia smiled, letting out a small, slightly embarrassed laugh.
"Only the prettiest of things for the greediest of gals." She teased, admiring the way it caught the light, accenting her own purple hair. Julius could only cough awkwardly at Anastasia’s insinuation.
The two continued their leisurely exploration, stopping occasionally to watch the bustling activity along the canals. They observed the unloading of goods and people from the dragon-drawn boats, playfully speculating about the cargo and passengers.
It only seemed like moments, but the hours quickly slipped by unnoticed in the easy company of one another.
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“Oh? What do we have here?”
The two had come to a halt in front of an extravagant establishment, its facade imposing and featureless, lacking any windows. The building was crafted from dark stone, accentuated with lines of silver and purple, giving it an air of mysterious allure. Above the entrance, a massive banner hung with large, bold words, a caricature of the Divine Dragon Volcanica painted with surprising skill alongside.
Volcanica’s Fickle Fortunes
"Where the Odds Erupt and the Stakes Burn!"
“Well isn’t this quite the interestin’ establishment?” Anastasia’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she studied the figures moving up and down the steel-railed stairs leading to the entrance. The crowd was a mix of upper-class citizens and nobles. However, while their attire may have been refined, the same couldn’t be said of their anguished expressions.
“T-that was an entire month’s worth of peasant tax revenue!”
“Ahh….. from fallen nobility to a debt slave….”
“Kararagi. Yes, Kararagi sounds pleasant… But I have not even the gold left for a carriage.”
“Anastasia-sama…” Julius, catching the laments of passerby, donned a concerned expression. “This institution appears to cater to those gripped by … impulsive financial vices. Perhaps we should move along.”
“Normally I’d agree…” Anastasia trailed off before giving him a conniving smile. “But my merchant senses are tellin’ me we should take a peek!”
The Finest Knight began to open his mouth, voicing yet another objection before noticing the mischievous look in her eyes. “As you wish, my lady.”
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Anastasia and Julius made their way through the surprisingly upscale casino, the soft glow of lagmite stones casting a warm light that glinted off polished floors. The rattling of dice, shuffling of cards, clinking of coins, frequent cries of sorrow, and occasional burst of cheers reverberated through the building.
“Anast- Ana” Julius caught himself, recalling her request to go by nicknames prior to entering. “May I ask what we are doing here?” His faith in his lady was absolute, but he could not help but let some worry seep through.
“For now, wer just gonna observe. You’d be surprised by how much you can gain by sittin’ around and listenin’ carefully.” Anastasia’s reply was followed up by her cradling one of his arms and leading them both onwards with a loud exclamation.
“Oh Juli dear, I’ve never been in such a positively entertaining establishment! There are just sooo many games to play! I simply cannot decide!”
Julius suppressed his surprise as Anastasia suddenly lost her Kararagi accent in favor of a more neutral, high-handed persona before noticing her slightly jiggle her purse with a discreet wink.
“Of course Ana dear! Anything you desire! I’ve run into quite a bit of money recently, so I implore you to play to your heart’s content!“ Julius elegantly clutched his heart before grandly gesturing at their surroundings.
His arms still outstretched, Julius could only burn in silent embarrassment as everyone in the vicinity, particularly the casino staff, stared.
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“And what might this game be, good sir?”
Anastasia, still donning the air of an incredibly naive noblewoman that had barely stepped outside her glass enclosed garden, approached the dealer stationed at a table for some particular card game.
The dealer, mid-shuffle as he expertly manipulated the deck of cards in front of a few eager patrons awaiting the next game, briefly glanced up at her. “Slum Rat Ruckus, Ma’m. Do you plan to deal in?”
“What an avant-garde name… Oh, I do not know… This game looks terribly complex,” Anastasia lamented whimsically, batting her lashes at Julius. “My dear, just how much indulgence am I permitted?”
“My fair lady, please, indulge yourself as you see fit! I possess nearly-” The Finest Knight Actor caught Anastasia’s discrete gesture. “500 holy gold coins!” Julius proclaimed loudly, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
The dealer's eyes widened, as did those of the surrounding crowd. On an upper levels bannister, a man with a wolfish, predatory expression, a disposition out of place for a supposedly high-class establishment, watched the scene unfold, his gaze shrewd and calculating.
