The Marquis’ Eldest Son’s Lascivious Story - Chapter 236

Author’s Note:

Reference: Value of 1 Kiris gold coin

If a typical family living in Newnelly City were to cut back on their expenses, it would be worth about 3 months (according to Wilk’s estimation)

TL Note: (This chapter is using Hakuto’s POV. Hakuto is the merchant from the previous chapter)

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Newnelly Castle.

The castle, which is usually only referred to as “castle”, is a place I’ve looked up to ever since I was born. The closest but farthest place.

Few citizens have ever set foot in it. Previously, I had a meeting with a high-ranking official at a facility in the castle town.

Today may be something I’ll be proud of for the rest of my life.

Even so, I couldn’t help but want to go home early.

If I look to the right, I’ll see a high-ranking official, if I look to the left, I’ll see a high-ranking official, and if I look to the front, I’ll see a high-ranking official. As expected of Newnelly Castle, it’s hard not to get nervous.

Despite the fact that we’re having a luncheon, I had no idea what the food tasted like.

[With this luncheon, the awarding of rewards will end.]

With those words, the tension in the room seemed to ease a little.

(I can finally go home). Everyone, including me, must have thought so.

About a dozen top performers in the card tournament climbed the castle. Like me, it must have been their first time climbing a castle. I’m sure they were nervous too.

In the morning, an official took me to the castle, where the knight was personally given a souvenir, and was invited to a luncheon inside the castle by high-ranking officials. It was a supreme honor as a citizen, but my nerves were just on the seam of getting worn out.

[Hakuto of Vaina Company.]

My head went blank when my name was suddenly called.

It hurt as if my heart was being squeezed. I was so nervous that I couldn’t breathe, and I wasn’t able to answer immediately.

Fortunately, I wasn’t the only one called. After me, one or two names followed.

[…And finally, Vidardo from the Holy City of Maguaose. The four winners of the Grand Prize will now move to another room.]

Sitting next to me, the young man that I met yesterday, Vidardo, turned his face to me.

[Will the Young Lord finally make an appearance?]

…..I’m begging you, please don’t say anything unnecessary. It would be unbearable for me to be treated as the companion of a disrespectful person.

That said, he’s from the Holy City. I hadn’t heard about it when we talked yesterday… Did he lie to attract attention because Holy City is pretty famous? For the time being, apparently he used to work in the Holy City, so he shouldn’t be a nobody…but I feel like it’s too late to be disrespectful.

[These people will be personally praised by Young Master. Please be careful and refrain yourself.]

…..I didn’t expect that I’ll be meeting a Noble in person.

The air in the room wriggled without a sound.

[This way.]

Everyone else other than us four raised their voices in awe. I felt an air of envy in their voices.

They already have plans to return home. I guess they thought it was someone else’s problem and casually saw us off.

Meeting with the young lord…an audience with a Noble at Newnelly Castle. My knees were shaking so much that I couldn’t even stand up.

Urged by the eyes of the high-ranking officials looking at me, I desperately moved my legs and left the luncheon room.

Of the three winners who were waiting there, two had extremely grim expressions on their faces. I think I had the same face.

[Is this the audience? I’m looking forward to it.]

Only one person, Vidardo, looked the same as yesterday.

Accompanied by a high-ranking official, the four commoners, including myself, proceed down the corridor.

I could only think about when this all would end, and I didn’t even have the slightest bit of time to look around. I grabbed the souvenir that was handed to me just now with both hands. Dropping an item directly received from a knight would be outrageous.

Before we knew it, we were standing in front of a large door.

The door is made of metal and has a heavy feel to it. Does the audience room lie beyond there?

The high-ranking official who led us was called away by an elderly gentleman who came along the way. The only people related to the castle who were here right now were the maids standing by at a distance.

This audience is terrifying. But, I’d rather get over it already and having to wait nervously…this might be what a criminal feels when they’re waiting to be executed.

After waiting in silence for a while, a middle-aged man standing next to me looked at me. He won the best prize in the Seven Row category.

I believed his name was Tanhua or something? It’s hard to recall the others’ names.

[Do you know who took the high-ranking official earlier?]

Tanhua whispered in a low voice.

I think he’s referring to the old gentleman from earlier. Of course, no one would probably know.

Seeing my attitude, Tanhua made an educated guess and continued.

[That’s Tesh-sama of Rugon Family]

I know if it’s about the Rugon Family.

Knight Rugon is a knight involved in the administration of the city, so there’s no way I wouldn’t know about it.

[Don’t you know?]

[No, but I know the Rugon Family…]

More than that, I don’t want the maid in the corner to yell at me. Even though the high-ranking officials are absent now, it would be a problem if they were to snitch on us later.

[You don’t seem to know that way of saying it. Tesh-sama’s mother is Pollet-sama.]

[…are we talking about the same Pollet-sama, who served as a follower of the Five Lords*?] (TL Note: *Wilk’s grandmother)

The lord from two generations ago left the city to travel when she was young. The name of the female servant who accompanied her was Pollett.

