"Young Master, I didn't know you could play like that," Natty said, her voice full of admiration and a hint of worry. She pointed at the pile of golden chips looming before Lucian. "Actually, I sensed you were experienced from the start. The way you read your opponent, the way you control the game... it's not just luck." She bit her lower lip, her eyes twinkling, mesmerized by Lucian's incredible skill.
Lucian stared at Natty for a while, then chuckled, hiding his amusement behind his casual demeanor. "No-no, it's my first gambling experience," he replied, trying to sound casual. Well, at least in terms of actual gambling. I used to play poker with my college friends in my previous world, though even that was just for fun. After all, gambling was illegal where I lived.
"No really, I read that in a book," he said briefly.
"I didn't expect books to have such cunning knowledge," said Natty, still impressed, her voice mixed with admiration and a little fear of the world she had just glimpsed.
Lucian didn't reply. He just stood up, dusted off his clothes, and walked over to the dealer. Natty hurried to follow him, keeping a respectful distance.
"Hey, Sir...." Lucian greeted him, his voice relaxed and clear, a small smile visible under his hood. "Can I ask you something?"
The dealer turned to him, smiling slightly with a hand over his chest. "Yes, sir. Do you need anything?"
Lucian rested one hand on the table and leaned closer, looking intently at the man.
"I realized something," he said quietly, as if making casual conversation, but the weight of his words was undeniable. "In the previous game, I accidentally saw your finger... tapping the underside of the table."
The dealer's expression changed instantly, shifting from a calm smile to a serious one. He raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Are you saying I helped the old man you were playing with?" asked the dealer casually, lowering his hand and putting on a smile again. "Why do you care so much? You won anyway..."
Lucian sighed, tapped the table, then stood up straight with his arms crossed.
"Well," he said, twirling his fingers in the air. "I won because that old man happened to be stupid. It's easy to provoke people like that."
He swept his gaze across the room. The noise of the casino did not disturb him at all. The dealer looked back at him, his professional smile gone, his eyes sharpening.
"Are you planning to report this?" he said quietly, hinting at a threat. "That would be stupid. You have no evidence."
Lucian laughed softly. "No. I'm not the type who enjoys playing the hero."
He took a step forward, close enough to make the dealer straighten up nervously.
"Don't beat around the bush," Lucian said flatly. "Just tell me what you really mean."
Lucian grinned confidently, almost contemptuously. This was exactly what he had planned.
"This casino," he said, looking directly into the dealer's eyes, "is actually an information guild, right?"
The dealer didn't answer, but his pupils narrowed. Silence was enough of an answer.
"Can I see your boss now?" Lucian asked.
The dealer stared at him, assessing whether this young man truly knew the secret. Finally, he sighed and bowed slightly.
"You know too much for a first-timer, sir..." He signaled to a female employee with a neat ponytail, who quickly disappeared into a back room marked "Staff Only."
"Please wait a moment, I will discuss it with the master," the dealer said before following her inside.
Lucian nodded and leaned against the wall. Natty approached cautiously, her hands trembling slightly.
"Do you think they will fulfill your request, Young Master?" she whispered softly. Her eyes reflected worry and curiosity.
Lucian glanced at her. "I'm not sure, but I don't think they have much choice right now," he replied calmly with a faint smile.
Natty bit her lip, feeling uneasy. Soon, the dealer came out followed by the ponytailed girl.
"The master allows you," he said. "Follow her."
Lucian smiled and stepped forward. Natty tried to follow, but the dealer stopped her with an outstretched hand.
"Young lady, please wait here. The master only wishes to see the gentleman," he said firmly, his face expressionless.
Natty paused, confused, but Lucian turned to her with a reassuring look.
"It's okay, Natty, wait for me here," he said softly. "I'll be back soon."
Though worried, Natty nodded obediently. Before leaving, Lucian whispered to the dealer.
"I entrust my maid to you," he said in a sharp tone.
The dealer nodded slightly. "Of course, sir."
Lucian followed the girl through the door. The room was completely different from the noisy casino—quiet, cool, and smelling of wood and tobacco. The atmosphere was formal and serious, decorated with paintings of war strategies.
In the center, a person with long light blue hair tied neatly and wearing a black mask was playing chess alone, moving the pieces skillfully. She looked completely focused.
"Is it him?" she asked without turning around, her voice calm.
"That's right, Master," the girl replied respectfully, bowing slightly.
"Is that so?" The person finally turned her head, her sharp eyes scanning Lucian from behind the mask.
"Thank you, Zeta," she said dismissively. "You may return to your duties. It seems this person has business to discuss." She gestured to the chair opposite her.
Zeta bowed and left, closing the door gently. Lucian sat down, watching the blue-haired figure closely. She smiled slightly, moved a chess piece, and finally looked at him, crossing her legs.
"So, what does this young master of the Witte family want?" she asked, her voice calm but curious.
Lucian was surprised. He hadn't expected his identity to be known so quickly. He pulled back his hood, revealing his silver hair, and removed his mask.
"Surprising. I planned to keep my identity hidden here," he said calmly.
"It's not difficult," she replied with a faint smile. "That robe you're wearing... isn't it the signature of the Witte family? The stitching and fabric are unmistakable." She moved another piece smoothly.
"I was careless," Lucian admitted. "Though to me, this just looks like an ordinary robe."
The blue-haired person chuckled softly. She moved her king forward, a gesture of dominance.
"From what I've heard, the Young Master of that family never removes his mask..." she said meaningfully. "Wait, that family has two Young Masters. Are you Cassian?"