VIII.
VIII.
‘The Card Game’
Author's Note: Please don't even try to plagiarize, illegally copy this story (and its terminologies which are mentioned in the following/previous chapters) or even try to distribute a soft copy. Do not test me. Thank you.
Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Ruler’: That night, ‘Ches’ and Rai were dancing in front the guests when ‘Ches’ slightly mentioned something about her past and ‘Ryo’s ‘Alementalian’ magic. Sensing Rai’s anger, Eito immediately approached Rai while ‘Ryo’ started teasing ‘Ches’. ‘Flora’ and ‘Niel’ also interrupted the party, saving ‘Ches’ from his unexpected ‘love confession’. Meanwhile, along the Hallway, Lilia started summoning her fellow six mercenaries to prepare for their ‘dance mission’ the next day when Miko barged in. Lilia eventually decided to let him join in their party as Mr. Charlie’s substitute representative. The next day, Emi and ‘Mi’ went to visit Rai and Eito inside her apartment, reminding her about her scheduled ‘War Dance’ performance that day.
‘Earth’
‘Town of Ryushizaki’
That snowy night
Shouta’s Apartment…
Shouta, along with Mr. Sir and Auntie Lady, are seen resting inside the living area.
“What a day! Thanks to Shouta’s help, we managed to fill our pending quota last week.” Mrs. Lady said as she lazily sat down on the center sofa.
“You are right, Dear! Thank you for helping us, Shouta.” Mr. Sir cheerfully said as he smiled back at Shouta.
“You are welcome, Master. Anyway, Here. I made you some mini-fruit tarts and mochi cakes and tea.” Shouta said as he went out of the kitchen and presented his delicacies.
“Thank you, Shouta! A-Amazing! I wonder who taught you made these delicious mochi cakes.” Auntie Mrs. Lady exclaimed as she started eating the first mochi cake.
“Wait? You actually made these colorful, small cakes?” Mr. Sir exclaimed as he suspiciously glares back at Shouta who flinched afterwards.
“Of course, yes, Master! Sir Terry, the former ‘Upper Knights’ Captain, was once our Cooking ‘Imperial Instructor’ back in the ‘Academy’ few years ago. He was so strict that he once asked me to get out of the ‘Royal Kitchen’ for burning that sandwich dish for him.” Shouta proudly exclaimed as he tells to Mr. Sir.
“I see. If I were this ‘Mr. Terry’, I will also do the same to you.” Mr. Sir said as he started eating his mochi cake.
“Poor sandwich. Next time, I will gladly teach you on how to make a homemade sandwich.” Mrs. Lady sadly said as smiled back at Shouta.
“Thank you very much, Auntie but I will just ask Maki to make one for me – Huh?! Master, are you alright? You accidentally dropped you mochi cake on the floor.” Shouta said as he got interrupted and asked Mr. Sir.
“Ah! T-There is a ghost standing outside your balcony!” Mr. Sir exclaimed as he trembled in fear and shouted back at Shouta.
“Huh?! What are you talking about?” Shouta exclaimed as he wondered and then opened the sliding door going to his balcony.
“See! T-There is a ghost wearing a crimson-stained lab coat standing inside your balcony.” Mr. Sir exclaimed as he got afraid and then used the throw pillow behind him to hide himself.
“Darling, please calm down and I think you are overreacting. That is not a ghost.” Mrs. Lady said as she sighed in relief.
“Your Majesty – I mean Father…How many times do I have to remind you to please use the freaking front door when visiting us inside this building complex?! We are currently not living in ‘Iytheria’ where we are allowed to just fly and jump up on to our balconies to avoid meeting our annoying neighbors waiting for us inside our front yard.” Shouta angrily said as he went outside his apartment and yelled back at Dr. Markus.
“You already reminded me that three times but I still forget it. My apologies, my child.” Dr. Markus cheerfully said as he scratched his head.
“I knew it! Darling, that was Dr. Markus. He came in here to visit Shouta and Hiiro tonight – Huh?! Darling?! Shouta, please help me. Your uncle has just fainted on the floor.” Mrs. Lady exclaimed as she pleaded to Shouta.
“What?! Master! Now, look what have you done? Come inside and let’s help them.” Shouta said as he sighed in disbelief.
“Shouta, wait. I also forgot to announce my arrival. I’m home.” Dr. Markus plainly as he gently took off his winter scarf.
“Welcome back, Father. Now, let’s hurry and help Master.” Shouta said as he smiled back at Dr. Markus.