One subtle nod from the man afar sent a clear message. “Then I will explain the rules.” The dealer began, adopting a sudden air of seriousness, ignoring the ire of the players who shot nasty looks towards Anastasia for the delay. “The objective of the game is simple …”
As she listened, Anastasia idly stroked her thick white scarf, her expression meticulously crafted as one of polite boredom, her mind clearly adrift among the clouds. The game’s rules were indeed complex. Multiple players allowed including the dealer. Cards being continuously dealt out. Certain hands either worth more than others or a straight ticket to a loss. Differing stages of the game allowing further bets.
What nearly shattered her facade was the convoluted payout scheme, which hinged on a multitude of parameters: number of cards dealt, hand value, and several others. More specifically, a subtle but very consequential flaw.
“Do you understand, ma’am? If so, please specify the amount you wish to deal in.” The dealer briefed, his firm placement of the shuffled deck on the table indicative of an ultimatum.
“Oh… oh yes! I believe I do! Yes, I will bet hmmmm 1 holy gold coin!” She haphazardly slid the coin from her purse, giggling idiotically.
‘Anastasia-sama … though I am not sure what it is you are planning…. I shall hold faith regardless.’ Julius worriedly thought as she squeezed his arm reassuringly.
“Then we shall begin play.”
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“That was my son’s royal institute tuition funds!”
“No!!!!!! My third husband’s alimony!”
“Damn it! I have already thrown out that wooden box I used to live in! How shall I weather the cold, rainy nights now!”
“Dear! Juli-dear! Did you see! I won! My very first try!” Anastasia held up her winnings: 2 holy gold, 377 regular gold, 856 silver, and 929 copper coins, oblivious to the screeches of despair from the other players.
“Yes my … beloved Ana. You most certainly did.” Julius gawked at the mound of shiny metal thrust into his face.
“My, I believe the lady is most skilled in this game if I do say so myself.” The dealer commented with a wry smile. Though, the dealer was only half honest. Somebody (namely him) was certainly most skilled, tailoring their strategy so that she was most likely to win in the end, even if it meant sacrificing short-term profits for the house.
“The damn bitch wasn’t even playing! Just shouting out random calls and deals! Dumb luck I tell you!”
Genuine anger momentarily overtook Julius’s face as he stepped in front of Anastasia. While he certainly could not abide such disrespect toward her, he kept in mind the role she had asked of him.
“And yet, some say luck is a skill in itself. It is entirely inelegant to insult a lady for one’s own poor skills, especially in front of their husband.” Julius’s voice caught imperceptibly at the end. ”If you find yourselves bereft of any more funds, I suggest you make your way through the exit, so as to not disturb others.”
Fortunately, it seemed reason had quickly returned to him as the particularly nasty patron gnashed his teeth one last time and departed embarrassed, followed by his newly found comrades in impoverishment.
Glancing upwards at the bannister, the dealer quickly turned his attention back towards the undercover duo. “I truly apologize for such a distasteful display. Please understand that, by the very nature of this establishment, emotions occasionally … run hot.”
But the apology was poorly received as Anastasia turned away in mock distress. “Boo-hoo, I was oh so looking forward to playing more … but I am afraid the fear of such an incident reoccuring has paralyzed me. Perhaps if the environment were to change….”
The dealer’s eyes widened as his mark began to slip away. “O-of course! As recompense, I wish to invite you to our VIP lounge, reserved for only the most esteemed of patrons!”
“Will I run the risk of playing with such boorish fellows?” She wiped away a fake tear, her face, to the dealer’s inner delight, naively hopeful.
“Of course not! In fact, we have a guest, a nobleman in fact, currently queued for a game of only two players! A true gentleman indeed! If you would simply follow me…”
As he turned his back to lead the way, Anastasia’s lips curled into a deep smile as she winked at Julius before pulling him along.
“Such is the fate of a retainer, subject to his liege’s whims and wishes…” Julius murmured with a mixture of anxiety and amusement.
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“What a relief! You certainly were not lying! My opponent certainly seems to be of respectable noble stock!” Julius only just managed to stifle a smirk as Anastasia poured flattery over the man seated across from her, nefarious demeanor striking to all but apparently her.
Indeed, this was the very same man observing the two as they loudly proclaimed their recent wealth. Wealth that, alas, was ephemeral now that they had caught the attention of the proprietor of this very establishment.
