【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInidVdYgMP
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMsLGesE13
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRFIPUFxL2
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVdwGeZr6z
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sv3o569sx
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MxbBKwg3B
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKodsUEiXE
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT3dBuPeTFg
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEQesJmbP3
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTCjyBIi5g
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVcPffP8YN
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqRYv9OT0R
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Bv5nFPiSK
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnqfWTRCOt
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEn3zqU2ltq
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3ywGCScRl
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...
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMZntP2jxc
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUawvduLq6L
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2rE2kYCBP
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB6KZkYyo9t
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQrrPb7eAr
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVuPSU1j9z
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdb7zC5W1N
Yes, it all started that very night.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ns2tzjf7b
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzbHa6IPCE
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNWpdBp4uI
People were laughing..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgwre8RBv1
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKP6OEkM2f
"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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XukAU7zMD
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnUVgHAHNS
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLVRQmw6Is
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjE4HYAVhn
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnMq7SNXb2
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8SNga3KGR
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F77VtqQMp
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyphB1CfOL
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSwoX4NO96
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFn40X6pO2
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?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdqmM4fevo
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKVCAsG9LL
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92WBEC25PP
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwuH3kWfTF
"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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjWanuvQsT
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWCPv9arRP
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzOHGwvd6K4
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.."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQSooaRhkL
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D4ohmZCy3
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRapAJm6ED
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYVub7UnlD
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDd2pvrO35
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB2eT7bHbn
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHEbd24KD0
【Silence...】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2vQiTvqEz
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2yexLA0ri
It sounded like an unfair bet.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNyDvmOO53
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG4fZAgMDE
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqOZ0B6jHS
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVLxg1fzNo
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ090oj7wQh9
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsSWZxZrmj
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJmFeTMJjF
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYlwterii3
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPazCHTshhM
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvzS0YaPFC
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbU6WqrARCu
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRU4DwDtfp
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EngBjVvMJ
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpMeDNh38s
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DzwOu56Rb
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTx7AZPDyDO
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?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtGz40cgJ8
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJnaswcOgJ
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbhaMXi1HK
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8hit0sedz
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcK9ksOxlpG
”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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GrxxLZTJ0
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61ymxV2SZT
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MD3vKKXnO
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcemUOIjgT
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?”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWxL6nmJlC
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBDXt2qUpP
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqpmLvi3mH
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsYbrwSqFx
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw9UTqzcpd
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ553pNoMCvy
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLYUKy5gLL
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGob9zfQrP
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ7mo7tJBN
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgckfRVot1
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYERHcLFTgO
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScXtA51r5F
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgvgUaE3SK
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87bUGu9W2b
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHCVR2BQ7J
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DhNlxEpBU
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TwS57vZea
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGVFbq8Bk8
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfoCxR52XaQ
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0M4OfzBNMp
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6q5MSicQP
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqqf63TuT6
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnVyym1iGV
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03fkT4u9tU
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKx483vNHII
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKhDbYiFTw
「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~"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkctgOSbH64
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡojf0s9lGSf
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuoMLyszWTA
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUvTHhz9ng
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnwnHMYFk9
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgF2fuWrYr
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1x4VlHETKy
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCpSuyab5I
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uXWDoI4I8
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdajyi557Qg
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc3jFMvim8
Of course, there 【Aside from playing cards, he doesn't care much about anything else. His most important items are his playing cards.】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOHj4FcP9R
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlqpfdmjO1
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqRifelt3P
??? :
"Are you...?" I asked tentatively. "Are you a cooking attendant?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCoMFMKhEv
The figure was shivering noticeably, then, it continued trembling, looking as if it was going to cry.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyE21j9oVyS
Sandwich :
"My lady, my name is Sandwich, a cooking attendant. "
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWilmHjIpi
I stood off to one side, as I could feel another cooking attendant sending out a signal to not get near her.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eMlZxNMK0
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIk3Vm8Vg7r
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihhXLDa3T2
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWE8n89pXQb
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tdSX5qZCD
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVOnxeGpeL
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhGOpyqsXY
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLXuWJSGQv
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbepJijMif
But think about it, this was a little girl of only 12 years old.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUEcQUva6C
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...
