Chapter 194

– ……. –

Hearing my absurd soliloquy, Zero focused intently on neatly aligning a pile of chips, completely unresponsive.

How is it comical that after bragging about being a magician of probabilities, I arrive at the casino and have no idea what to do?

…Who was it that just mumbled, “Zero has finally given up on you…” with a tone of pity? Come out right now. I might just hang you upside down on the plaza rooftop for a day!

The issue I was grappling with wasn’t simple game order or food choices; it was more related to my desire to handle the assigned task as professionally as possible.

What’s the deal with that? The answer is simple.

On the surface, I accepted Aaron’s call, some sort of business trip; but for the person involved to sit and wait quietly instead of gleefully heading out to have fun just because there are free chips piling up seems… too irresponsible.

“Ugh…”

Resting my chin on the newly-stabilized forearm, a sound of frustration escaped me.

If I feel guilty about playing before finishing my homework, I should just try to get it done quickly and enjoy later.

But then again, just lounging around at my seat seems weird as I barely know what I’m supposed to do here or who I’m supposed to meet.

“…This has to be that guy’s fault, right?”

– Since he failed to provide essential information other than the meeting place and time, I would dare say the blunder is objectively much larger on his part. –

With a hint of annoyance and a full dose of incredulity.

Even the one who sees the world with the most non-human perspective agreed with me, so there was no need to worry; I joyfully took Aaron apart.

This is why geniuses who live in their own world are problematic! Huh?? Is it all just about being smart?

I couldn’t understand what made him think I should wait around leisurely. If anything could be resolved by simply standing there with my arms crossed, then why are mercenaries and contractors even necessary?

And…! How could the people around me possibly understand the tension of walking on thin ice alongside the nonsensical reasoning mixed into that frustrating riddle? Thinking that way makes them the stranger!

Either way, in conclusion, I found myself in a similar, ignorant situation where I had to wait for the contact like before due to some damn secret commission.

Ah, there’s just one thing I know. It’s for sure that Aaron himself wouldn’t just pop up out of nowhere.

Since I received a message saying I had to return to the headquarters, he probably isn’t anywhere near Neo Haven right now.

“Ugh… Okay.”

For now, let’s wait a bit. Just to look around.

With that mindset, I leaned back comfortably in my chair, maximizing my field of view. As I opened my ears that I had closed during my solitary pondering, the chilly air-conditioning that had me shivering started to heat up my skin with the madness of the casino.

“Call…! Damn, Cooool!!”

“Ha ha! That young friend is really fiery!”

“Seriously… everyone never seems to get tired of that old card game.”

“Hmm… It’s also not easy to resist the thrill of handing over every joy and sorrow in life for just a few pieces of paper.”

In this isolated high floor, despite various types of game tables and machines being prepared, there were very few people with their heads stuck into one.

So few, in fact, that the number of guests leisurely enjoying food or drinks didn’t even compare…? It’s practically accurate to say there were almost none.

Most were busy leaning over the railing watching the lower floors- often mocking people rather than focusing on the results of the games- or they were enjoying heated gambling at their private tables while bursting into joyful laughter.

It seems cases like this are quite common since the staff effortlessly handled card setups and judging… and sometimes the duties a dealer should perform, almost ghosting beside players without anyone calling them.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that amid these real gamblers, it was unlikely anyone I was supposed to meet would be among them… and if they were, that would be a problem too?

No matter how you look at it, that didn’t seem like a simple pre-meeting leisure time. Even through my ordinary eyes, without an implant, the vivid veins popping out from their faces and forearms were evident.

“Those people… then definitely not.”

Muttering such lame soliloquies, I continued to scan the area.

What I was looking for was indeed a contact or perhaps an interviewee? In any case, the whole “secretly sent a person” could only happen once or twice. If this kept up, I’d be the only one suffering as a passive party dragged around.

Surely, they wouldn’t be doing this in corporate dealings… maybe I really need to establish some ghost company to create an appointment hub. Just like, “Please state your identity and purpose clearly if you want to summon Anastasia!”

