Chapter 28: Rock, Papers, Scissors...
NEXT DAY
The banquet hall for Prince Richard's birthday exuded opulence and grandeur, befitting the celebration of royalty. Elaborate chandeliers adorned the ceiling, casting a soft, golden glow over the room. Rich tapestries depicting scenes of medieval splendor adorned the walls, adding to the regal ambiance.
In one corner of the hall, a spacious dance floor beckoned guests to sway to the melodious tunes of live musicians, their elegant movements adding grace to the festivities. On the opposite side, a stage was set for singers to serenade the attendees with enchanting melodies, their voices filling the air with magic.
At the center of it all stood long tables adorned with fine linens and gleaming silverware, groaning under the weight of sumptuous dishes and decadent desserts. Guests mingled around the tables, indulging in delectable delicacies and engaging in lively conversation.
In a secluded area, a section was designated for gambling, where nobles tried their luck at games of chance, their laughter mingling with the sounds of spinning roulette wheels and clinking coins.
Overall, the banquet hall was a spectacle of extravagance and splendor, providing the perfect backdrop for celebrating the birthday of Prince Richard amidst nobles and royals from far and wide.
And here I stand, just outside the mansion, on the brink of stepping inside. But there's a colossal dilemma.
A very significant one.
When it comes to attending a party, what would you expect me to wear?
A white shirt, a black jacket, and jet black pants like a gentleman, right?
Wrong!
What I'm clad in right now is a breathtaking backless black dress, crafted from luxurious fabric—I suspect it's satin, akin to that from my world. And it's not just your average backless attireeven, Even upper side of my ass is visible too.
This revealing ensemble exposes my both entire leg, with only the central part of my body modestly covered. The upper reaches of the dress scarcely conceal my breasts, and since I've opted not to wear a bra, Most parts of my chest are visible.
This dress hugs my figure in all the right places Making my body thousand times more slutty.
And with my thighs and legs on full display, I'm wearing a jewelry on my Right thigh, I didn't even knew, this kind thing even existed.
Why I'm wearing the one of the most erotic dress in existence?
Well, The answer is this motherfucker, Right behind me, trying his best to hold back his laughter, Aoto Takahashi.
"How did I end up in this situation?"
FEW HOURS EARLIER
Scarlett and Aoto were preparing for the party. Aoto looked dashing in his Courtly Ensemble, a formal attire tailored for courtly events, characterized by tailored suits and fine fabrics, often worn by diplomats and high-ranking officials.
As it came time for Scarlett to change clothes, Aoto couldn't resist chiming in. "What are you going to wear?" he asked.
Scarlett replied with cool indifference, "A white shirt with a black jacket, like a gentleman."
Aoto responded with mockery, "Eww... C'mon, wear something more girlish."
Scarlett's tone turned slightly aggressive as she retorted, "Nah, I'm not going to wear girlish clothes like that day. It makes me sick."
Suddenly, an idea struck Aoto's mind, and he spoke up. "How about we play Rock, Paper, Scissors? If you win, then you can wear anything you want."
Scarlett's voice dripped with overconfidence. "Really? You think you can win against me in a gambling type game? You know I'm a professional when it comes to gambling, right?"
Aoto replied with cool indifference, "If you're that confident, then let's play."
Scarlett agreed, and they both stood facing each other, ready to begin. Aoto cast a timer spell using his mana.
"This magic clock will ring after 20 seconds, and then we'll both throw our hand forward at the same time," Aoto explained.
She nodded, ready to accept the challenge.
'When it came to gambling, Asta is a pro. The chances of me defeating him in gambling are close to zero. That's why I chose this game, but even in a game like Rock, Paper, Scissors, the chances of defeating him is slim to none.
But what kind of best friend am I, when I don't even know my best friend's weaknesses, hehehe.'
As Aoto uttered the word "Start," the timing magical stopwatch began its countdown.
Scarlett started to analyze Aoto's hand movements and other cues, but before he could comprehend, a mischievous grin spread across Aoto's face as he spoke with mockery.
"Asta, what do you think will happen if you lose?" Aoto's words dripped with mischief.