The man’s wolfish grin only deepened. Were those cerulean eyes only for decoration? Perhaps the elegant man next to him had quite the penchant for bimbos. Fortunately, he would do the grace of teaching him the high cost of poor taste.
“And you, my lady, are quite the radiant flower yourself. Quite intelligent and skilled as well, so I have heard. Regardless, it would be unmanly of me to back down.” The man replied smoothly as the dealer began shuffling the deck, the latter abstaining from joining in the play as he typically would.
As the first hand was dealt face down on the table, he straightened his tie and adjusted the collar of his suit. For the briefest moment, his neck was exposed, just enough for Anastasia to catch a glimpse, her eyes sharpening almost imperceptibly. An intricate tattoo of a set of scales etched into his skin.
“Oho, you must be very brave! I warn you! Apparently, I am quite the natural genius at this game!” Anastasia gave a ditzy smile, her eyes twinkling mysteriously.
“Then we shall begin play.”
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As a general tenet of chivalry, a knight was duty bound to fight his lady’s battles, a principle which currently pricked Julius’s conscience. Anastasia had ordered him to stand down and stand by as she fought this battle of wits. And even if she had done otherwise, he would surely only disappoint. Card games, gambling in general really, were not his forte. After all, given his status as the Finest Knight, why would such vices be? Whatever his lady was scheming, he could do nothing but maintain a dignified presence by her side.
“It is now round 15.” The dealer proclaimed simply while shuffling the remainder of the near-depleted combined 3 decks for play. “Do either of you wish to raise and draw to strengthen your hand?”
The man could only grin internally, as he had carefully kept track of the cards dealt as well as the betting amounts for each round for both players. While he was uncertain which cards dealt to his opponent were kept and which were discarded, it ultimately didn’t matter. He had constructed a hand of high cards, a reliable, albeit general strategy, and was certain mostly low valued cards were left. His calculated chances of winning were high, above 75%.
He looked up at Anastasia who was donning an expression of clear dismay.
“Juli dear …. I am not so sure if you can continue to indulge me… ” She turned towards him, her tone dripping with desperation.
“It is true that your stake is already quite close to 100 holy gold coins…” Julius swallowed, deciding to play things safe by offering a neutral, obvious statement.
The man, undercover proprietor he was, tapped his foot subtly.
“Ahem,” the dealer cleared his throat, his voice smooth and deliberate. “In honor of such two esteemed guests, the house is pleased to offer a special opportunity. The winner of this game shall receive a multiple of their winnings, calculated according to the total number of cards dealt. At present, this amounts to approximately 500 holy gold coins.”
Julius’s eyes widened at such an absurd amount. He was no fool, understanding that this cajolery was merely an attempt to goad Anastasia into raising. Obviously, her opponent was likely working with the establishment, hoping to swindle them of their money.
“500 holy gold coins!” Anastasia turned to Julius in excitement, sneaking in a mischievous wink. “I….I am certain I can win, if I just draw a few more cards! Please!”
His throat tightened as he struggled to eke out a response. Julius’s faith had long found where it belonged, and he was certain of her victory. However, he was still only human, his heart aching at the mere thought of possibly losing 100 holy gold coins.
“...Yes, Ana dear. I believe in you with all my heart.” Even giving out a strained smile as to really sell the act.
“Then I draw …” Anastasia dramatically pointed at her opponent. “Until it is my win!”
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“Well, that’s just how life goes sometimes, ain’t it? Betcha weren’ expectin’ that, were ya?”
Anastasia shrugged as she laid down her final constructed hand: triples of a consecutive sequence of low cards.
“Hk!”
“Guh!”
Both the dealer and Anastasia’s opponent, the proprietor, choked on their own spit as her superior hand swept the former’s hodgepodge of high card tuples into the dustbins of defeat.
“H-how!” He jabbed a furious finger at her. “Y-you must have cheated! Yes! You were tricking me!”
Julius stepped forward in caution as Anastasia only smiled innocently. “Now how can I possibly be cheatin’ or trickin’ ya? Dealer-san over there made darn sure the decks weren’ stacked. And I don’ recall ever doin’ anythin’ to ya except playing?”
“T-that!” The man stuttered, his face red, unable to find a proper retort.
