'That man has such a close relationship with Loki-sama and Freyai-sama?'
Even while sitting at the gambling table, Ryuu couldn't help but think about the man whose face had been almost entirely hidden.
'And what exactly is the relationship between Syr and Freya that she could even have the chips prepared for her?'
At this point, Ryuu no longer found it strange that Freya would appear in such a den of indulgence.
Judging from the connection between Syr and Freya, it was clear Syr had informed Freya of the situation. Otherwise, Freya would never have come to this place.
This casino catered to lustful, greedy men.
As an elf, Ryuu's feelings toward such men could be summed up in one word—disgust.
She couldn't imagine Freya enjoying a place like this.
Which could only mean—because of that man.
Ryuu recalled how Freya and Loki had clung to the man's arms. That closeness was far from ordinary.
"Darling, we're still at the table."
Ryuu was startled by the voice that whispered beside her.
She quickly looked back to the gambling table—fortunately, the situation was still in her favor.
But this was definitely not the time to be distracted.
Now that she had the chips, she needed to prove her worth. She had to display enough skill and composure to draw attention—otherwise, she doubted she'd ever get an invitation into that room.
As a Level 4 Adventurer, she might not be a master gambler, but by reading people's expressions and movements, she could glean valuable information.
Using her accumulated experience, Ryuu turned every bit of insight into a weapon, exploiting each advantage with precision.
Through several rounds that seemed precarious to the onlookers, she steadily gained ground—until she swept all the chips from her opponents into her pile.
By the end, her stack had nearly doubled.
And that was enough to catch the eye of the Grand Casino's management.
After all, Ryuu and Syr had received their chips directly from the goddess Freya—something that hadn't gone unnoticed.
Now, as the two of them dominated the tables and nearly doubled their chips, they drew the gaze of everyone nearby.
"She's the one who got her chips from Freya."
"She won again? To rack up that many chips so fast—who's that kid with the eye patch?"
In the casino, skill came first; status came second.
Most people here were nobles or socialites seeking amusement, but to attract attention from them, one needed genuine ability at the tables.
Once someone's skill drew notice, then came the scrutiny of background and reputation. Those without proper standing were quickly dismissed.
"Seems to be the Count of Ferunas."
"Ah, that country was on the brink of economic collapse not long ago."
A count from such a nation naturally piqued curiosity.
Though the country had nearly fallen into ruin, seeing this couple gamble so casually suggested things were back on track.
And remembering how the two had interacted with Freya earlier, it was clear to everyone now why they could act so boldly—they had powerful backing.
Freya was no ordinary patron—she was a mountain of divine influence, one that could not be shaken.
That realization solidified the other gamblers' intent.
They had to make their acquaintance.
But before anyone could take action, an elderly man dressed in a butler's uniform quietly approached the pair.
"This guest, the proprietor Cervantes, wishes to meet you."
The old butler's tone was calm and polite, yet the arrogance behind it practically spilled over.
Seeing this, Bell withdrew his gaze.
"Not fond of what you're seeing?"
Loki's lips curved with a faint, teasing smile.
"No, it's not that I dislike it. I'm just not interested. But I do know the Ganesha Familia has its eyes on this casino. So… will these people end up sharing the blame when this all comes crashing down?"
Bell had no patience for the butler's arrogance. After all, there was no one in this world more prideful than he was himself.
Those who worship money, believing it to be the ultimate form of wealth, would never understand.
They clutch their gold coins and call themselves rich—because money, in their eyes, defines power.
But pride built on money is fragile. They only realize that truth after they've fallen from grace.
"Normally, no."
"Hmm… normally," Freya added softly, picking up after Loki's words.
Bell immediately caught on, a small laugh escaping him.
"Then they really are unfortunate—to run into an abnormal situation like this."
"In Orario's current tense climate, it's impressive they've managed to stay afloat at all," Loki said lazily. "But with a gray market operation of this scale and such massive cash flow, the Guild won't be able to turn a blind eye forever."
"This casino will probably end up in the hands of the Ganesha Familia, won't it?"
In the past, businesses like this—gray-market enterprises—weren't necessarily an issue. As long as they didn't go too far, the Guild generally looked the other way.
But this Grand Casino had clearly crossed that line.
If it wasn't dealt with soon, it could easily become a hub for Evilus activity.
And given that the casino was effectively a lawless zone in Orario, as well as the city's largest cash-flow center outside of the Guild, the odds of it staying under the radar were slim to none.
"Handing it directly to Ganesha is unlikely," Freya said. "If the Guild did that, the small nations funding this place would go berserk."
Her words reminded Bell that this casino had been built on manipulation and false promises. Its finances were tied to multiple countries outside Orario—meaning neither the Guild nor its affiliates could openly control it.
"So what you're telling me, Freya-sama, is that the Guild's involvement will only be 'on the surface,' correct?"
Freya smiled faintly, offering no denial.
That said enough.
The Guild wouldn't seize control openly, but whatever happened behind the scenes would be beyond the reach of those gullible nations who'd invested in this place.
"Still," Bell said, his tone cooling, "the incident involving Freya-sama's Familia member was clearly orchestrated by the people running this casino. For a so-called gray market enterprise, they've gotten far too full of themselves."
"Those granted authority daring to defy those who bestowed it," Loki mused, "there's no logic in that."
Understanding dawned fully in Bell's eyes.
Everyone here—every last one of them—was already beyond saving.