The story has been made into a play, and I’ve seen it several times at theaters in the city. Many citizens know about it.

[Oh, that Pollet-sama. It seems that the Rugon family has been entrusted with the personal affairs of landlord-sama’s legitimate child due to their achievements in the western pilgrimage.]

It was purely interesting that the events of the play and story were connected to reality in this way. After all, commoners and Nobles live in different worlds.

Even so, to know that kind thing. I knew Tanhua is the owner of one of the city’s leading businesses, but he may have been involved with the upper management of the city on a regular basis.

The feeling of wanting to trade on such a big stage is still smoldering in the depths of my heart.

[In other words, the fact that Tesh-sama is moving means that there is no doubt that the young lord will appear, right?]

[…..that should be.]

As I turned around and said this, Tanhua gave me a bored expression and then looked up at the ceiling.

I interfered with the old man’s boast of knowledge. Even though he took the trouble to teach me, I may have done something wrong.

[Well, okay. Let’s both be careful not to be rude. …From what I’ve seen, you seem to be fine.]

What, was that what he really wanted to say?

Even if you’re the owner of one of the city’s leading merchant houses, if you piss off the Nobles, it’s over. In the worst case scenario, you’ll be sent to the execution table.

If it’s your own fault, I’d like you to refrain from getting other people involved in your affairs. I know that feeling all too well.

[Do I look okay? That’s good.]

[Yeah. The young man who went to another room seemed dangerous.]

The young man who went to another room was… Vidardo.

Apparently, Vidardo wanted to hand over the tribute directly to the young lord, and unexpectedly, he negotiated directly with the high-ranking official. As a result, he was separated from us while we were moving and was guided to another room. He still hadn’t come back.

[…..he might have already been disposed of.]

Tanhua’s jokes were not very funny.

Because Vidardo might really have been disposed of.

[Tanhua-san, it’s not a laughing matter.]

Seemingly thinking the same thing, the other winner, an old lady, interjected.

[Oops. My bad, Seref-sama.]

This old lady is also a rich person, judging from her appearance. Anyone could probably see this clearly when you see Tanhua treated her with a level of reverence.

It’s kind of a joke that the rich woman in the city wins the highest award in the Millionaire category of a card tournament.

But well, perhaps it’s only natural. Only a few people in the city possessed playing cards when the tournament was held. Most of them were merchants and wealthy people who reached out to impress officials or sell flattery. It was inevitable that there would be merchants like me, Tanhua, and rich people like Seref among the top performers.

…..I had no idea about Vidardo. But, I have a feeling he just bought it because it looked interesting.

As I was thinking about that, I heard footsteps from afar. The dignitaries are back.

Tanhua and Seref kept their mouths shut as if nothing had happened. I followed suit and straightened my posture and waited for the arrival.

Several high-ranking officials returned, but Vidardo was nowhere to be seen.

[You are now allowed to enter the audience room.]

A heavy door opened, and we entered the room timidly.

The young lord wasn’t there. I thought he’s still on his way.

After confirming the standing position according to the instructions of the high-ranking official, me, Tanhua, and Seref stand side by side at equal intervals with both knees and hands on the floor.

We just kept our mouths shut and waited for the young lord to appear.

…..please hold on, my knees.

It wasn’t long after I got down on my knees that he arrived. Normally, the cold, hard floor would make your knees go numb, but here there’s expensive carpet on the floor so it doesn’t bother me at all.

I felt like a high-ranking official was moving behind me, but I couldn’t look back, so I continued to maintain the same posture.

While doing so, I could clearly feel the air in the room changing. Was it due to the consciousness of the high officials?

[Young Master has come to see you. Come and greet him.]

The tension suddenly increased.

I was already groveling, but I felt like I needed to lower myself down to my heart. I turned my gaze to the floor and tried not to look at the young lord who was about to come.

Truck, tuck, tuck, small footsteps can be heard.

I stared at the floor and waited for someone to call me.

[Young Master. These three are participants in the card tournament at the beginning of the year, and among them, they are the ones who have won the most in each event…]

I could hear someone responding to the explanation given by the high-ranking official.

It’s a boyish voice. Was this the young lord’s voice?

[From the right, the Millionaire, the Seven Row, and the Old Maid.]

Then, where is the winner of Poker and Concentration? Please don’t ask that.

While we were waiting, they explained that the rewards had been awarded in the morning and that lunch had been served.

After they settled down, the voice of a high-ranking official was directed to us.

[Show your faces.]

I raised my head carefully. Making sure that I’m still staring at the floor.

The field of vision that could only see the floor gradually turned to face the front. A boy was sitting in a chair sandwiched between a high-ranking official and an old gentleman.

…..that boy is got to be the young lord, Wilk Quordenze.

[Did you guys enjoy the card tournament?]

He suddenly talked to us…! The young lord is actually willing to talk to the commoner.