“Now if ya don’ mind, our winnin’s?” Anastasia clasped her hands together, head tilted and smiling mercilessly, as she turned towards the dealer. “Or do I hafta report to the commerce chamber that this is the sorta business that doesn’t pay its dues?”
The proprietor abandoned all pretenses, shooting a dark glare at the dealer, who quickly scurried away. Moments later, he returned with a sizable, ornate pouch, its contents gleaming with holy gold coins.
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“Ahh, now that was gosh darn fun, wasn’t it!” Anastasia laughed carefreely, jingling her raised earnings to her ear. “Did ya see their faces! Their veins looked about’a burst!”
The two were once again strolling down the streets of Priestella, having been “kindly” escorted from the premises.
“You wouldn’t return here if you knew what was good for you.” One of the bouncers had growled threateningly.
“I believe our definitions of fun may be somewhat different, Anastasia-sama, but I am happy you enjoyed yourself.” His nerves now having sufficiently relaxed, Julius smiled wryly.
“Oh, lighten up, Julius! From the way you were actin’, I thought you’d have a heart attack.” She chuckled. “Besides, I can tell yer curious, so go ahead and ask!”
“With your permission, my lady.” He gave a slight bow. “I gather that our little act in the beginning was to draw the attention of less honorable individuals hoping to take advantage of what they believed to be easy marks.”
“How astute! As expected of my knight.” Anastasia confirmed with casual praise.
“You honor me. However, I do not understand how you were assured of your victories, both against the regular patrons and what I assume to be the proprietor of that establishment, particularly in a game mostly dependent on chance.”
There was certainly strategy to be had in such a game, Julius understood that much. However, cards were still dealt out randomly. One could never be sure of what one would get in later rounds or any regrets one might have in discarding previous cards when constructing a hand. Combining that with the cards of other players, their random choices, and the varying amounts of money staked…..
“Oh yer certainly right, there’s quite the bit of randomness like ya said.” She placed the money away in her purse, patting it with great care. “But that doesn’ mean ya can’t count what cards have and haven’ been in play. And if ya can do that, keepin’ track of possible hands’ an obvious next step. Couplin’ that with the pot, calculating yer expected earnings ain’t a bridge too far. And with how the game was structured, ya can strategize yer own bettin’s so, on average, ya always come out on top!”
“Anastasia-sama… you cannot possibly mean….” Julius could only gawk at her implication. If it was true, then she truly was…
Anastasia stuck her tongue out cutely at him. “What? Doubtin’ yer master after all that?”
“No! Of course not.” He dropped to one knee. “I was simply in awe of your memory and mathematical prowess! I am reminded every day that I was not wrong in swearing my fealty to yo--”
“Geez, I was just teasin’ ya! I get it, so get up, get up!” She embarrassedly slapped his shoulder. “And just so ya know, that proprietor was also countin’ cards.”
Surprised at this revelation, Julius stood up straightly. “So he held a modicum of skill as well. Coupled with his vulgar desire to prey upon the naive… If so, how did you defeat him?”
“From the way he was playin’, it was obvious he wasn’t keepin’ track of all the cards dealt individually. He was simply categorizin’ them into low and high cards before makin’ his own calculations. Good enough for swindlin’ yer average passerby, but not enough fer me.”
Anastasia beamed smugly. “Ya can’ be the greatest merchant in Kararagi and take on Hoshin’s name without bein’ a stickler for details!”
“My lady… you are truly a prodigy, and I would love to continue extolling your praises, but it seems we may have a situation…” Stepping hastily to her side protectively, Julius kept one arm within his robes, hand grasped to the handle of his knight sword.
“Ahh…. Bout time they made their move. Shame I was right.” Anastasia muttered to a somewhat confused Julius. “Well, I’ll explain later. Let’s move ta a more secluded spot right here. Don’t wanna disturb everybody else.”
Still on high alert, Julius was dragged by her to a side alleyway.
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“We saw you two walking outta that gambling den all happy and shit. Looks like you struck it big. Sure you don’t mind sharing some of that luck with us?” A real brute of a man, flanked with 4 other thugs, stood in front of Julius and Anastasia, blocking the only entry into the alleyway. “Might even let you go with only a few bruises if you do!” The brute licked his dagger with flourish as the rest sniggered nastily.
