Chapter 14: The First Stage

Chapter 14: The First Stage

If the old Hideo Takumi—the foolish brat who lived in a bubble of arrogance—heard that his best friend was insulted, trampled on, and humiliated, he would've exploded with rage.

Especially if the perpetrator had done it so openly, as if daring the entire world to stop him.

He would've charged straight in, blind with fury, walking right into a trap like a lamb into a lion's den.

But if this really was a trap...

Then whoever set it knew the old Hideo far too well. Too intimately.

Yet, this trap was too elaborate for someone like the former Hideo—a clueless noble heir who never wielded a sword and only knew how to burn through his family's money.

The target wasn't him.

The real target... was Grandpa Jun Takumi.

And if that's true, then the person pulling the strings may only be a pawn—a puppet hiding a much greater force lurking in the shadows.

The Takumi family isn't something that can be shaken by a pebble.

Hideo stared at Dai Izuma, who was trembling in front of him like a slab of jelly on the verge of collapse.

Victim... or pawn, Fatty? he thought sharply. If that fear is real, then you're just a leech. But if this is all an act... then you might be the most dangerous one in the room.

Should I go or not?

It only took him a second to decide.

Of course I'm going.

An event this dirty... was far too tempting to miss.

How could he dismantle a trap if he didn't walk into it?

How could he identify the enemies if he never saw their faces?

A slow smile crept across his lips.

"Even if it's a gamble... I won't lose."

The knowledge from my old world should be enough... right?

"How much money do we have right now?" he asked casually, glancing at the little maid beside him.

The moment he said we, the maid's face turned beet red. Her ears steamed. Her eyes sparkled with something dangerously close to hope.

"After the Elder Master cut off your last allowance... we currently have one hundred twenty thousand silver liangs, thirty thousand gold liangs, three hundred golden leaves, one hundred white-silver bars, and also—"

"That's enough," Hideo interrupted lazily. "I don't need a full audit report."

If he let her go on, she might start counting copper coins under his bed.

"Take fifty thousand silver liangs. Small denominations," he ordered.

"Fifty thousand?! That's not enough!" Dai panicked, looking like he was about to melt.

"Bro! That won't even cover half of it! Y-You're not actually planning to bury me alive, are you?!"

Hideo patted his shoulder, grinning. "Didn't you say everything would be fine if I came along? We're going there to gamble, not to donate. Or... do you not believe in the genius of my betting skills?"

Dai's mouth twitched. In his memories, there wasn't a single moment where Hideo won at gambling. But... as long as he came, there was hope.

After securing the money in a special pouch, Hideo made his preparations.

He called for the servants to ready two horses.

Dai nearly flew out of the room, rolling like a panicked meatball.

"Hurry up! If we bump into your grandfather on the way back, I'm dead meat! I've been dying inside every time I visit this house!"

Mounting his horse, Hideo chuckled. "Strangely... you don't look that nervous today."

As Dai climbed onto his own horse—a strong, muscular steed—the animal immediately neighed in terror, trembling like it was about to faint.

Sorry, horse, Hideo thought, holding back laughter.

Eight elite guards of the Takumi family rode behind them.

They followed the grand Galadria Avenue, the most luxurious street in Celestria. High-end shops towered on both sides, glittering with magical light.

Dai, terrified Hideo might change his mind, dashed ahead. They continued moving until they reached a lavish restaurant: Thousand Mile Fragrance.

But their destination wasn't the restaurant itself.

It was the secret courtyard hidden behind it—

The Thousand Gold Hall.

A place where young nobles wagered their future, honor, and lives for the thrill of momentary victory.

No rules. Just one condition: if you can imagine it, you can bet it.

But right before they entered...

A commotion broke out on the street.

A young girl, beautiful and fierce, stormed past them, shouting.

"Stop following me! You're disgusting!!"

Behind her, a young noble chased, flanked by eight guards. Clearly not commoners.

For a brief moment, the girl's eyes met Hideo's.

And in that instant—she snapped.

"What are you looking at?! Moron!"

Hideo blinked slowly.

Looks like... tonight's going to be even more interesting than I thought.