Inside Shouta’s living area…
“Good evening, esteemed guests. I would like to apologize for barging in like this. I also forgot to change this lab coat after doing that patient’s surgery this afternoon.” Dr. Markus cheerfully said as he approached Mr. Sir and Mrs. Lady on the floor.
“I-I see. You scared the shit out of my husband though.” Mrs. Lady said as she sighed in relief.
“What?! Then, you should have took off that lab coat before leaving out of the hospital. Imagine what the other passengers’ reactions after they saw you waiting inside the bus station wearing that.” Shouta angrily said as he shouted back at Dr. Markus.
“Do not worry, Mrs. Lady. Your husband is fine. He simply fainted after seeing me wearing this lab coat.” Dr. Markus said as he tells to Mrs. Lady.
“Thank goodness. I guess we should let him rest in here for a while.” Mrs. Lady said as she smiled back at Dr. Markus.
“Uh? I understand. Master, your lovely wife reminds me of mine who passed away years ago.” Dr. Markus sadly said as he started pocking Mr. Sir’s right cheek.
“Father, please stop doing that! Auntie, I will just get that comforter inside my room and some new clothes for this guy.” Shouta said as he tells to Mrs. Lady.
“But? We could just carry him back to our apartment and then – Huh?” Mrs. Lady said as she wondered and then looked at Dr. Markus.
“Do not worry, Auntie. I will immediately prepare everything. I will be right back.” Shouta cheerfully said as he ran out of the living area.
“Thank you very much, Shouta! Now…you were married?!” Mrs. Lady exclaimed as she asked Dr. Markus.
“Yes, I was. According to Shouta’s story, ‘Imperial Queen’ Rossa, my wife has passed away after overhearing that suspicious news of my death inside the ‘Central District’.” Dr. Markus said as he stood up from the floor and then took off his stained lab coat.
“I see. I’m so sorry to hear that, Doctor. It must be hard on you to live on after that incident.” Mrs. Lady sadly said as she tells to Dr. Markus.
“No – I mean that happened a long time ago and I still have Shouta to help me so I’m already fine.” Dr. Markus exclaimed as he flinched and explained to Mrs. Lady.
“Then, according to your ridiculous story, if you and Shouta got exiled in here and your wife, the ‘Imperial Queen’ has already died, who the heck overseeing your magical Kingdom right now?” Mrs. Lady curiously said as she asked Dr. Markus.
“That ‘Demon Witch’, Auntie. That ‘Demon’ who seized the Kingdom away from me.” Hiiro angrily as he arrived inside their shared apartment.
“’Demon Witch’? I wonder who were you referring to, Hiiro.” Mrs. Lady curiously said as she crossed her arms.
“Oh! Welcome back, Hiiro. I wonder what happened to your group’s expedition.” Dr. Markus said as he approached Hiiro.
“I’m back, your Majesty. Good news, we have found some traces of weird ‘Alementalian’ magic inside Ms. Castellia’s mansion. I have instructed Lady Naomi’s group to stay and observe inside that property while I descended from that mountain and inform you about this.” Hiiro said as he reported to Dr. Markus.
“Welcome home, Hiiro! Uh? What happened to your hair?” Mrs. Lady said as she wondered and asked Hiiro.
“Ah, yes. This? My hair got covered up with snow while running back in here. I should have worn that winter bonnet Shouta gave me this morning.” Hiiro said as he dusted off his hair and explained to Mrs. Lady.
“Everyone! I’m back. Father, could you at least help me carry these things - Ah! Not again, Hiiro.” Shouta angrily said as he noticed Hiiro and then approached him.
“I’m back, Shouta. Uh? I got back earlier than I expected so I wonder why you are so mad at me.” Hiiro plainly said as he asked Shouta.
“You…How many times do I have to tell you to take off your dirty, leather boots before entering the living area?!” Shouta angrily said as he shouted back at Hiiro who flinched.
“My bad. I forgot about that. Back in ‘Aethyria’, my mother and Yuki are usually the ones who always reminds me to take off my boots before entering the house.” Hiiro shyly said as he scratched his head and then started taking off his boots in front of Shouta.
“Hurry! Take those dirty boots out of here and… You! Father, please help me arrange these beddings for Master on the floor.” Shouta said as he glares back at Dr. Markus.
“I understand. But, can I have my clothes first and then – Huh?! You do not have to shove these onto my face, Shouta.” Dr. Markus shyly said as he grabbed his clothes out of his face.