Come out, come out. You who might be a loyal lackey of this Paradise or just some subordinate following orders.

You should appear quickly so I can mess around with the one over there who’s anxiously pulling her lever while making that beeping sound…!

“…Ah?”

Was there any reward for searching in vain? There was indeed.

Unlike the wrinkled clothes of those intoxicated by drink or atmosphere, he still wore neat attire along with a relatively healthy complexion. More than anything, I felt the gaze that I had gradually sensed as I continuously checked the area.

A man, standing confidently as if he no longer needed to avoid crossing paths with me, approached this way… and then plopped down across from me.

Was he hesitating because he didn’t recognize my face by name? Nonetheless, he quickly noticed and came running toward me first, so I could generously consider his circumstances. Maybe.

“Umm…? I joined in without permission; you’re not surprised though? …Ah, were you perhaps waiting for something like this, Miss?”

“Yes? Well, I haven’t exactly heard properly… and, well, this is my first time in a place like this…?”

But if my first line upon finally meeting him is something like this, it puts me in a difficult position.

Was he trying to deceive those around us? Approaching with a friendliness and cheerfulness that would make you believe we were acquaintances, he also had a smirk as he gestured animatedly.

Then, it would naturally be right for him, who might have had a clue or an appearance to recognize me, to be the one approaching. Should I shout here, “I was sent by a high-ranking person from Paradise! Is the person I have an appointment with here right now!”?

He’s just observing while pretending he can’t decide what to do, and he acts just like Aaron!

“Ha ha! Do players only move when they know who their opponent is? Normally, business between men and women is led by strong impulses or feelings, and you have shown such yearning, so… you seem to have a notably impatient style, huh? Hence, I quickly took my seat!”

“Uh-huh…. Yes????”

Not only did he bombard me with words that were hard to comprehend continuously.

The excited man waved his arms as if bragging, brushing off the lingering gazes of some people still focused on table number 7. Yes, as if claiming he had commandeered this spot like a trophy…

…No way. Crazy, right?

“…Excuse me, but are you hunting me down right now? You’re not here for work, are you?”

“No, not that I thought of launching a romantic venture or night entertainment at a casino full of other amusements. Seeing a beauty like you alone, moreover, so fervently seeking a companion, I just couldn’t help myself.”

“Is that so. Ahaha….”

I could only let out a hollow laugh, trying to contain all the irritation and embarrassment of misunderstanding.

Seeing his hand slowly creeping across the table with a grin aimed to dismantle my stiff demeanor was too much.

Smack!

“Ooof!?”

I swiftly swatted my palm to prevent any inappropriate advances that carried such ill intentions.

Don’t act so shocked over getting lightly slapped on the back of your hand. No matter the condition of my hand, getting slammed by a newly installed compressor would hurt a whole lot worse than this.

Now, I had to send this person back to where he was without causing further trouble.

It feels awkward to explain that there was a minor misunderstanding, and I doubt he would simply leave even if I asked him to go.

What kind of brief and impactful farewell should I say to that bewildered expression to make him vanish? Hmm… it’s hard to come up with a refined expression due to how ludicrous this all is.

“If you don’t want to die, get lost right now.”

“Wha, what!? I’ve never seen such a crazy woman!”

I didn’t even raise my middle finger, and I genuinely tried smiling widely to send him off.

As he mumbled things like, “She started it!” and “What a shameful way to act openly!” when he backed away, I immediately grabbed my jacket that I had taken off and put it back on.

And as if he was the one chasing tail.

Huh? If I were to seduce someone and attempt to secure a favorable position, I would have boldly exposed myself~ added some eye acting to totally bewilder him…!

“…”

…Crumple.

Feeling an odd awareness of unearthed disgrace, I tightened my coat.

Anyway! The dress that doesn’t suit me? The endless wait for a seat? That’s all dismissed, dismissed.

I can’t predict what crazy flies might get attached if I stay like this. I’m just going to have fun from now on, so tell whoever has business with me to come find me on their own…!

Now I don’t even know!

– I think it’s really a dangerous idea to use gambling as a psychological refuge. –

“…Shut up.”