But, I couldn’t answer. It’s frightening, but answering easily can be perceived as acting overly familiar or rude.

[…..so you couldn’t answer me freely? Then, how about this. You, the winner of the Seven Row category. What do you think? Answer me. This is an order.]

Phew, it’s not me.

And I felt sorry for Tanhua, but this is still better. It would be rude not to answer if the young lord went this far, so he should speak without hesitation.

[Y, yes, let me answer. Regarding the card tournament… It’s really enjoyable. No, not just me, but all the participants, and all the citizens who came to watch the game. I don’t remember an event that was as exciting as this. Moreover, I feel that it is the greatest honor for our Midonno Company to receive such an opportunity to visit the castle.]

Compliments without sarcasm, and the strength of the voice is good. Tanhua spoke lightly, and I could tell that he is used to dealing with Nobles.

[Alright. Then, how about the winner of the Old Maid next to you?]

It’s my turn!?

[Y…yes! I, I enjoyed it very much.]

I wasn’t even sure if I spoke properly.

Did I say something strange?

What’s in my head and what came out of my mouth didn’t line together, and I didn’t really know what I’m saying.

While I was regretting my remarks, the same question was directed to Seref. Apparently the young lord was going to ask everyone from the beginning.

I thought that was the end of the question from the Nobles. However, when the young lord heard Seref’s impressions, he immediately asked the next question.

For the second question, he first directed toward Seref, me, then Tanhua. The third, it’s me first, then Tanhua, and Seref.

As the conversation progressed, the question changed to something more like a conversation. Of course, there is a difference between Nobles and commoners, so it can’t be called a discourse.

As we talked, I got the impression that the young lord seemed interested in how the citizens considered the card games.

[Hoo. Are you playing that kind of game with playing cards? That is quite intriguing. Can I know more? Tesh, stay put.]

When I talked about how to play games that are popular in the union, they unexpectedly snapped at me. It’s a game that the old men of the guild made up as they please, so to be honest, it’s not something you’d want to tell a Nobleman, but… when you see the young lord’s curiosity, there’s no choice not to talk about it.

Even though he’s a Noble, talking like this makes him look like a normal boy. Do Nobles also play card games?

I don’t know if the tension eased, or if I was too nervous and went over my limit, but I think I was able to explain it well without getting stuck.

[…I see, there’s a game that I don’t know about in the castle town.]

Then, the young lord turned to the old gentleman, Tesh-sama, who was standing nearby.

[The new games are exciting. Those of you who showed your ability at the card tournament surely can understand that. …..Therefore, I prepared something fun.]

When the young lord said so, the high-ranking official behind him started to move.

A large desk and two chairs were set up between us and the young lord, and the maid placed something on it. With our knees on the floor, we couldn’t see what it was.

What is it? I wondered what’s going to happen.

[At ease.]

A high-ranking official stood next to the desk and pointed his hand at us. As if to give us a sigh of relief.

[Those who have achieved excellent results in the card tournament will be given a chance to challenge Young Master.]

The high ranking official gave us a signal to stand on our feet. So, we carefully stood up from the floor.

I raised my line of sight, but not enough to know what the object was on the desk because it was covered with cloth.

[It will be a battle of wisdom. Depending on your wit and intellect, it won’t be a mere dream to obtain further rewards.]

The maid took a step closer to the desk and put her hand on the cloth to match the high-ranking official’s words.

[This game, is called――――――]

The maid removes the cloth.

[――――――Greed Game.]

On the desk was a beautiful box with no lid and a pile of shining gold coins.

Involuntarily, my gaze was glued to it. The high-ranking official’s explanation about how the game is meant to be played barely registered on my brain.

[Right now, there are 100 Kiris gold coins on the desk.]

I took a deep breath.

The gold coins piled up on the desk were all Kiris gold coins. Nobles, knights, and owners of large stores may be familiar with this amount, but it’s a lot of money that a small merchant like ours could never afford.

[Get ready.]

Following the instructions of the high-ranking official, the maid carefully put the gold coins on the desk into the box. The sound of scraping metal resounded in the quiet hall.

[It is done.]

The maid said so and stepped back.

[Right now, this box contains 100 Kiris gold coins.]

A high-ranking official tilted the box slightly so that we could see what’s inside. There were shining gold coins there. I nodded subconsciously.

[Challenger takes your spot.]

Then, another high-ranking official appeared. Does it mean he’s playing the role of a challenger?

The official sat down on a chair facing the desk with the box on it. And the high-ranking official who was giving the explanation sat down in a chair opposite to that. The two high-ranking officials faced each other across the desk.

[Challengers take gold coins from this box. You can take up to three coins at once.]

In line with those words, the high-ranking official acting as the challenger took out three gold coins from the box and showed them to us.

[Once the opponent takes the gold coin, it’s my turn. This time we have to take the gold coin.]

The high-ranking official who was explaining it put his hand into the box, took out a gold coin and showed it to me. In his hand was a single Kiris gold coin.