“And one thing, ‘Imperial Prince’… I would like to report something to you.” Hiiro said as he sat up on the floor and looked at Shouta.
“Hm? What is it, Hiiro?” Shouta curiously said as he shoved the comforter at Dr. Markus’ upper chest.
“Ow-ouch…This body is getting fragile and old so could you stop shoving everything onto me?!” Dr. Markus said as he got pissed off and pinched Shouta’s left cheek.
“Harue’s sleeping ‘Silhouette’ has finally disappeared on the other side of the ‘Rusty Gate’. An hour ago, before heading here, I went to visit her inside Mr. Lukas’ backyard and witnessed how her ‘Silhouette’ slowly vanished inside the ‘Gate’.” Hiiro sadly said as he reported to Shouta who flinched afterwards.
“Harue’s what? Hiiro! What happened to Harue?” Mrs. Lady exclaimed as she got worried and asked Hiiro.
“I see. Then, her promise to the Kingdom has been fulfilled. I hope that her ‘Silhouette’ may found peace as it returns back to the ‘Abyssal Plateau’.” Shouta sadly as he crossed his arms.
“I hope so, my son. But, have you ever wondered where the rejected ‘Silhouettes’ or shall I say ‘Escapees’ go after they disobeyed the ‘Beasts of Light and Shadow’?” Dr. Markus said as he approached and tousled Shouta’s hair.
“I know where, your Majesty. I-I have read an article about that mysterious place in one of those books stored inside the ‘Queen’s Archives’ once. The phrase the author used was ‘Paraíso en el infierno’.” Hiiro said as he struggles to pull out his left leather booth.
‘Back in ‘Alementalia’
Eastern Region
In ‘Wathyria’
Inside the Hamasaki Mansion…
That morning, the Hamasaki Twins, Kazuki and Kenji are seen waiting for their breakfast to be served inside the Dining room.
“Uh! I’m starving! How long are we going to wait for those coffees and sandwiches?” Kazuki said as he groaned out and then scratched his head.
“Me too. I guess we should go inside to the kitchen and ask Ms. Georgia about – Uh? Could you stop staring at me like that?” Kenji said as he closed the newspaper and stared back at Kazuki.
“There is nothing fun to read on that morning newspaper.” Kazuki said as he glares back at Kenji.
“Well, today’s headlines are quite interesting. Especially this hand written article about that underwater city located somewhere in the Eastern Ocean.” Kenji exclaimed as he presented the newspaper to Kazuki.
“The Eastern Ocean is literally huge and wide Even the ‘Great Sailor’, Mr. Anderson and the ‘Wathyrian Navy’ has never ever found the exact location of that mysterious city. Anyway, where are Lady Phoebe and Sir Nile? I thought he is joining with us for breakfast.” Kazuki said as he wondered and crossed his arms.
“Ah, yes. Ms. Georgia already accompanied them to the ‘Port’ earlier this morning. Mother, Father and Ms. Georgia are currently preparing their picnic breakfast inside the kitchen.” Kenji cheerfully said as he went back on reading his newspaper.
“I see…Huh?! What? You should have told me that earlier! Damn it! I will just leave and eat my breakfast at Mr. Charlie's Restaurant instead.” Kazuki angrily said as he stood up from his seat and walked away from the dining table.
“Big brother, please wait. I would like my hand gun back.” Kenji seriously said as he closed his newspaper and glared back Kazuki who flinched.
“Huh?! What the hell are you talking about?” Kazuki nervously said as he turned around and approached Kenji.
“That rusty hand gun you used to shot me during that training drill, leaving this small and long scar onto my left leg.” Kenji said as he got pissed off and then crossed his arms.
“Fine! Here is your stupid hand gun. I do not use those kind of weapons anyway.” Kazuki said as he lazily took the gun out of his lower, back pocket and gave it to Kenji.
“Then, why did you kept this after all these years?” Kenji seriously said as he suddenly aimed the hand gun closely onto Kazuki’s forehead.
“Hm? I simply found it as an interesting weapon so I took it. That is it.” Kazuki said as he lied to Kenji.
“No. You stole this because you felt so guilty after accidentally shooting me that day. So, to lessen the pain, you took my hand gun and attempted to destroy this evidence but you somehow failed.” Kenji seriously said as he smirked, taunting Kazuki.
“Huh?! I see no reason to feel guilty from such false assumptions.” Kazuki seriously said as he growled and then seized Kenji’s collared shirt.