At first glance, the situation seemed straightforward. It was only natural that ruffians and thieves would linger near gambling dens, waiting for an opportunity to prey on the fortunate few. Julius and Anastasia, for their part, had made no effort to conceal their success.
“If only people like ya could put half as much effort into more productive endeavors than runnin’ yer hands through other people’s things.” Anastasia only sighed exasperated, seemingly unperturbed with the precarious situation.
Julius spread his hands out in flourish, donning a regal tone. “I would advise you gentlemen to cease your harassment. So far, you have not done anything irreversible. Leave now, engage in earnest introspection, and reform yourselves as upstanding citizens.”
‘Talk about fannin’ the flames…’ Anastasia could only chuckle at Julius words, words no doubt spoken sincerely but would only rile them up.
Predictably, the brute’s face, surprising all, somehow transformed into something even more brutish. “We gotta real pretty-boy here, don’t we? Looking down at us like you’re so high and mighty. Yeah, I’ve decided. I’m gonna carve you up. Ain’t no amount of money gonna fix you. We’ll even make your lady-friend watch.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot allow that to happen. I take great pride in my face as she considers it one of my strong points.” Julius narrowed his eyes, his knees bending, clearly about to propel him forward. “I have given you fair warning which you have regrettably ignored.”
“Ah, Julius!” He turned back as Anastasia called to his back. “Leave ‘em conscious. I got a few things I want ta ask ‘em... Now go get ‘em!”
He smiled and dashed forward with the speed of an arrow.
“Fuck him up boys!” The brute bellowed before lunging in a stab.
Julius, however, sidestepped his arm with ease before painfully grasping it and flipping the near 400-pound man over his shoulder, dazing him as his head crashed into the cobblestone.
“Shi-!” “Just charge him all at once!”
Shocked at such a frightening display of speed and skill, the four other thugs stared for a second before regaining their wits. However, a second was all Julius needed before he was on them.
“URGH!” One thug had his feet swept out underneath him by a long leg, Julius’s other leg arcing down onto his abdomen before his body even contacted the ground.
“Bwah! “Gah!” Two others’ had their breaths knocked out of them with precise strikes to their diaphragm before Julius grabbed both of their heads, discombobulating them with their collision.
“Fuck this! I’m outta he- AGHH!” The final thug made an attempt to escape the alleyway, nearly crashing into a lady passerby before being grabbed and thrown back in, hitting a wall with a sickening crunch.
“Apologies, my good lady, official knight business.” Julius politely explained as the lady nodded fearfully and hurried away.
As he reappeared in the alleyway, Anastasia could only watch in admiration at Julius’s handiwork. All five thugs lay slumped on the ground, dazed and unconscious, as she let out a low whistle.
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“Alright, get yer wits about ya, we don’ have all day now.” Anastasia snapped her fingers in front of the brutes face as he, along with his compatriots, began to wake from their stupor.
“Ughhh….” The brute’s eyes blinked openly slowly. “Y-you bitch! You’ve got no idea who you’re dealin with, you’re absolutely fu- hk!”
His voice caught as he noticed Julius grip his sword with a sharp, audible “chhk”, now worn openly as a clear sign of intimidation.
“Oh I think I have a pretty good idea who yer workin’ fer, but I want ta hear from you. Who knows? Cooperate, and ya might get away with just spendin’ a few weeks in a cell.” Anastasia then grinned with venomous sweetness. “Or…..”
“Or you can be charged with attempted assault on the Royal Candidate, Anastasia Hoshin, in full view of a Royal Guard Knight. I believe you understand the severity of such a crime.” Julius finished gravely.
By now, all the thugs were awake, visibly trembling. “N-no! The boss didn’t say anything about no candidate!” one stammered, panic clear in his voice.
“Well so far it was just Juli and Ana on a wonderful secret outin’, but if we don’ get what we want..” Anastasia exaggeratedly bemoaned, shaking her head, eyes closed.
“Volcanica’s Fickle Fortunes! The gambling den! T-they told us you guys cheated and wanted us to steal the winnings back! M-make it look like a robbery! I swear, that’s all we know!” The brute blurted out, the other four nodding vigorously. “Please! We never knew anything about any nobles or candidates! We’d never have done it if we had known!”
“Are you implying that were the victims commoners, you would have gone through with such a crime?” Julius raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.