[You need to take out at least one gold coin from the box.]

The two high-ranking officials placed their gold coins on the desk. The high-ranking official playing the role of the challenger has 3 coins on his side of the table, and the high-ranking official acting as the explainer has 1 coin on his side.

[The same thing is repeated alternately until there are no more gold coins left in the box.]

Once again, the high-ranking official acting as the challenger took out a gold coin from the box and placed it in his hand. I think he took out two this time. Then the turn goes to the high-ranking official who will explain.

1 piece, 2 pieces, 3 pieces, 2 pieces, 3 pieces, 2 pieces, 1 piece, 3 pieces… the two high-ranking officials pulled gold coins out of the box and placed them in their respective hands. At first, the change of turn was shown slowly, but from the middle, it gradually became faster, and gold coins were taken out one after another from the box.

After dozens of turns were over, the high-ranking official acting as the challenger stopped moving with his hand in the box.

[The last one…that is, the one who took the 100th Kiris gold coin is the one who is truly greedy.]

The high-ranking official acting as the challenger took out 3 gold coins and turned the box upside down.

Not a single gold coin fell to the floor. All 100 pieces must have been taken out of the box.

[The truly greedy one is the winner of the Greed Game.]

Having received the 100th gold coin, the high-ranking official acting as the challenger placed his hand on the pile of gold coins he had collected.

[The winner gets all the gold coins they have secured throughout the game.]

I felt my throat extremely dry.

The winner can get all the gold coins they secured…he said?

Did he really say that I might get my hand on all those gold coins…?

The high-ranking official playing the role of the challenger, who had no idea what my expectations were, calmly counted the coins in his hand.

[Fifty-four, fifty-five, fifty-six… I took out fifty-six gold Kiris coins from the box. If I were a true challenger, I would be able to leave the castle with 56 Kiris gold coins.]

I was at a loss for words.

56 Kiris gold coins. That’s a hell lot of money. With that much, any of us can reach for a much bigger business than we have now.

…but isn’t there any danger? It’s obvious what the winner gets, but what about the loser?

Then, the defeated high-ranking official stood up from his chair without touching the gold coins piled up on his side of the table.

[The loser gets nothing and leaves the castle.]

It would be nice if there was no punishment in particular.

If I was told to pay the gold coins that I lost as a fine, my life would be over.

[…That’s all. Any questions?]

You and your opponent take turns taking 100 gold coins. You can take up to 3 at a time, and you must take at least 1. If you get the last 100th card, you will be the winner, and you will receive the gold coins you have collected so far…

It’s simple and not that difficult.

Both Tanhua and Seref seem to understand. We looked at each other and nodded.

The young lord, who had been looking on happily until then, opened his mouth again.

[What do you think? That 100 Kiris gold coins might be yours to take.]

Certainly, my heart was boiling.

I even felt like my dormant ambition had begun to stir.

After that, we waited in a different place until the game was ready. But, our heartbeat only grew stronger.

A high-ranking official led us to a small waiting room in the corner of the audience hall. It’s a simple structure, just surrounded by a curtain, and I can’t imagine it’s a permanent space.

The waiting area wasn’t too small for me, Tanhua, and Seref to enter, but the curtain prevented us from seeing what was going on outside.

Why do we have to wait in a place like this?

[First Challenger, Seref.]

A high-ranking official’s voice was heard from outside the curtain.

The order of challenges was Seref, Tanhua, and me. Before moving to the waiting room, they asked who would be the first to challenge, but no one spoke out because we were too reserved, so the young lord came up with the order from the right.

I was glad I wasn’t the first, but I’m also a little uneasy about being the last. If possible, I would like to be the second.

[Come.]

A high-ranking official appeared at the entrance of the waiting room, leading Seref to go outside.

I didn’t know what was on the other side of the curtain, but I could only sense Seref’s tense atmosphere.

[100 Kiris gold coins are very enticing…]

Tanhua whispered while pointing at the curtain, as if to say that even a small voice wouldn’t be heard in this place.

[Even if you can’t take all 100, 50 is a possible amount.]

I brought my face closer to Tanhua and answered in the quietest voice possible.

The desire to succeed in this challenge was stronger than being scolded by a high-ranking official. Right now, I just want to exchange opinions with Tanhua.

[If you take three coins in the early game and adjust them well in the late game, you might be able to win big. It’s a game that tests how greedy you are.]

I see.

Is that why it was called the Greed Game?

[Judging from the card games and this, the young lord seems to be a person who likes new games.]

When I said that, Tanhua looked at me with a puzzled expression.

[Well, is it because he’s playing with the commoners… Hmm? What, did you not hear? Our opponent in this Greed Game is that young lord.]

I thought we’ll be playing against the high ranking official.

We’re going to play against a Noble?

However, Tanhua seemed to have confidence in the idea.

He said that the purpose of making such a waiting room and separating it with a curtain was to prevent anyone other than the people themselves from seeing commoners and Nobles playing at the same table.