“I see. Then, do you still remember why I used my ‘Alementalian’ magic inside those mountain ranges while we are still exiled in ‘Earth’? My vague memories reminds me that you – Huh?!” Kenji cheerfully said as stopped and noticed their parents looking at them.
“Father, Mother! A-Ah! D-Do not worry, K-Kenji and I were just talking to each other.” Kazuki nervously said as he pushed Kenji away from him.
“Is that true, Kenji? By the looks of it, Kazuki was about to punch you few seconds after we arrived in here.” Mr. Ren seriously said as he glared back at Kenji who flinched.
“Y-Yes, Father! Kazuki was just fixing my collared shirt earlier. That’s all.” Kenji nervously said as he lied to his father.
“Hm? I understand. Anyway, could you two please help us bring these three large woven full of sandwiches to your guests in the Beach Area?” Mrs. Sally cheerfully said as she asked her children.
“Mother, h-how many sandwiches did you made for them today?” Kazuki nervously said as he approached his mother.
“Ms. Georgia and I made twenty fruit sandwiches for our guests today! I just hope that they will like those though.” Mrs. Sally sadly said as she sighed in disappointment.
“Do not worry, Mother. You are a great cook so I’m sure our guests will love these sandwiches you made for them.” Kenji cheerfully said as he smiled back at his mother.
“I’m so sorry but Mr. Charlie and Ms. Georgia’s cooking skills are much better than yours, mother.” Kazuki said as he giggled and teased his mother.
“Uh! I’m flattered, Master Kazuki but Lady Sally’s cooking skills slightly improved after taking those lessons under Mr. Charlie’s cooking class and – Milady! I know that you are upset but could you please stop pinching his cheeks?” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she approached Mrs. Sally and Kazuki.
“Darling, that’s enough. Anyway, Kenji, your mother forgot to bring their drinks out of the kitchen. Could you assist Ms. Georgia in getting those out of here?” Mr. Ren seriously said as he asked Kenji.
“As you wish, Father. But?...Before I leave, may I ask you a question?” Kenji said as he approached his father.
“Hm? O-Of course, yes. W-What is it?” Mr. Ren nervously said as he tousled Kenji’s hair.
“Who is Lady Va-al? You know that rumored ‘Silhouette’ who were guarding that ‘Lake’ surrounding the ‘Main Island.’ ” Kenji cheerfully said as he asked his father who flinched afterwards.
“Uh! Father, Mother, is there something wrong? Please do ignore that weird question.” Kazuki nervously said as he started panicking in front of his parents.
“K-Kenji, darling, w-where did you heard that name?” Mrs. Sally exclaimed as she trembled in fear and then approached Kenji.
“I have dreamt about her when I was on that eternal slumber last week. In my dream, this mysterious toad kept croaking back at me as it cried beside my death bed.” Kenji said as he explained to his parents.
“Kenji, toads cannot possibly cry.” Kazuki plainly said as he stared back at Kenji.
“I-I know but that dream felt so real. Anyway, since Ms. Georgia is carrying that heavy basket, you are coming to help me take those drinks out of the kitchen.” Kenji cheerfully said as he started pushing Kenji going to the kitchen.
“I-I understand, Master Kenji. We placed those drink on the top of the wooden table near the kitchen counter and – Huh?! Milady, you are shivering! What happened?” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she approached Mrs. Sally.
“Uh! Really? Am I? I apologize. I got mortified after hearing that strange name, again.” Mrs. Sally cheerfully said as she smiled back at Ms. Georgia.
“Damn it! Do not worry, Darling. That was just one of Kenji’s dream, remember?” Mr. Ren said as he hugged his wife.
“Master, I think now is the right time to them the truth.” Ms. Georgia seriously said as she glared back at his employees.
“What?! No! Stop! Please, I beg of you, Georgia please do not do that.” Mrs. Sally angrily said as she pleaded to Ms. Georgia.
“But why? The young masters deserve to know the truth.” Ms. Georgia angrily said as she tells to Mrs. Sally.
“I know but I will personally tell them soon. But for the meantime, please do keep that as our little secret.” Mr. Ren softly said as he pleaded to Ms. Georgia.
‘Port of Cereza’
Beach Area
Along the shoreline…
Mr. Nile and Ms. Phoebe are seen resting inside the beach area, waiting for the Hamasaki Family to arrive.
“Why the long face, Ms. Phoebe? Are you not happy that we got this vacation trip for free?” Mr. Nile cheerfully said as he gently took off his sunglasses and sat upright onto his beach mat.