“T-thats not…”
Anastasia only rolled her eyes. “Now see, that wasn’ so hard was it? Well I don’t want ta waste anymore time on these small fry. What do you think, Juli dear?”
“I concur Ana…. I believe it would do these gentlemen some good to cool their heads in the jails for some time.”
Everyone’s nose wrinkled at the stench of ammonia as one of the thugs’ relief extended beyond just his mental state.
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“Once again, on behalf of the Council of Ten, you have my thanks in this matter Anastasia-sama.” Kiritaka bowed his head as the trio stood outside Volcanica’s Fickle Fortune. As before, a crowd had gathered near the establishment, but this time, it was not the usual gamblers. Instead, Priestella’s city guards marched the employees in chains down the stairs, their sour procession drawing the onlookers’ gaze.
“Well, I’ll be convertin’ yer gratitude to a favor soon enough, what with Emilia-san arrivin’ soon! In the meantime, don’t feel too down. Hoshin’s always championed entrepreneurship and ease of business, so shady businesses are bound ta pop up every now and then in Priestella.”
“It’s as you say, Anastasia. Now if you’ll pardon me, I must file the proper reports to the commerce chamber.” With another, final bow, Kiritaka hurried away.
“Shall we return?” Anastasia held out an arm to Julius who took it with elegant grace.
As they walked back to the Seasylph Lodge under the sunset glow, Julius felt a twinge of guilt as a certain thought crossed his mind.
“Anastasia-sama, if I may ask … did you know that that establishment was an unlicensed casino?”
Anastasia paused before walking over to a nearby fruit merchant while flashing a teasing, playful smile.
“Fufu - is that your roundabout way of askin’ whether the real purpose of our outtin’ was just to bust that gamblin’ den?”
“Two appas if ya don’t mind.” Anastasia turned back to the merchant, slipping a few copper coins into his hand, while Julius bit the inside of his cheek, a slight blush on his cheeks given how easily he'd been seen through. A conceited part of him had indeed thought Anastasia simply wanted to spend some leisure time with him. A "date" as a certain brash friend of his might call it.
“To answer yer question, I really did just want a stroll across this beautiful city with ya.” She walked back, taking a small bite of an appa. “I’ve got a pretty good grasp of all the major businesses in this city, so comin’ across that fancy place I’ve never heard of, not ta mention that business helpin’ Felt-chan with that lil’ riot in Flanders? I just knew somethin’ smelled fishy.”
At that confession, Julius couldn’t help but let out a genuine, soft smile. It was well known, among the shadier crowd at least, that The Balance, while based in Flanders, ran nearly all the underground gambling districts across all five great cities. A suspicious gambling den popping up in Priestella? Indeed, it now seemed quite obvious in hindsight. “I see. And those ruffians in the alleyway?”
“Well, as one of Hoshin’s sayin’ goes: “The house always wins.” And with a shady place like that, I was pretty darn sure they’d stick to it, one way or another.” She shrugged casually. “And it looked like we kicked the right hornet’s nest, closin’ their entire operation. Not bad, if I don’t say so myself!”
“Good grief…” Julius massaged his forehead, grinning at his lady’s audaciousness. “A good day’s work indeed. But I feel like I must raise objections to such a haphazard course of action, walking into a viper’s nest without a proper plan. There is a fine line between boldness and recklessness.”
“Oh yer such a spoilsport, but yes, yes.” Anastasia sighed. “Although, I really wasn’t worried in the slightest, Julius, neither then nor now.”
“And why is that?”
“Because yer my one and only knight, and you’ll always be by my side, won’t ya?” She winked charmingly.
“Ah…” Julius’s eyes widened at her confession of trust. Over a year ago, he had made one of the most important decisions of his life, offering his very being to the woman before him. He had chosen her above all else, dedicating himself to her with unwavering devotion, in the hopes that one day, she might choose him in return. In this moment, it felt as though all his efforts ha-
“Alright, that’s enough of that stupid look ruinin’ yer handsome face. Here.” Anastasia shoved her other appa in his mouth. “C’mon, make sure ya finish that before we get back to the lodge, or Mimi’ll swipe it right outta yer hands.”
Julius took hold of the appa as she marched happily away, hiding her reddened cheeks.
“.... sweet this time….” He murmured, taking a bite.