Chapter 192

♬~~♬ ♪, ♩, ♪~… ♪…!

Intense electronic sounds followed by a dazzling mix. The short, choppy synth sounds without vocals relentlessly hammer the eardrums, distinct from the pulsing beats typically associated with nightclubs or street music.

With a rough sense of exhilaration that feels like it forcibly raises the heart rate, the humans gathered outside the establishment were filled with hope that today, one among them—perhaps even themselves—would have their dreams of instant wealth realized.

Most of them… with eyes wide open in anticipation.

Before the guests waiting in line to enter, nervously biting their nails without even thinking of tidying up their darkened expressions.

A man muttering some ambiguous sounds reminiscent of existential dread, preparing for an open run to secure a spot in hopes of good fortune.

A woman leisurely eyeing potential playmates for the night while twisting the ends of her unkempt hair around her fingers.

And lurking around them were the “players,” preying on those whose situations were clearly not good, or were about to worsen.

…To put it elegantly, they could be called pawnbrokers, in exchange for quickly lending cash while taking in tangible items right on the spot. However, since their clientele typically consists of those who are susceptible to being taken advantage of, the nickname was understandably somewhat cynical.

Regardless, the diverse array of humanity had gathered, and while it felt like an ordinary chaotic scene filled with the same clientele as other gambling establishments, it was in fact quite unique.

Rendez-Vous Casino had an intriguing system not found in other betting houses.

That system required a minimum pre-exchange of chips worth two million credits which allowed patrons to reserve exclusive seats in a high floor separate from the main area frequented by ordinary guests.

VIPs, having paid a deposit in advance, could enter freely as soon as they arrived without the need to wait in line.

Basically, they could enjoy the spectacle from a high vantage point or utilize dedicated gaming areas. If the mood struck, they could go down to participate in the more affordable regular game rooms, or even graciously call in regular guests to play privately, making it a participatory gambling arena—this was the Rendez-Vous Casino.

For VIPs who wouldn’t dare present their business cards to genuine high society or wealthy individuals, it became a relatively nice outlet for spending credits while feeling a slight superiority—an economical and wholesome playground.

For the majority of ordinary guests, rather than struggle to pry money from the establishment’s operational side, it was a land of opportunity to potentially strike it rich from the bets and enormous seed money wagered by VIPs.

Of course… to a rational person far removed from gambling, it was essentially no different from a silly social gathering, and witnessing the casino profiting from commissions on both sides was somewhat distasteful.

But still, there was no job that quite matched the ease of earning profits when hitting big.

There had to be a reason why the store had gained recent popularity, and so the newly employed male guard clicked his tongue.

“What are you daydreaming about!? The dinner shift is coming, so pay attention! I asked them to choose someone who looks presentable so we don’t get too many complaints, but a lanky guy shows up…”

“Yes… yes!”

Wearing the same design of security uniforms, though each had different sizes.

He straightened up at the yell from a skilled senior guard, who was simultaneously whispering and shouting.

Given that a luxurious procession of vehicles was currently arriving at the VIP entrance, letting his mind wander and neglecting his duties on the first day of work would surely not bode well for a smooth career.

Since he was still in training, light mistakes wouldn’t draw heavy reprimands, but minor issues in the service industry could escalate into big problems, so staying prudent was the best course of action.

Eek!

…Click.

“Ah!? Everything is fine, but that damn habit of yours is terrible!”

“What can I do about it, huh? We can’t show them inside like that, so we need to loosen up a bit even now! Don’t you think??”

As a very low convertible came to a stop, the senior guard skillfully opened the car door and bowed his head.

The rowdy group getting out appeared quite young.

The woman leading the group was passionately feeling up the hips and thighs of a male companion—though a more delicate description was appropriate for privacy—taking a bit longer to exit, but this was not an uncommon sight for someone working in this environment.

The guard refrained from offering a welcome or blocking their way for guidance. While their status as repeat customers played a part, it was more about knowing not to disrupt the atmosphere of the guests.

He simply sent them on their way with silence.

After doing his part by tapping the car control a few times to park it in the casino lot.

“Ugh…. That crazy girl always manages to have her days off coincide with mine… Security, did a lot of desperate ones come in today? Silly folks who seem resolute that they’ll just die if they don’t win.”

“…Thank you for coming again, Mr. Alfred. Well, in my eyes, they all seem to be hanging in there, so it’s hard to say definitively.”

After the culprit behind three police visits for public indecency left, it was now the turn of a masked old man stepping out of a luxurious sedan.

After skillfully finishing his greeting, he carefully crafted a response that would avoid the risk of a dissatisfied customer having an experience that deviated from expectations.