“That is because I’m probably fired after this trip! Ah! I’m sure Master Eito will get upset to me.” Ms. Phoebe exclaimed as she scratched her head.
“I see. Well, I only wished that her Majesty – I mean Lady Rai informed me about this trip earlier so that I could pack my things in advance but what happened is beyond my expectations.” Mr. Nile cheerfully said as he carefully laid down on the beach mat to rest.
“Again, on behalf of Sir Kazuki and Kenji, we are so sorry for abducting you before. It was Sir Kenji’s idea after all.” Ms. Phoebe said as she apologized to Mr. Nile.
“No. Not at all. I, on the other hand, thank all of you for doing that. Now, let’s us enjoy this all-expense paid vacation trip inside this beautiful paradise.” Mr. Nile cheerfully said as he smiled back at Ms. Phoebe.
“I understand! I do not care if I got fired after this. Anyway, that woman swimming inside the Eastern Ocean seems to be interested at you.” Ms. Phoebe said as she teased Mr. Nile.
“Woman? You must be mistaken, Lady Phoebe. That is an ugly ‘Ghost Siren.” Ms. Antonia said as she and Ms. Aya arrived inside the beach and smiled back at Ms. Phoebe.
“A ‘Ghost Siren’? But I thought that those sea creatures only exists inside the ‘River of Selenia’.” Ms. Phoebe exclaimed as she stood up from her beach mat and wondered.
“No. These malicious ‘Ghost Sirens’ originally lives in the Eastern Ocean. Rumors once said that they use their amazing voice to lure innocent fishermen and sailors under the water drowning them for good.” Ms. Aya said as she explained to Mr. Nile and Ms. Phoebe.
“Anyway, please do be extra careful while swimming inside this Beach.” Ms. Antonia said as she reminded to Mr. Nile and Ms. Phoebe.
‘Main Island’
‘Central District’
Inside an abandoned Workshop…
Lilia’s group of mercenaries are seen waiting for Ms. Mai inside this building.
“We are dead. I’m sure that Lady Mai will reprimand us after incident earlier.” Ms. Carla said as she sighed in disbelief.
“Huh?! Why would she do that? I mean that she should only blame this guy for jeopardizing the entire mission.” Ms. Milly angrily said as she stomped towards Hikaru.
“Guy? Please do call me, ‘No. 12’, Ms. Milly.” Hikaru cheerfully said as he smiled back at Ms. Milly.
“I’m also pretty sure that we are going to get paid today. This is so disheartening.” Mr. Bobby said as he sighed in disappointment.
“You are absolutely right, Mr. Bobby. I’m taking that reward money off the deal.” Ms. Mai angrily said as she went inside the Workshop and slammed close the door.
“Lady Mai! I-I can explain. You see…what happened was – Huh!?” Lilia nervously said as she approached Ms. Mai who simply shoved her away afterwards.
“’Like father, like son’ eh? How dare you jeopardize the entire mission?!” Ms. Mai angrily said as she stomped away and then approached Hikaru.
“That is because I still value that reputation of winning in everything than receiving that worthless reward money from you, Lady Mai.” Hikaru seriously said as he taunted Ms. Mai.
“You grew up exactly just like that guy. Your father was willing to sacrifice his entire ‘Investigating Team’ just to satisfy his greed.” Ms. Mai angrily said as she got upset and then walked away from her mercenaries.
“Lilia and I witnessed how greed eventually consumed Master Kai. Now, it is also happening to his only son. How sad.” Miko softly said as he stood up from the ground and then looked Mr. Bobby’s right arm.
“Uh? Then, what are we going to do, Lady Mai?” Mr. Bobby said as he asked Ms. Mai.
“We wasted that chance to get rid of that ‘Demon Witch’ out of the throne because of this guy. Damn it! Now, what the hell are we going to do?” Ms. Mai angrily said as she crossed her arms and wondered.
“Hm? The audience seems to be enjoying watching her Majesty playing against that blond child.” Lilia curiously said as she took a peak through the glass window and reported to Ms. Mai.
“Ah, yes. Her Majesty and ‘Lyon’ are currently playing the ‘Card Game’ along the street outside. And based on my observations, ‘Lyon’ has won the first round while her Majesty is about to win on this round.” Ms. Mai plainly said as she tells to her mercenaries.
“Then, I guess this meeting is adjourned. Mayu – I mean ‘No. 13’ let’s get out of here.” Hikaru said as he instructed to ‘No.13’.
