【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhJ040nik7
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNMHiOHTuU
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEDuRPpZGbm
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2FzXGq6qZ
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPO85VQuLA
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSijNG5E3v
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjbER25RKq
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU0P45ASHG
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4tvcknKWP
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡshMCtGugZF
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrbalA8Vh2
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqwxsZYSdP
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXwGRSqiTq
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMXSvHnBs9
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1d3WGVFyI
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCN5ryDPfe
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...
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39tblof9El
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjDJLRQL53
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VgWoC96sS
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFulZgGLUk
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDtaqCG06E
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQpHR6M1cH
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCUttiGmmF
Yes, it all started that very night.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rP2a7NGuD
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBOdk67pt8J
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhedE4fGAy0
People were laughing..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gQM787E8F
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMhSJpeWA3
"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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ577oMWFiOv
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzIRYsGieF
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB9ptMTYCS
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG80kq5AUi2
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X2DVTTP9S
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnndiEDFCg
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSiSqY5XDM
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7dRradckt
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HvSuKO5BN
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaUaPraHAd
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?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkVza4zJae
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed1tgemQXn
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x93qck7PN
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LshfTZeih
"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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRj2II0xEs
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFuAMeSymm
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BB8cgY1VR
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.."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33hu1se9ID
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmoknDnBFF
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFgD7MxHqO
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ECFPeBkt3
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Z1VTTihLb
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlfiEKQY8U
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfteo5K94E
【Silence...】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ko9lxrXHO
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5h2JVPveOK
It sounded like an unfair bet.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU29gzP77yX
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYEBUdEb9g
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvdnKjk7lN
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSdNlL8CWl
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4BgvHMCbW
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7VDsENzcS
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8JHA7S69r
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9Nurm3mmN
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hS2ylOVZo
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRsybzJQKb
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtTlYbEStR
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMUoTJ6xX3
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyklVguomH4
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErVN4RAQ4m
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAu6YqUL6f
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjMtK0asx1
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?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOIv8hRcsGg
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3UYKLFQew
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTqg4Pben7
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5GSkinq7W
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmpWXo2ohL
”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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0blxPBCXJ
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmtE11Pivtc
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLtf6BdDr7
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZzRr0K558
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?”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHSGQ1gYhs
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbocxCULmnO
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1VSCQfPV3
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSPRrY6AY9
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESRX2kexWs
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLFA7aJ9gC
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4zw5LiXtJ
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOp6SaqIjX
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP96MBl6Ccp
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rmTXsAHpq
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBe6PVgdHqa
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF9hYxnEYe
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0qsUIe66E
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIlLqwVoHf
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYJonx7kzy
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLwlbk3V4m
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDFA5FN1dg
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSuouoHCmM
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKrMkJTRos
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7LXFGzEsB
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpz1RCsfOit
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTw1mzj6xH
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjBIl7ClQ4
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacxHy3FcB4
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIWQvCGVbW
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IGHN1xWgx
「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~"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSfWgWvd8M
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfe1c5M91Bu
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzhpPu6lso
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOp2UsM0aX
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZ66Qi7Bok
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zNPxI9yDK
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZjZw53LhN
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWNX9WtK3Av
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp9CcM28Sh
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZzG8JPf17
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2ajaSchPq
Of course, there 【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K70WW36sI
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbYPNt2aPi
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDRS2AQ0rA
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hh8QqdFxp
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoaTyxlmYy
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZoaeH6mhes
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdE8geCY7g
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXoMA6mKqs
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDH23ZGp5Y
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdH4wLPLRW4
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSsCcU0tuS
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIbgFV9BUR
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh2Ncxm210
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6uRKleIJ7
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniwdKI1u32
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡutu8k18LWl
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...
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WC5QhQp1o
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJL1BAi7mSo
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs773qUpfCh
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhAlHM8b72
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4XyNcsWY6
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHcA31zzPl
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1OI0YiCBh
Yes, it all started that very night.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqOl4RM5HZ
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGJMTfBJ0U
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYhRY7yblz
People were laughing..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVdlaoDuul
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rDCq8FpFp
"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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadLUfCjwGG
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt4PKSfIzS
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wDk8SXp7L
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcMQdfMB9m
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWBJmvW2f2
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNB1lgAbEr
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwOhQHJyNo
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk4a7PzLLn
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUVUfP38AK
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVitEyXJGN
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?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnXt3nSTbb
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZr9gatvzMh
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexczaXiVq4
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcidtUgxo8a
"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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLgqZGF58Z
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCGeaxnZ1O
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJWWcjSe90
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.."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjU6DMkJD5x
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfLiYxiZSf
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGhDepP8uM
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR6GIi5LDs
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxIZ9rGXAs
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5wUBSm35I
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMlIjQO3SP
【Silence...】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfBkt0cqlfV
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEg4haPLlA
It sounded like an unfair bet.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY77Ye2pzKn
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE5tSFxUPaa
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJw6LlaPmiV
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIg3K2v0KX
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsOOMjo0Ex
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwI22sInzi
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUVpgpkkqh
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNa839Go0E
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZDUQRZnyk
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88Htpnw42L
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX90HRc9Jn
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvz3mUVEEk
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1mv8hVmmSH
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJt5l0xe9bG
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg7NqJIzdn
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHXvfL2Ywz
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?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHm9tdVMV3u
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6WZyy5RBb
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUBohrR2sd
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YkJcDeB5b
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHt6K9R1PFO
”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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilmYSPU3yT
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrPqgUkMHN
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuACeyEa2LK
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQtQZ5rMqN
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?”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRW2VsDRrj
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡln6h7nlHZR
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxAYbxopSv4
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo6Lmkfatx
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKqV8YwG78
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXtoyFT0xa
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8yqnRoyyh
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."
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaA4cDq2KL
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqX9xEdoeH
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUWzvbGKFH
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4uwO4Yzho
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol5EdoGzpG
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpjAXtdcCb
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJqWdpKIo5
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGevZoF1VCU
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YGjHMtCbb
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEnUcgyUU0
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc1dqEQUSN
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0o6LAq27UY
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJiHCaqBZG
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nTofPoLHf
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQVxFF256p
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPm6rwrLTzp
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVkJkXFQzJB
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hYCqnxxQ5
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKyRctrubQ
「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~"
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIZn5GtyS0
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEOeZjRYwJ
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEfOlZRXO7
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLLqCnGDad
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLSRdKocIy
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6l4gpJ957C
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKltJMhZJr
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwGsCPxiUC
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcfF236nF5
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.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRALrRjYLSw
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ920rBsOULa
Of course, there was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNmfAFdVVl
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:
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iNWDRRpKD
【Do you want to try your luck against me?】
560Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEQp1QasaC
【Sandwich - END】was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
ns216.73.216.143da2