"I can even make you go to the party wearing a bikini."
A smirk played on Aoto's lips as he continued his taunting. "Imagine it, Asta. You're at the beach, wearing a bikini, surrounded by only men. They're all looking at your body lustfully."
"And you start to feel excited by their gazes. You want them to touch you, to kiss your whole body."
Aoto's voice began to rise as he painted the vivid image. "You forget about girls and start to like men. You become a girl even in mind."
As Aoto spoke, Asta couldn't help it; his mind automatically started to imagine the scenario, and his head began to spin with dizziness.
Ring*, ring*, ring*.
The magic clock rang, And As Aoto expected Scarlett lost to Aoto.
A scowl twisted her features, and her jaw tensed with frustration.
"N-n-no, Nooo... It's cheating, I'm not accepting this," she protested, her voice wavering with disbelief.
But Aoto's mischievous grin only widened, his voice filled with mockery.
"You're not accepting this? Back in the days, you were the one who always said a real man should not go back on their words," Aoto retorted, his tone teasing.
"It's my mouth; I can speak whatever I want. How's that cheating? Or are you saying you're going back on your words?" he added, enjoying Asta's visible frustration.
Scarlett clenched his trembling fist with anger, his resolve wavering.
"Tch... Fine, what do you want me to wear?" Asta grumbled, begrudgingly conceding defeat.
Aoto's grin remained, his voice arrogant as ever. "Don't worry about that. I have the perfect outfit in mind, one that will fit you perfectly."
BACK TO PRESENT
Inside the banquet hall, the atmosphere was vibrant and lively, with guests enjoying their drinks, listening to music, and some even dancing with their partners.
As Aoto and I made our entrance, heads turned, and all eyes were fixed on us. Aoto, with his striking presence and reputation as the Hero of Darwitz, drew the admiration of every woman in the room. Their gazes turned into hearts at the sight of him in his elegant attire.
Meanwhile, I couldn't help but notice the lustful stares directed towards me, or rather, towards my scandalously revealing dress. I seethed with the desire for revenge against Aoto for putting me in this humiliating outfit.
As Aoto was quickly surrounded by a throng of adoring women, effortlessly charming each one, I found myself standing alone. Not even Womens.
No one dared to approach me, likely due to the discrimination for demons in this country. While some low-class nobles may have wanted to speak with me, it would have been considered disrespectful according to societal norms.
As for the high-class nobles and royalty, they arrived with their wives and concubines in tow. It was clear that approaching me would only lead to trouble with their partners, much to my amusement.
For at least ten minutes, all they can do is to stare at meBut I needed to find a way to maintain my distance from them for the rest of the evening.As I wandered through the bustling banquet hall, I contemplated grabbing a bite to eat or a drink, but I knew that even while indulging, the relentless attention would still find me.
Amidst the crowd, my attention was drawn to the regal figure of Prince Richard, resplendent in his birthday ensemble as he descended the staircase. Guests flocked around him, offering their well-wishes and seeking to make a favorable impression.
Despite the allure of the prince's presence, my focus remained fixed on someone else—Irish. Navigating the expansive hall without removing my blindfold was a challenge, yet I can't take off my blindfold, All of them will become even more afraid of me.
In my quest to locate Irish, I stumbled upon an unexpected discovery: a secluded area where guests engaged in high-stakes gambling, wagering vast sums of gold coins. Aoto, having made a timely escape from the throng of admirers, joined me as we ventured into the realm of chance and fortune.
Amidst the sea of gamblers, one figure stood out like a gaudy beacon of mirth and self-assurance. His rotund frame, tanned complexion, and unremarkable visage belied the exuberance emanating from him.
With each boisterous laugh that echoed through the area, his presence seemed to suffuse the surroundings with an air of arrogant jubilation.
"Kyakyakya... hahaha!"
"No one can defeat me in gambling, I have divine eyes of goddess hahaha..."
He was babbling about the divine eyes even his voice is kinda third rate villain's, but let's not judge a book by it's cover, he can be a good person too.