‘No. 13’ immediately nodded as she flinched in fear while walking behind Hikaru out of the workshop.
Along the streets…
Surrounded by their nervous and curious spectators, Rai and ‘Lyon’ are seen playing inside the ‘Central Plaza’.
“Round Two has ended! Her Majesty wins on this round.” Mr. Sai cheerfully said as he presented the second card to the audience.
“What?! But? How did that happened?” Eito exclaimed as he wondered and asked Mr. Sai.
“You see… Earlier, ‘Lyon’ has asked her Majesty to find him the 6 of Clubs card. Her Majesty failed to find his actual card but flipped this 6 of Hearts instead. So, therefore, the valid winning point goes to her Majesty on this round while they both have 4 lives left. ” Mr. Sai said as he explained and presented the second card to the audience.
“Damn it! I should have flipped this card instead.” ‘Lyon’ angrily said as he pouted back at Rai.
“Do not worry, you will have your chance soon. Now, would you be so kind to find me the 8 of Hearts card?” Rai cheerfully said as she asked ‘Lyon’.
“Now, you are talking. I choose this card!” ‘Lyon’ cheerfully said as he immediately flipped the card near him.
“Okay. Hm? Everyone, ‘Lyon’ has failed to find her Majesty’s card but instead flipped up this 8 of Clubs card.” Mr. Sai said as he presented the card to the audience.
“My turn! Could you please find me the 5 of Spades card, your Majesty?” ‘Lyon’ cheerfully said as he asked Rai.
“Of course, yes! And I think that card is right…here. I choose this card.” Rai said as she flipped up the card placed on the lower right side of the playing table.
“Thank you, your Majesty. Hm? I see. Her Majesty has failed and found this 9 of Diamonds card instead. So, the valid winning point goes to ‘Lyon’ on this round with his remaining 4 lives while her Majesty has only 3 left.” Mr. Sai said as he explained and presented the second card to the audience.” Mr. Sai said as he presented the third card to the audience.
“My bad. I should have not wasted my second life like that.” Rai said as she scratched her head.
“Do not worry, your Majesty! You still have 3 lives left.” Emi cheerfully said as she encouraged Rai.
“Please be careful though. The player who managed to flip all the wrong cards and wasted all of their five lives automatically loses in this game.” Eito softly said as he reminded to Rai.
“Yes! I won! I won! Did you see that big brother?” ‘Lyon’ cheerfully said as he approached ‘Ryo’ standing behind him.
“Yes. I saw that, ‘Lyon’. That was pretty amazing but I do not understand why you are doing this.” ‘Ryo’ said he sighed behind ‘Lyon’.
“Now…Your Majesty, could you please find me the 5 of Diamonds card?” ‘Lyon’ said as he asked Rai.
“Hm? I understand. I wonder where amongst these cards laid on this playing table I can find it. This one. I choose this card.” Rai said as she flipped up the card placed on the upper left side of the playing table.
“I see. Again, her Majesty did not found ‘Lyon’s actual card but flipped this 5 of Hearts card instead.” Mr. Sai said as he presented the fourth card to the audience.
“Hm? ‘Lyon’, for my turn, could you find me the 7 of Clubs card?” Rai said as she asked to ‘Lyon’.
“Will do that, your Majesty. And now that card is right over…” ‘Lyon’ cheerfully said as he examined the cards on the table.
“’Lyon’, please calm down. Try to at least think some strategy before taking this turn.” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he approached ‘Lyon’
“Aha! I found it! I choose this card.” ‘Lyon’ said as he flipped and raised the card up in the air.
“Everyone, as you can all see, ‘Lyon’ got the 9 of Spades card. So, therefore, the valid winning point for this round goes to her Majesty while retaining her 4 lives, leaving ‘Lyon’ with 3 left.” Mr. Sai said as he grabbed the card away from ‘Lyon’ and presented it to the audience.
“What? But? How?! My instincts told me that is the correct card.” ‘Lyon’ angrily said as he got upset from Mr. Sai’s judgment.
“Dear Spectators, our guests has currently two wins each so the next round will decide who will end up victorious on this ‘Card Game’. Start placing your bets and cheering for your chosen player!” Mr. Sai cheerfully said as he rallied his fellow villagers inside the ‘Plaza’.
“Good luck, your Majesty! You can do this!” Half of the audience said as they cheered out for Rai.
“Damn it! Do your best, little ‘Beast’! Defeat the ‘Demon Witch’!” The other half of the audience said as they yelled at ‘Lyon’.