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq858xV68p
Little Lady :
"Sandwich, your gambling skills are pretty good, right?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qLSEGxJzq
Her words interrupted my train of thought.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN1kE94mHw
Sandwich :
"I hate to sing my own praises, but... no one can beat me at gambling."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bhxy6uSfC
I patted my chest in a show of confidence.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbGTxKQYVH
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxaHXW31hD
Little Lady :
"Could you make my father lose everything he owns?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dL9QLWTXC
Yes, it all started that very night.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAHWOgJV8U
The casino was massive, with a basement designed and built for the earl. The Little Lady had brought me here.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHQLXootIK
The gambling earl sat on his favorite place around the gambling table, and as usual was squandering the gold coins in front of him.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw429VWb8H
People were laughing..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPq6TPGcKS
I couldn't understand why their smiles had become so gradually distorted.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WUVugS51p
"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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6chATr7smG
But, he didn't glance at her at all.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIk6JA9b57
Apparently, the Little Lady had gotten used to this, she left without a single utterance.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxWba2ZP64
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylnJaCSYLs
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpBQkavkMD
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3hSXT9BZ1
A spade flew by me, and it stuck in the cracks on the table. The card almost touched the earl's hand.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5GcJHnza3
When I realized it, I noticed that almost everyone was looking at me, the frantic one who dared to provoke the earl.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8upaYxHvO
It was all so totally out of the blue. Therefore, the situation wouldn't allow me to back down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyi6qofNG1i
I slid down the banister railing and jumped, right in front of the earl.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzN76n91lf5
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?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXgWJbKntG
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHy8SGk8vL
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZi8PxCSoPC
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkuxDbrVsM
"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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ656Eu4YCS7
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Ek8AOd1tP
The only thing this I was confident about was that I wouldn't lose to anyone there.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFisB9DFNP
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.."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalhX74btMQ
I said, then, I turned over the card in the center of the table.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9couNd7Qz
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8priyaO0zL
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi570kmm740
Although he didn't expect what I said would happen, the Earl calmed himself, and ridiculed me all the more explicitly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRAToXBua9
"So what? You are nothing but a pauper without a pot to relieve himself in."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb04gFmALAq
"You must be after more power and land, I reckon."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvw4qaDiNKB
【Silence...】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSYz5YOxrF
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAuM00fbF8
It sounded like an unfair bet.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkXJj7NnbK
Earl :
"You don't trust my ability?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ypaG7xQeX
Sandwich :
"Heh heh, nay sire, nay. Quite the contrary my lord, as it just so happens I am a person afraid of trouble."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjLxLcyb0G
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡenQOlk7VZv
【Note : the Master Attendant is the Little Lady】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQNIcC2qv5E
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZwNYBfqQv
I did not have the mind to escape nor were there any signs of resistance. I just smiled and chose to obey.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkwn5tTq76
There is a villa like a castle elsewhere in this country.
That's the realm of a powerful Grand Duke.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigUbog0mIh
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3ABVIM73w
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQU6qgAxA0
It's dark at midnight and it's now the secret time after the end of the banquet.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZEz146FqY
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ067ImxAQvI
I stood behind the center of the table, while the Grand Duke and the earl sat face to face.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGSqhnUlkl
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktnFC2Nchc
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjrjhBrEDL
Sandwich :
"The match is the best of one set. My Lord , the Earl , and your Grace , the Grand Duke, please begin."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYvivHhgCa
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?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbm0A61hdcI
Grand Duke :
”Oh? What does my lord suggest?”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ek4Bvgi01
Earl :
”The bigger the stakes the more entertaining, wouldsn’t thou agree?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxsEjBUeil
Grand Duke :
"What say thees sire?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpBuNqiwJvJ
The Grand Duke didn’t want to say it directly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAJqj95zWZ
”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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUSRgEsgAu
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBhR47C9Ji
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFXleDoK3O
But this turn of events was nothing unexpected for the Grand Duke.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxiuB22KhjF
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?”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqG65aNZXxy
Earl :
”But now that your grace has made such a motion…”
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmatjP7eXbP
The gambling earl believed that his tactics were working, and feigned uncertainty.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO6m0Dofhy
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlsk3Tqh4a
The mournful caw of a crow abruptly cut through the long and deathly silence.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVPYaU1afE
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73uPDGeBbd
The time was drawing near for me to take my leave.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinZYG09vG0
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."
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjlkAkQsHG
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZnmDL6RXo9
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtMhOG7r0f
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7tOJNdkfw
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlNZhS65ce
Sandwich and his Master Attendant strolled along the bustling street.
Smiling faces were everywhere, as though nothing had happened.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFnap6cvku
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6Kgg9DMSm
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXqyddH8K7
No one knew who had destroyed everything the Earl had created, and eventually people weren't sure whether he had ever even existed.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCSn9AH8fv
While walking up the street, a stranger went up in front of Sandwich and his Master Attendant and said..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAKaw2EHWq
Popcorn :
"You're so beautiful.. My name is Popcorn, would you like to embark on an adventure with me?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV4isL4pfc
The stranger's voice stopped them in their tracks..
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNdJ3D5MqIF
"You can just go embark yourself!"
Sandwich said, stepping in front of his Master Attendant.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSabmc0G3e
Popcorn :
"Oh! I didn't notice you there!"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TMoWzmoVj
Popcorn :
"Would you like to climb onto a step ladder and then say that to my face?"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJSgHNuOpm
Sandwich and Popcorn squared off, neither willing to back down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxQiC04kjlj
「Woman」 :
"Alright alright, it's nearly time to open shop,"
his Master Attendant said, seeing that they weren't backing down.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcD0RzZ5Ft
「Woman」:"Popcorn? That's right~"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMp1LlAGaOF
Sandwiche's Master Attendant smiled warmly.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCC6Dn1VdEZ
「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~"
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyKKIMZzSsq
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLqkdz7ewJU
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitv2fg6xR4
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdMlNtvIwT
The whole street was bustling with activity, but in a little tucked away spot people were already lining up.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJrZpK5Yko
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxdl1oBje3
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABBFlQK6lS
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitApSkrPkv
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLzKvJgRGz
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.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SXkbyLE5O
No one asked him why he was there, and after a while people just assumed it was some kind of aristocratic pastime.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVl1FTRfR3
Of course, there was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHis4pwjhXt
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:
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYFlr4WlIW
【Do you want to try your luck against me?】
434Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuFPt9ZnOI
【Sandwich - END】was another subject these people were always eager to discuss.
ns 15.158.61.11da2