[P…pleased…to be here…]

[…yeah, let’s have fun.]

And as if to prove it, the voices of Seref and the young boy could be heard from the other side of the curtain. Tanhua and I shut our mouths without exchanging words and listened together.

[…..do you want the first turn, or second? I’ll let you choose whichever you like.]

It’s the young lord speaking.

It seems that you can choose to play first or second. And Seref seemed to have picked the first move.

[Very daring of you to take the first turn. Now, how many coins will you take?]

Seref’s response to that was too low to hear.

She must be nervous, and I could only hear sounds that I don’t quite understand whether it’s words or groans.

[Hmm… 3 coins on the first move is a greed worthy of the name of the Greed Game, isn’t it?]

It’s necessary to earn gold coins in the early stages, so I think it’s a natural decision to play 3 coins on the first move.

[That’s good courage. Then, I will praise your courage and take only one coin.]

Apparently Seref took 3 gold coins and the young lord took 1 coin. Unfortunately, I could only judge by voice here.

While I was desperately trying to eavesdrop, the scramble for gold coins continued.

It’s a guess based on the occasional remarks of the young lord, but it seemed that Seref was single-mindedly aiming to acquire 3 coins.

I wonder how long it will take.

It felt like a very long match, but eventually it came to an end.

[Haa…!]

It was Seref’s voice.

[Four coins left? Now, take one or three. Fufufu, it seems that you did various adjustments in the final stage, but I guess it ended in vain.]

[How in the…]

And the voice of a high-ranking official announcing the end of the game soon resounded in the room. This was followed by the faint clatter of counting gold coins.

[…68 gold coins in the hands of the challenger.]

68 coins! She’s quite a greedy old woman.

[However, the challenger did not get the 100th gold coin. Only those who are truly greedy can be winners and cannot win gold coins. …..The challenge is over, step back.]

A little while after hearing those words, Seref returned to the waiting area. Apparently, she came to collect the memorabilia that was left here.

Perhaps because she was exhausted from playing games with the young lord, she didn’t even have the energy to speak to us, and was led away from the audience by one of the high-ranking officials.

[Next Challenger, Tanhua.]

[…understood.]

This time, Tanhua went out.

Then, a young man entered the waiting room to replace him.LEARN MOREBlue Billywig Video Player

[Hey.]

It was Vidardo, who had been sent to another room. He looked as good as ever.

[Are you okay?]

I brought my face closer, covered my mouth with my hand, and spoke quietly.

It seems that my intention to “speak quietly” was conveyed, and Vidardo also responded with the same volume.

[I got the approval to bring in the gifts. At first, they gave me a sour look. The goods themselves will be carried by officials.]

No, when I was talking about whether he was okay, I meant that there was no reprimand, not about the offerings, but… Well, okay. Things seem to be alright.

[So, have you heard about what we’re doing right now?]

[I heard it from an official in another room.]

Then, there’s no problem.

However, Vidardo put his hand on his chin.

[…But, I’m curious about what the young lord said. I want to know what kind of person he is.]

Vidardo asks me to tell him what happened earlier in this room. I said that I would talk about such things as much as I could after we left the castle, but he persisted. …..If I keep refusing like this, my voice will grow louder.

[I was nervous, so I only remember the part…]

So I told him everything I could remember, including conversations with the young lord, explanations of the game by high-ranking officials, and the conversation during the game.

Fortunately, Tanhua seemed to be trying to sell his company to the young lord, so the game hadn’t started yet.

[Yes, you can choose to play first or second. …..I have already said that, haven’t I?]

[The challenger chose to go first. It’s Young Master’s turn now…]

Then, I heard a voice from the other side of the curtain.

[Since it’s the Greed Game, I want to be greedy. By all means, I want to take the lead…]

[Is it the same as the previous challenger? Let’s have fun, see if we can be truly greedy this time.]

Apparently, Tanhua chose to go first.

[Three coins for the first move. …it’s a great game, so I’ll keep it to one coin so I can enjoy this for a bit longer.]

Hearing the young lord’s voice, Vidardo let out a sigh.

[The challenger will lose.]

What is he talking about…?

It’s still the first round, and only 4 coins have been taken out of the box.

[How do you know?]

Seeing me confused, he explained.

[This game has a winning formula.]

Vidardo’s words made me tilt my head.

[Winning formula?]

[Yes, winning formula. It’s actually a simple arithmetic problem.]

While he was saying that, the challenge beyond the curtain continued.

I was more concerned about Tanhua’s fighting style. I wanted to listen carefully, but Vidardo continued talking without regard for my feelings.

[What was the victory condition of this game?]

He sounded so full of confidence that I turned my attention to him for a little while.

[Getting the 100th gold coin, right?]

[Yes, if you get the 100th, you win. In short, if you get the 0th coin, you win.]

I had no idea what he was saying.

Vidardo had a satisfied look on his face, but just when I thought this was the end of his explanation.

[It doesn’t make any sense.]