“Who the freaking hell said that?! Come forth and show me yourselves.” Eito exclaimed as he got angry and asked the spectators standing behind him.
These spectators flinched in fear as they silently walked away from Eito and ran to hide behind Emi.
“Uh? Sir Eito? This is just a recreational game so please calm down.” Emi said as she flinched in fear.
“Hahaha! Do not worry, my loyal supporters. I, ‘Flaming Lion’, will not let you down.” ‘Lyon’ proudly said as he waved back at the audience.
“Hm? We are not so sure about that, ‘Lyon.” Rai seriously said as she smiled back at the audience.
“Aha! There you are, your Majesty! Good morning.” Felipe softly said as he silently crawled towards Rai.
“Oh my! Good morning, your highness. What are you doing in here?” Rai softly said as she gently picked Felipe up on the ground.
“I got lost while my mother and I were wandering inside the ‘Central Plaza’. So, I traced your unique scent all the way in here, hoping that you could help me find her.” Felipe said as she explained to Rai.
“I would love to help you but I’m currently in the middle of a - Huh!? You scared me, Mr. ‘Village Chief’. Is there something wrong?” Rai exclaimed as she looked up and noticed Mr. Sai.
“Your Majesty, it is your turn. Please tell us what your final card is.” Mr. Sai said as he glares back at Felipe.
“I understand. Now, ‘Lyon’, for my final turn, could you find me the 10 of Hearts card?” Rai seriously said as she asked ‘Lyon’.
“Gladly, your Majesty! It is somewhere right…Here! I choose this – Uh? Big brother?” ‘Lyon’ said as he got interrupted by ‘Ryo’.
“Your Majesty, If may so bold, I would like to find your final card myself.” ‘Ryo’ cheerfully said as he tells to Rai.
“What?! Is that even allowed?” The audience exclaimed as they wondered.
“Your highness, Sir ‘Ryo’ is interfering this game. Would you like me to take him out of the ‘Plaza’?” Eito softly said as he approached and asked Mr. Sai.
“No. Thank you but I think that won’t be necessary, Sir Eito. Let’s just watch what her Majesty will do about this.” Mr. Sai softly said as he instructed to Eito.
“Then…go ahead and try to find my final card amongst the others laid down on this table.” Rai said as she challenged Rai.
The audience gasped as they got more intrigued and went closer to the playing area to watch what ‘Ryo’ will do during his turn.
“Thank you very much, your Majesty. Now, I simply choose this card, Mr. ‘Village Chief’.” ‘Ryo’ cheerfully said as he immediately flipped and took away the nearest card placed on his lower right side.
“Hm! Let me that…Thank you, Sir ‘Ryo’ but I’m sad to say that you got the wrong card. Therefore, you only have two lives left.” Mr. Sai said as he presented the 2 of Hearts card to the audience.
“My turn, your Majesty, could you please find me the 4 of Diamonds card?” ‘Ryo’ plainly said as he asked Rai.
“Hm? Diamonds huh? I assume that card is right over…Hey Felipe, would you like to find that card for me?” Rai cheerfully said as she asked Felipe.
“With pleasure, your Majesty! Could you please me put down inside the table so that I can clearly examine those cards?” Felipe politely said as he asked Rai.
Everyone exclaimed as they witness how Rai carefully put Felipe onto the top of the playing table; few seconds later, Felipe began walking around the table searching for ‘Ryo’s card.
“L-Little ‘Elf Child’, please be extra careful not to you slip or step over onto those cards.” Mr. Sai nervously said as he reminded to Felipe.
“Aha! I found the card, your Majesty. It is right here.” Felipe cheerfully said as he gently picked and raised up the card off the table.
“Excellent, Felipe! Now, without showing it to us please give it to that ‘Village Chief’ who are currently standing beside you.” Rai said as she instructed to Felipe.
“As you wish, your Majesty. Here is the card, Mister ‘Village Chief’.” Felipe nervously said as he presented the card to Mr. Sai.
“T-Thank you so much – Uh? Felipe, right? Now, come in here and let me carry you off that table.” Mr. Sai said as he got flustered and then instructed to Felipe.
“Your highness, please show the card. The audience are getting impatient.” Eito softly said as he whispered to Mr. Sai.
“Ah, yes! Ahem! After examining this card and without further ado, Her Majesty wins on this game!” Mr. Sai said as he presented the 4 of Clubs card to everyone.
