Chapter 139 - The Reveal

 

“Good, that’s fine then,” Cecile said, dropping the dice into the cup. “Stop Yuliana if she attempts to cheat.”

Richard regarded her with surprise. “What about you? Don’t you want a little help in shifting the odds in your favor?”

“I don’t need it,” Cecile said firmly, shaking her head.

The sight of the scepter on the game table made Cecile’s heart pound, and her mind spun thinking about the consequences if she lost the bet. If she was being honest, she wished she could beg Richard to pull a fast one, but… ‘I can’t.’

“A bet must be fair. There can be no use of trickery. You must always abide by this rule. It’s the only way to remain proud.” It was the memory of a lesson she’d been taught by her maids. Although she wasn’t sure why she suddenly recalled this piece of advice, she agreed with the message at its core. Cecile shook her dice cup and placed it flat on the table.

“Both parties have tossed their dice,” the dealer announced. “Before viewing the results, I must have both parties pledge once more. Will Your Highness and Your Majesty promise to accept the outcome, whatever it may be?”

“I promise.”

“I give my word.”

Both women answered simultaneously.

“I confirm that both parties have accepted the terms,” the dealer nodded. “Then, we shall now proceed with the results.”

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The dealer grabbed a dice cup in each hand. The moment he lifted the cups, it would all be over. Cecile anxiously glanced at the princess, but was surprised to see her opponent sat in a relaxed manner, utterly devoid of any tension. In fact, she seemed to radiate an unconcealed joy. Her face wore the smile of a victor despite the outcome had yet to be revealed. Noticing the empress’s gaze, Yuliana picked up the glass next to her and gave it another swirl.

Richard gritted his teeth the instant the unpleasant cacophony pierced his ears. ‘This sound… this is…!’ It was as if all the water inside the casino was screaming. The flow of water had stopped, and it began to ripple as if there was an earthquake. Time also seemed to slow down, and Richard observed a loss of focus in people’s eyes. Meanwhile, Yuliana’s gaze had shifted to the silver dice cups. ‘Why you! Not on my watch!’ Richard channeled his mana to protect Cecile and prepared to counter Yuliana’s attack.

It was at that moment—the cacophony that had pervaded the venue was dispelled just as abruptly as it had begun. In its place, a pleasant tune blew through like a gust of fresh air and echoed throughout the building. The crystalline notes of nature were so refreshing, Richard forgot to cast his magic. It was the first time he’d heard such wondrous harmony, and his body and mind felt rejuvenated, as if he was witnessing the bright chirping of birdsong at sunrise.

He raised his head to find Cecile gazing at Yuliana with confidence. As soon as his gaze shifted, the sounds vanished and the surroundings returned to normal. The flowing water resumed their natural movements, calm and undisturbed. The focus in people’s eyes had also returned. There were no traces of bewitchment, and their attention was all locked on the game table.

‘Astonishing. It’s almost like…’ It was as if the period during which Yuliana had exerted her powers had been erased from existence, and it all happened in a blink of an eye. Looking at Yuliana now, her appearance was vastly altered. Her arrogant display of assuredness had vanished. Instead, as if plagued by a heavy sense of exhaustion and anguish, she sat slumped in her seat like she’d been rooted to the spot in solitude for decades. The blinding light that had previously shined from her bosom had been extinguished; not even a shimmer remained.

The mage lord realized that the princess’s power had evaporated, along with every enchantment cast. That was it—nothing else had been affected. The dice, obscured from view inside the cups, were not manipulated by any trickery, and only the genuine results remained.

“Dealer,” Cecile’s voice broke through the silence. “Confirm the results.”

“Y-yes…!” The dealer carefully lifted the dice cups and his eyes widened. “By God!”

Hearing the surprised voice of the dealer, the spectators clamored around the table to see the dice. Thud! A loud noise was heard from one end of the table. It was Princess Yuliana. Her complexion was ashen and her shaking arms failed to support her body any more.

“Im-impo… impossible…” Yuliana stared at the dice in disbelief.

The dealer briefly regarded her with pity before turning to the crowd. “I shall now announce the results of the first game,” the dealer said. He attempted to appear calm, but his incredulous tone belied his surprise. “Princess Yuliana’s toss resulted in triple 1s, and Her Majesty’s toss resulted in… triple 6s!”

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