[What?]

[Nobody would understand just from the short explanation you gave just now.]

Because of the half-baked explanation, I was half-hearted.

I turned my attention completely to Vidardo. Then he continued in an exasperated tone.

[Then, do you know that if you take the 96th gold coin and pass it to your opponent, you will win? When the 96th coin is taken, there are 4 gold coins left in the box. No matter how many cards your opponent takes, you can get the 100th card.

If the opponent takes one, there are three gold coins left in the box. If you take three coins on your turn, you win.

If the opponent takes 2 coins, there are 2 gold coins left in the box. If you take two coins on your turn, you win.

If the opponent takes 3 coins, there is only 1 gold coin left in the box. If you take one on your turn, you win.

In that case, the 100th gold coin will definitely be yours. In fact, the previous Seref was driven into that state and lost.

[…Well, I understand that, I guess.]

[Then you know what’s weird, right?]

[No, please continue your explanation.]

[…..very well. Think about what you should do to get the 96th card that is guaranteed to win.]

I wanted him to tell me everything, but I was a little intrigued, so I decided to think about it myself.

To get the 96th… what should I do?

Is it alright if the opponent takes the 95th, 94th, 93rd coins? Then, just like the 100th one, you can get the 96th for yourself.

Since you can only take 3 cards at large, if you take the 92nd card and pass the turn, your opponent will

…..In other words, I should take the 92nd gold coin and hand it over to my opponent. Since you can only take 3 cards at maximum, if you take the 92nd coin and pass the turn, your opponent will have to grab the 93rd, 94th, or 95th coin.

[…..the 92nd one?]

[Yep, yep. Then, how many should you take in order to get the 92nd?]

My way of thinking hasn’t changed. Since the 91st, 90th, and 89th coins will be forced on the opponent, we should take the 88th coin.

[88th.]

[Yes, next?]

84, 80, the number gradually decreases. At this point, I quickly realized that all I had to do was subtract 4.

I’m still a merchant, so I can do this level of arithmetic without any problems.

[…24, 20, 16, 12, 8, 4, 0.]

[See? If you take the 0th coin, you win, right?]

Even if you say that, it’s still difficult. And while I was doing the subtraction, I started to lose sight of what was going on.

What does it mean to pick up the 0th one in the first place?

Um, I don’t know… In other words, in order to get the 100th card, I need to get the 96th card…

For now, let’s ignore the 0th one. You should get the 4th one. Picking up the 4th should mean the same as picking up the 96th.

[If you pick up the 4th coin, you win, so… the second player will always win?]

[I see.]

The first goer will not be able to grab the fourth coin. The maximum number of gold coins that can be taken at once is 3.

That’s why I should let the young lord take the lead and get 1st, 2nd, or 3th coins. Then, I can take the fourth gold coin.

[…ah.]

Then, I understood the meaning of the phrase “take the 0th coin.”

Choosing the second move can be said to “not take gold coins”. In a sense, it can be said that “I took the 0th coin”.

Let’s say I give up the lead to the young lord and get one coin taken. Then, I take three. That would mean that I was the one who took the 4th gold coin in total.

Next, no matter how many coins the young lord takes, if I move to take the 8th card… I should be able to get up to the 96th card.

4 gold coins remain in the box when the 96th is taken. Whether the young lord takes one, two or three, I can grab the 100th gold coin of victory.

……eh? Is this what Vidardo meant by “winning formula”?

[Probably, if I take the second move, the young lord will take three coins on the first move.]

[Why is that?]

[To test if you know this winning strategy. If you really understand how it works, you understand that if you take the 4th card, you win. So you can only get one here. So you can see that the challenger who took back 3 cards just chose the second move.]

[I see.]

Grabbing the fourth coin means grabbing victory. It can never be removed.

[On the next turn after taking the 4th coin, the young lord should take 3 gold coins again. However, in order to get the 8th coin, I can only take 1 coin. This continues until the 100th coin. Is it possible for someone who doesn’t know how it works?]

I thought that was impossible.

The number of gold coins you take out of the box will be your prize money when you win. Three gold coins are being taken one by one in front of my eyes, but no one is stupid enough to take out gold coins one by one for no reason.

[Humbly choose the second move and collect only one gold coin at a time, which is the minimum number of coins. From the outside, it’s a game where such selfless people win. Calling it a Greed Game is rather misleading.]

Certainly.

I think it’s a twisted name rather than a prank.

…Even so, I wouldn’t expect anyone to grasp the essence of the game as soon as they heard it. Contrary to his appearance, this man named Vidardo seems to be quite a wise man.

[I lost too.]

The one who suddenly called out to me was Tanhua.

Apparently, the game ended while Vidardo and I were talking. He also seemed to be exhausted from challenging the Nobles, so he left the audience room as soon as he collected the souvenirs that he had left here.

[Next Challenger, Hakuto.]

My name was called so I moved through the curtain. A high official was standing there.