Locking eyes with Aoto, an unspoken understanding passed between us—this corpulent figure was our target. This world is full of idiots anyway, it's not gonna be that difficult.
As Aoto and I approached his seat, I took a deliberate step forward, catching his attention. His cheeks flushed with an undeniable allure as he met my gaze, his teeth clenched with a hint of desire, and his palms rubbed together eagerly.
"What can I do for you, Gorgeous lady?" His words dripped with anticipation as his eyes trailed over me, fixating on the exposed curve of my leg.
With a deliberate movement, I raised one leg and placed it provocatively on the table, leaning forward slightly to emphasize my intent.
"Wanna gamble with me?" I intended for my voice to sound alluring, but the transformation had added an unintentional layer of eroticism, enhancing the effect.
Rather than facing me, His gaze lingered on my exposed leg, his lustful desires evident in his response. "You're the famous Royal succubus Scarlett Nova, Right? Everyone knows you, but I think you don't know me."
Duke Reginald, his voice laced with confidence, introduced himself, boasting of his divine eyes and his unbeatable record in gambling.
Maintaining my composure, I responded with a calm demeanor. "Is that so? Then I guess I have to defeat you."
I settled into my chair, facing Duke Reginald across the ornate table adorned with gleaming gold coins. Aoto stood behind me, assuming a posture reminiscent of a butler.
"If that's what you want, then let's play. But remember, only gold coins and properties in your names are allowed," Duke Reginald declared, setting the terms of our game.
I turned to Aoto, seeking confirmation of our financial standing. "How much gold coins do we have?"
Aoto responded promptly, "The Saintess gave us around 4000 gold coins, and I managed to earn some more by hunting monsters. So, we have approximately 5000 gold coins."
While 5000 gold coins may seem like a significant sum, in reality, it equated to around 500 million won, offering the prospect of a luxurious lifestyle. Yet, despite its value, I was willing to stake it all for the chance to elevate my social status and escape the discrimination I faced.
With a wave of his hand, Aoto utilized spatial magic to retrieve all 5000 coins from his inventory, placing them neatly on the table for the game ahead.
A crowd of people surrounded us, Most them looking at my body rather then looking at our battle.
As the gold coins gleamed under the light, Duke Reginald's eyes gleamed with anticipation, and a referee approached to oversee our gamble.
"How about we play, Rock paper scissors? With 5000 gold coins from each sides." I declared enthusiastically, setting the stage for our high-stakes game."
I was well aware that Duke Reginald didn't possess any divine eyes; he was merely employing tricks to secure victory. Even the referee seemed biased in his favor. Despite his cheating, I was confident in my ability to defeat him. However, time was of the essence, and my priority was finding Irish, which is why I opted for this game.
"Playing Rock, Paper, Scissors is a little..." I observed Duke's wide-eyed expression and the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. It was evident that he was feeling the pressure.
"He's sweating. I knew it. This world is full of idiots. Only strategy helps in these kinds of games, not cheating," I remarked, provoking both him and the audience behind us.
Whispers spread through the crowd, some still believing in his supposed divine eyes, while others began cheering for Duke Reginald. Reluctantly, he agreed to my challenge, his frustration and anxiety palpable.
"Okay, then. As soon as I count to three, we'll extend our hands forward simultaneously," I declared.
1!
2!
As the countdown progressed, terror gripped him, causing his body to tremble at the thought of losing.
3!
As our hands shot forward, the audience erupted into cheers upon seeing the results, and Duke's trembling ceased.
'Because I lost... On purpose, of course!♡'
Duke's laughter filled the area.
"Kyakyakya....I warned you I have divine eyes, hahaha!"
I let out a heavy sigh, my expression weighted with sorrow. "Sighh! Let's go, Aoto. Forget about the gold coins; we lost."
Aoto silently followed me as we prepared to leave, but our departure was halted by Duke Reginald, his face consumed by avarice and something more sinister.
With unwavering confidence and arrogance, he proposed, "How about I lend you some gold coins, and we'll gamble again?"
A chilling grin crept across my face; this was the moment I had been waiting for, where his greed blinded him to the consequences of losing a single game.