Naturally, the boring answer bereft of any real excitement made the VIP known as Alfred click his tongue, to the point where the beard emerging from beneath the mask trembled.

Yet, it was equally absurd to be angry at a low-level employee cleverly evading responsibility, so he moved on with an exasperated expression.

The new employee could only stand in awe, clapping at the showcase of practical, high-density social skills that the manual would never teach.

“Oh, wow…!”

“…Kid. Would you be so dumbstruck by my greatness? Now, if there’s no major mishaps, I’ll help you cover it up, so try greeting the next guest.”

“Uh!? Already, so suddenly…?”

Really, really?

You think I’m joking about bringing you along?

It would only take about 10 seconds, and with the kind senior literally teaching him the basics of greeting etiquette, he had no choice but to step into the field with highly concentrated facial muscle awkwardness.

One strong junior could easily handle ten guests.

With high expectations in mind, yet… painfully aware of the high turnover rate in this industry, he didn’t know how many would enter the space left by the sedan…

“A driverless taxi…?”

“…!”

Originally, he was taught to gauge a customer’s personality by looking at the car they arrived in and adjust his demeanor accordingly.

What should be prepared in this case… Noticing the new guard’s confusion, the senior guard thought, “Oh no!”

…Did I teach him to be most wary of dignitaries exiting taxis?

Normally, issues arise with the transport they intended to use, causing them to rush in. Thus, everyone tends to be aggravated, so one must bow their head and guide them with extra care.

Should I pull him back now…?

No, that would lead to an awkward situation of an improper greeting, and then we’d be embarrassed for how clumsy we’d look… but wouldn’t it be better to just take a verbal lashing than receive criticism for being so wary?

While pondering that, the taxi slid to a stop at the entrance.

There was no avoiding it. Being late is being late, and perhaps he should wish for a customer with a bearable personality. As soon as the new guard greeted them, he might need to subtly intervene to cater to them or remain quietly in the background if there seems to be no issues.

Clunk… thud…!

““……?””

However, stepping out through the open door first was an alloy leg.

What followed were glimmering metallic skin and a bulky frame that caused the body to sway with its weight.

Many entry guards, along with other ordinary guests scanning the area for any potential VIP to con, quickly diverted their gazes.

What’s this? An Exatech product? No, the kind of people who excel over there are often so heavily modified for mechanization that they don’t usually frequent places like this.

Moreover, with a large manufacturing number written prominently on the front and no signs of a brain implant, it merely looked like a droid—so why did it just come out of a car?

The answer was simple. The actual party had not yet exited.

“……”

The first thing to catch the new guard’s eye was a pale thigh peeking through the slit of a dress.

Even though it was a common fashion that flaunted the legs, the radiance of her fair skin and the snug holster band created an allure that was hard to express in words.

With a petite frame that seemed to fit perfectly in one’s arms, a black jacket casually draped over her, she provoked the minds and hearts of onlookers repeatedly.

Precisely… one could say she stirred a peculiar impulse.

Like a delicate flower that would surely break with a heavy touch, yet she was a bewitching guest that made one want to reach out heedlessly, entranced by her charm.

“…Ah.”

…Guest? Yes, a guest.

Oh right, this wasn’t the time to be dazed. I needed to greet her warmly to fulfill the expectations of my senior and create a favorable impression for the VIP who has come to visit us.

However, what kind of greeting or welcoming repertoire would suit such a beautiful guest, so far removed from artificial attractiveness?

Think quickly, think fast. If I take one step forward and keep my mouth shut, the guard might think it’s strange. First, there should be extreme honorifics, expressions of respect, personal thanks for the eye candy…

“It’s… an honor to meet you…! Thank you for finally visiting our casino—!!”

“?!”

At the sudden enthusiastic outburst from the greeter, the girl’s shoulders jolted, and her eyes widened.

Such a guest would undoubtedly be a renowned celebrity or model, leading to an almost absurd conclusion that a famous individual from a field she was unfamiliar with had graced them with their presence.

Regarding this, she could not help but question in disbelief.

“…Excuse me, do you know me?”

“No? Ah, I’m sorry! I don’t know your name!!”

Snap!!

“Thank you so much for being the first to use the Rendez-Vous Casino, esteemed guest! I’ll take care of this rude newbie’s training, so please, go inside…!”

Unable to refuse the pleading tone and the insistence to hurry, Anastasia stepped into the much-anticipated Rendez-Vous Casino, leaving behind the sound of her shins clashing.

Though she truly had no idea what was going on, it was undeniably a reserved gambling environment… with an exceedingly laid-back sentiment.