It seemed that Vidardo would be the last challenger due to his late arrival. I left the waiting area while thanking him for teaching me how to win.

[Sit in the chair in front of you.]

Following the instructions of the high-ranking official, I sat down on a chair placed near the entrance.

Kiris gold coins were neatly arranged on the desk. Dazzling golden glow. Since there were 10 rows of 10 coins per row, I could easily tell that there are 100 Kiris gold coins here.

With a winning formula, I should be able to bring some of it back home… When I thought that, I felt a throbbing of my heart that was different from tension.

[Two people left. Hopefully this one isn’t as dumb as that old lady before.]

Tesh-sama pulled out a chair, and the young lord sat down on it.

[Come on, let’s have some fun. Which turn are you picking to go?]

A Noble. He’s a Noble…!

It’s hard, but I have to speak. I have to choose the path to sure victory!

[…..I, I will take, second…]

A high-ranking official standing on my left carefully puts the gold coins into the box.

During that time, I expressed my gratitude and greetings. All I could think about was choosing to go second, and I almost forgot about it. That was close.

However, after talking with the young lord earlier about local card games, my heart seems to have calmed down a bit. I think I was able to talk properly even with Nobles after that.

[100 coins have been placed.]

A box was placed in the center of the desk.

From this position, I couldn’t see everything inside due to the angle, but I couldn’t be rude like stretching my neck to peek. Well, there’s no need to doubt that there are gold coins in it.

The rectangular box made of reddish wood was decorated with flower ornaments painted in gold and silver. Even without gold coins, this box alone seems to be worth quite a fortune.

[Since you chose to go second, then I’ll move first. Then, just like the name of the game, let’s greedily take 3 coins.]

…..it’s just as Vidardo said!

I desperately suppressed the desire to rejoice. Nothing can go wrong from here onward.

[Then, I’ll take 1 coin.]

4th coin.

I grabbed the 4th coin that will lead to victory and placed it on the desk in front of my stomach.

After pushing the 5th, 6th, and 7th coins to the young lord, I aim for the next winning number, the 8th sheet.

[Huh? Is 1 coin truly enough? How selfless of you. Then, I’ll take three again.]

Another 3! It’s going as expected.

…No, I’m sweating a lot. I need to calm down.

A total of 7 gold coins were taken out of the box. In order to obtain the eighth gold coin in total, it is one. Just take one out of the box.

Be selfless, me.

Even 1 Kiris gold coin is still a lot of money. If I greedily take 3 here, the young lord will come out with a winning number and snatch away the victory. So, I couldn’t afford to be greedy even for a moment.

Being selfless is the surest way to win the greed game.

I took a gold coin while being careful not to let my fingers slip from sweat.

The 8th gold coin in total fits in my hand. This was the total number of gold coins I had acquired.

Next, the young lord took 3 coins, and I took 1, 3, 1, 3… the number of gold coins kept decreasing.

I wondered if Tesh-sama and the officials realized that I knew the winning formula. I glanced at him, but there was no change in his expression or attitude.

…..then, there’s nothing wrong.

If this goes on, I can win. It should be possible.

I got the 52nd gold coin from the box.

Now I have 13 gold coins.

I got the 56th gold coin from the box.

Now I have 14 gold coins.

I got the 60th gold coin from the box.

Now I have 15 gold coins.

… I think I’m going crazy.

At this point I’ve secured at least 15 Kiris gold coins.

15 Kiris gold coins. 15 coins. 15 Kiris gold coins! I can’t believe I can get this much money for free!

And there’s still room for more!

With this amount of money, I should be able to expand my current business. I would also be able to buy thick-haired rabbits, which are considered to be rare or rare species. I’d also like to see the pet thick-haired rabbits in the west.

Suppressing my excitement, I took out the 72nd gold coin from the box. Victory is now imminent.

As long as the young lord continues to take 3 cards, I only need to take 1. I don’t have to think about it anymore.

Dreams and hopes expand endlessly.

No need to do any calculation.

Maybe it’s because I’ve been able to afford it.

[Oh…]

I involuntarily looked at the boy sitting in front of me. …..I saw it.

A costume made of Newnelly silk with vivid dyeing.

His beautifully arranged hair that was as blue as the sky in spring, and fingertips that were perfectly fine to pick up gold coins…

A Noble.

That’s right, this boy is a Noble.

Even compared to the knights who rule the city of Newnelly, where I live, they reign even higher…the true lord clan. Young lord, what is it…..

A person who can easily wipe out a commoner with a single glance…

[What’s wrong? It’s your turn.]

[Ah…yes! Pardon me for the delay.]

…..am I still alright?

My body was dyed cold.

It was terrifying.

In order to hide my trembling fingers, I tightly pinched the gold coin.

Heavy.

This single Kiris gold coin felt so heavy that I couldn’t even pull it with my fingers.

I declared the number of coins that I managed to get and gave the turn to the young lord.

The victory is near.

…..but, is it really alright like this?