Glancing back at him, I adopted a provocative pose, placing my finger against my purple lips and speaking in the most seductive and girlish voice I could muster. "Why are you offering to lend us money?♡♡"
"Hahaa, I'm not actually lending to you; I want you to mortgage yourself. In exchange for your precious body, I'll give you twenty thousand gold coins, and you can gamble with me using that money."
"And what if I lose?" I inquired, knowing full well the answer but reveling in the opportunity to expose his true intentions.
"Hohoho... Then you must repay me within five days. And if you fail to do so, you'll become my seventh wife, hahaha..." The lustful gleam in his eyes betrayed his true desires.
Forget about becoming 7th wife, he is just craving to fuck my body.
"How about I give you a handicap too? If you win, I'll double the amount of money you earn," Duke declared, his overconfidence and lust clouding his judgment.
"Okay, then let's do twenty thousand gold coins from each side," I agreed, settling back into my chair, ready to begin.
As I counted to three, we both extended our hands, but this time, the outcome was different. Silence fell over the crowd as it became clear: I had won.
Duke's demeanor shifted instantly. His overconfidence melted away, replaced by trembling anxiety and a sheen of sweat on his forehead.
This was the moment I had been waiting for—where he couldn't retreat without winning.
"Let's play one more time. This time, if you win, I'll give double the amount," I goaded him, offering a glimmer of hope that he could recover his losses in the next game.
"C'mon, you have divine eyes, right?♡" I taunted, stoking the flames of his dwindling confidence.
Sensing a chance at redemption, Duke agreed to play again, wagering thirty thousand gold coins. But once more, the outcome was the same—I emerged victorious.
Whispers rippled through the crowd as they began to realize that Duke's supposed "divine eyes" were nothing more than a sham.
Faced with his consecutive losses and the mockery of the crowd, Duke's composure shattered. He yelled in frustration, kicking his chair as he spiraled into a frenzy.
"Let's play again!" he cried, driven mad by his desire to win. But game after game, he continued to lose, until he had lost everything—his money, his property, his dignity.
As he lay on the ground, smashing his head in despair, the crowd jeered, reveling in his downfall and delivering a harsh reality check.
"Look at him, he's gone insane! Haha!"
"Serves him right, always eyeing us with those lecherous glances."
In the end, Duke Reginald's lust for power and wealth had been his undoing.
As Duke descended into madness, I approached him, catching his head to prevent further harm.
"Hey, who will bet next if you smash your head like this?" I asked in a genuine tone, hoping to calm him down.
But Duke's sanity seemed to slip further as he accused me of foul play, blaming his losses on my supposed manipulation of his "divine eyes."
"Hahaha...yes! You're a demon, a royal succubus at that. You dirtied my holy eyes by revealing your slutty body," he ranted, his anger boiling over.
Swiftly, I caught his hand as he attempted to strike me, effortlessly twisting it and eliciting a scream of pain from him.
With a menacing grin and a scary voice I spoke.
"I said bet further... You still have one things left!"
"You have Six wives, Right?....If you win, I'll return everything to you and if I win I'll have your wives too."
"Since you already lost everything then it's worth a try right?"
Despite his losses, Duke agreed, and the tension in the gambling area became palpable. A simple game of Rock, Paper, Scissors had become a high-stakes battle for survival.
But as always, I emerged victorious, instilling true fear in those around me. With a sinister grin, I leaned in close, reminding Duke that his life, his wives—everything—is now mine.
"I'll be back to claim what's rightfully mine," I whispered, leaving him to dwell on the consequences of his defeat.
"Till then take care."
I placed a true fear in him, a fear of living a life which is in someone else's hands, to be a puppet that I can break anytime.
Taking the gold coins and Duke's fate into my inventory with spatial magic, I rejoined Aoto in the main hall, our cool and mysterious demeanor unchanged.
As we made our way back to the main hall, looking all cool and mysterious, Soldiers approached Duke and kicked him out of Party because he was making a ruckus.
They can't let someone make A prince's party ruin, can they?, I was also started wondering with aoto, finding where is Irish and others.