“Long live her Majesty! Long live her Majesty! Long live her Majesty!” The audience exclaimed as they cheered and approached Rai.
“What?! How did that? Please explain to us what happened, Mr. ‘Village Chief’.” ‘Lyon’ angrily said as he protested to Mr. Sai.
“’Lyon’, her Majesty and this little ‘Elf Child’ may not found the exact card suit you big brother asked them to do so but they found the exact number he also requested to and it is clearly indicated onto this card. So, therefore, Her Majesty won on this game with 3 wins, 2 loses and 3 lives left.” Mr. Sai said as he explained to ‘Lyon’.
“While you have 2 wins, 3 loses and 2 lives left. My bad, ‘Lyon’. I should have not interfered with your game.” ‘Ryo’ sadly said as he scratched his head.
“No. You clearly did this on purpose! I hate you, big brother. Now, I lost my chance to ask her Majesty to help my friend, Mr. Ba-al undo his curse.” ‘Lyon’ angrily said as he shouted back at ‘Ryo’.
“’Lyon’? I just curious on how that game was actually played. I did not mean to – ‘Lyon’?! Where are you going? Come back in here.” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he tried to stop ‘Lyon’.
“’Ba-al’? Was that the name of his imaginary friend who lives inside that dead forest situated around that volcano?” Mr. Sai said as he wondered.
“I-I see. Now, I really have to apologize to him and – Huh?! Is there something wrong, your Majesty?” ‘Ryo’ said as he noticed Rai standing behind him.
“’Ryo’, I would like you to chase ‘Lyon’ and tell him to meet me back at the Throne Room later this afternoon.” Rai said as she commanded to ‘Ryo’ who flinched.
“A-As you wish, your Majesty. But may I inquire why would you want me to do that?” ‘Ryo’ curiously said as he asked Rai.
“The names ‘Ba-al’, along with ‘Va-al’, Kazuki and Kenji were also enlisted inside that case file number – Uh? I’m sorry. I have been reading thousands of report files that I forgot what were the numbers used to label that case file.” Rai cheerfully said as she scratched her head.
“Your Majesty, I assume that you were reading the Case file labeled as #: MDCCVIII last night.” Mr. Sai softly said as he tells to Rai.
“Yes! That is it! How did you know about that?” Rai exclaimed as she wondered and asked Mr. Sai.
“You see… I was the one who compiled that – Huh?! Lady Julie?! Is there something wrong?” Mr. Sai exclaimed as he noticed Ms. Julie running towards his group.
“There you are, your Majesty! Everyone, please listen to me, we have spotted a gang of ‘Snow Bandits’ ransacking inside ‘Imperial Dormitories’!” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she reported to Rai.
“What?! How did – I thought those Bandits were vanished out of the ‘Main Island’.” Mr. Sai exclaimed as he wondered.
“What?! Those Bandits are back? Let’s get out of here!” Mr. ‘Fireiyan’ #1 exclaimed as he started panicking, scaring his fellow villagers inside the ‘Plaza’.
“I understand. Everyone, calm down and please listen to me! First, Sir Yuki, Mr. Carlo, get the children and elderly to their safety. I do beg all of you to hide and keep them safe inside their shops and stores.” Rai said as she instructed to Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo.
“As you wish, your Majesty. What about you?” Mr. Carlo said as he asked Rai.
“While for those who can fight, weather you are a ‘Fiend’ or not, arm yourselves and defend the ‘Central District’ from these ‘Bandits’.” Rai seriously said as he commanded to her people inside the ‘Plaza’.
“What?! But? Your safety comes first, your Majesty so please come with me and let’s head back to the Head Quarters.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she tells to Rai.
“No. Thank you but I would like to personally meet these illusive Trolls myself. Sir Yuki, Lady Emi, you are also coming with me.” Rai said as she commanded to Eito and Emi.
“Emi and Eito, reporting for duty!” Emi cheerfully said as she approached Ms. Julie.
“Milady, are you sure about this?” Eito softly said as he approached and asked Rai.
“Yes! Now, shall we head out Lady Julie?” Rai said as she smirked back at Ms. Julie.
“Now, you are talking! I’m also coming with your group, your Majesty.” Mr. Sai said as he started running away with Eito and Emi.
“Ah! Damn it! Fine. This way, your Majesty.” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she groaned out and then ran away, followed by Rai.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you very much for waiting. Currently dealing with other festive stuff so I'm sorry for the late update. Anyway, Here is Chapter VIII and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.