[You’re selfless. You’ve only taken one from a while ago, haven’t you?]

My chest tightened as if my heart had been crushed.

A smile appeared on the young lord’s face. It was an innocent smile that seemed to be enjoying this game.

But…is that really the case?

He said the greed game was just a hobby.

However, even if it was just for fun, a commoner won against the Nobles… is it really alright?

…..who knows?

I might get accused of being rude and beheaded… couldn’t say that it’s impossible to happen…

Perhaps the other challengers were thinking about that and deliberately lost…?

The wealthy Seref, and a wealthy merchant Tanhua…it wouldn’t be strange to think that they lost on purpose.

It’s a winning formula that Vidardo quickly figured out, and I wonder if everyone realized it already when I didn’t just because I was stupid…

I’m glad that the winning formula is working, but… is this alright?

Contrary to my desire to temporarily suspend the game, the number of gold coins steadily decreased.

The time for a merciless settlement draws closer with each player’s hand movements.

Why did Vidardo teach me the winning formula? Maybe he’s using me as a test.

I was the test subject to confirm whether it’s okay for commoners to win against Nobles…?

I’m scared.

If it causes a great deal of displeasure, not only I but my family may be implicated.

Should I choose to win, even if it means risking it?

Right now, I have 20 Kiris gold coins…

That’s a lot of money. A dizzying amount of money…

However, in order to obtain this, I have to take a gamble.

In order to seize a hopeful future, we must overcome the possibility of destruction.

The box.

The fable of Pandora’s Box comes to mind.

This box contains both hope and calamity.

Is it really okay to reach out…?

What you get is the hope of a large amount of Kiris gold coins…

If you’re unlucky, you’ll end up murdering your whole family…

Am I daring enough to make such a terrifying bet….?

Can I be “greedy” at all――――――？

[……………………………………ah.]

The desk was drenched with sweat.

[I…I think, taking only 1 is not enough…prize…]

The answer is no.

[…..I, I’ll be greedy here, and take 3 coins…]

I can’t be that greedy.

I can’t be a big idiot or a genius enough to put my life on the scales to get a gold coin.

I should’ve known that I’m not someone who can open the box.

It’s a misconception that the unselfish wins the game.

It is said that from the beginning, didn’t it? The one who wins this game is “the one who is truly greedy”.

And that’s not me.

[…..really?]

The 88th coin, which was necessary for victory, was pulled out by the young lord’s beautiful fingers. When I saw it, I felt that the sweat on my back suddenly turned cold.

My defeat is now confirmed.

After that, I pulled out three cards at a time. I couldn’t help but want to leave this place as soon as possible.

Naturally, it was the young lord who took the 96th coin, which was a guaranteed victory.

[It’s my victory.]

[I, I’m sorry…]

Then, the young lord spoke in a voice that only I could hear.

[It was quite disappointing.]

His voice sounded dejected.

Maybe I was thinking too much. The young lord didn’t care about winning or losing…or maybe he wanted someone to notice the mechanism.

If that’s the case, it’s possible that losing on purpose was more uncomfortable…

What should I do?

Should I make an excuse, even just a little?

However, the eyes of Tesh-sama and the high-ranking officials are saying, [Stay back].

After I finished my greetings, I stood up from my chair.

[Umm… I’m going back to pick up the memorabilia…]

I said while pointing at the waiting area.

The high-ranking official, who was cleaning up after the match, waved his hand and indicated that I should get it quickly.

My whole body felt extremely heavy, but I forced it to move and returned to the waiting area.

[Why did you lose? You were about to win, didn’t you?]

[Yeah…]

Vidardo, who was waiting in the waiting room, seemed genuinely wondering.

Now that I have faced and escaped the danger of my life, I am unable to answer it satisfactorily.

[Sometimes things don’t go as planned.]

[Is that so? Well, it’s my turn next.]

That carefree tone didn’t seem to change.

I was going to give him advice, but I sensed that it was unnecessary. If it’s him, he will win against the young lord without worrying about anything.

[Ah, do your best. For me, the Greed game is…not it. It’s not a game where the greedy wins. Only those who are truly greedy can break through it… and bring back the gold coins…..]

Since the young lord and Vidardo will have a match, I need to leave the audience as soon as possible.

There were three memorabilia on the chair, so I checked one of them, mine, and picked it up.

[I don’t really understand why, but the truly greedy will win… huh.]

There was something about that voice that reminded me of a boy plotting mischief.

[In that case, why don’t I try to be a little greedy? Just like you said.]

My head was already exhausted. However, Vidardo’s remarks still bothered me. I wanted to know what the person who came up with the winning formula would start saying.

[…What does it mean to be greedy?]

[What, it’s not a big deal. A game where the winner is decided from the start is boring, isn’t it? That’s why I’m going to make it more fun here.]

It was hard to believe that a match with dozens of gold coins was on the horizon, and all he thinks about is to make it fun.

Then, he declared to me.

[I’m going to obtain all of the 100 gold coins.]