Chapter 137 - Stinging Advice

 

Yuliana was speechless. She did not answer, or rather, she could not answer. If she answered with a yes, she would be disparaging the emperor’s regalia. How could any object, no matter its magnificence, be of higher worth than the authority of the emperor? But if she responded with a no, she’d be admitting that her wager paled in comparison to that of the empress.

Seeing Yuliana struggling for an answer, Cecile kindly continued, “Princess, I know you have more to offer.”

“I’m afraid your foolish subject cannot comprehend your majesty’s intimation,” Yuliana replied nervously. What was this empress trying to get out of her? She waited with bated breath for Cecile to speak.

“I have staked everything by wagering this scepter,” Cecile stated. “Do you believe that I would leave unscathed should I lose? That I would remain as the empress?”

Cecile’s words were true. In fact, she was terrified out of her wits. Undoubtedly, she would be cursed for years to come as the mad empress that willfully gambled the emperor’s authority… but that wasn’t where her true fear lay. ‘He entrusted it to me.’ What was truly on the line was Estian’s trust in her.

“That is why, princess, I want you to bet something of equivalence. And that something is…” Cecile pointed a finger at Yuliana, “your status.”

Cecile’s rationale instantly convinced the audience. The empress was risking her crown, after all, it was only right that the princess stake hers. Yuliana could only force a smile. She’d been momentarily stunned by Cecile’s suggestion, but she couldn’t afford to back down now.

“I understand, Your Majesty. Then, I too shall put my status on the line.”

Complete silence enveloped the venue. Not a single breath could be heard. The casino revelers attended with the expectation of witnessing a contest of spirit, but it had somehow morphed into a game for treasures, the protection of a phantom beast, the emperor’s authority, and the crowns of an empress and princess. Never had a casino’s first game held such massive stakes.

“Then, by which game shall we decide the victor? I ask that Your Majesty choose,” Yuliana said. She deliberately ceded the decision to Cecile. There was a chance the empress would pick fault if she were to decide, and she thought it best to nip that chance in the bud. ‘She wouldn’t be able to cry foul if she lost at the game that she chose herself.’

“Which game… Well, as you mentioned, princess, I know little of the rules of such games since I spent a quiet life in Navitan,” the empress glanced at the dice sitting in a corner of the table, “so, I wish to go with something simple.”

“Pray tell,” Yuliana replied.

“By using the six dice over there, we each take three and toss. The person with the higher sum wins.” The rules Cecile laid out were the most simplistic of all dice games. “It’s not an official game, but how about it?”

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“Very well.” There was no reason to decline. A card game would’ve been slightly more cumbersome to manipulate, but dice? This would be a piece of cake. All she had to do was nudge a few stones and everything would fall into her hands. Yuliana felt like the scepter was beckoning her. Just a little longer, and that regalia would be hers to wield. “Dealer, prepare the game,” she said, turning to look at him.

The dealer at their table cautiously picked up the dice at Yuliana’s bidding, and began the ritual of showing the crowd that these were ordinary dice, devoid of any tampering. He pulled out two dice cups decorated with intricate silver engravings and placed them along with the three dice on trays, before presenting them to the two women. “The dice are to be placed within the cup, shaken, and then placed face down on the table. Once both are in place, the cups will be lifted simultaneously to reveal the results,” he explained.

Yuliana watched the dealer’s explanation leisurely. It was a waste of time to prolong this any further. She wanted to hurry and end the game so that she could relish holding the scepter in her hands. Seeing the distorted look on the empress’s face would also be immensely satisfying.

“You first,” Cecile said.

“I give my thanks, Your Majesty. Then, without further ado.” The princess inserted her dice into the cup and after giving it a firm shake, she placed it down on the table. ‘Now, with a little manipulation…’ Yuliana smiled inwardly at the utter simplicity of it all. Who knew she’d attain everything so easily? What a stupid empress.

The princess began to draw on her power, and the soft sounds of water rippling, which to the untrained ear sounded like water droplets falling, began to ring out. The instant these sounds blended into a subtle harmony, it would manifest into power. Yuliana didn’t bother to hide the mirth on her lips.

“By the way, princess, did you say that you became involved in the casino industry for your country’s sake?” Cecile suddenly addressed Yuliana.

“I did.”

“If so, then I’m disappointed in you.”

Yuliana’s brow furrowed at Cecile’s response. Disappointed? What was the empress on about now?

“As you said, a lot of money circulates through casinos. So much so that it wouldn’t be difficult to support a city with it, which is nothing special considering how there are nations that bank on this industry,” Cecile continued.

“Then, pray tell, what is the cause of your disappointment?” Yuliana replied with annoyance.

“In the end, it is still merely a business. A business on a very large scale.” Cecile’s eyes took on a solemn look and her voice was full of pity. Her appearance was so calm, it was hard to believe she’d staked her everything on a single game. “In other words, it is something that should be left to the merchants to handle. What you should’ve done as a princess… is not to have dabbled in casino stakes, but to acquire the method by which to manage a casino.”

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