Upon entering the magnificent casino, the sounds of dice rolling, cards shuffling, and slot machines chiming could be heard everywhere.
"This is the biggest casino that the Gran Tesoro City is proud of," Monet said, raising her hand to introduce the area to Alucard and Hancock.
"Would you care to place a bet?"
Monet led the way, not forgetting to introduce the "local specialties."
"There is no need. Being around disgusting men makes me nauseous," Hancock said venomously, insulting every man in the area in one breath. Yet, even if someone heard her, they didn't dare refute her.
"Relax, Hancock. This outing is meant to be a break."
Alucard didn't particularly mind gambling. He reflected that allowing some of his defeated enemies to go free was, in itself, an act of gambling.
"In that case..."
Seeing Alucard agree, Monet lightly raised her hand and beckoned a female dealer over. On the tray she held were chips stacked nearly ten centimeters high. "May I offer the two of you 100 million Berries in chips to start?"
"So, what would you like to play?" Monet asked.
Alucard glanced at the nearest dice table. "Heh, this will do."
"Dice? That's one of the quickest ways to settle a game," Monet said, standing on Alucard's other side. As she spoke, she shot a glance at the dice dealer.
The dealer understood, began shaking the dice cup, and stopped after about ten seconds. "Please place your bets."
Alucard pointed to the table section marked "Big." Monet asked him, "How much would you like to wager?"
"Bet it all."
Alucard's surprising declaration shocked many of the surrounding gamblers. Although people came here to spend lavishly, few had ever been seen betting 100 million Berries in one go.
"Is he looking for a thrill? Or is he..."
Several thoughts flashed through Monet's mind, but she quickly placed all 100 million Berries worth of chips on "Big."
"Show the dice."
When the dice cup was opened, everyone saw the numbers: 4, 6, 6—Big!
The whole crowd buzzed. This person's luck was incredible! According to the rules of this table, a correct bet paid triple, meaning he had instantly turned 100 million into 300 million Berries.
"Congratulations," Monet said, smiling and applauding.
"..."
Alucard showed no sign of ecstasy and made no move to touch the winnings. "It's about time to meet the others."
Monet cleverly pointed the way. "Tesoro-dono and the Young Master have been waiting for quite some time. Please follow me."
While walking toward the highest VIP room, Hancock sensed something was amiss and asked Alucard, "Master?"
"A deliberate loss is a boring form of gambling." With Alucard's eyesight, how could he not see that the dealer intentionally let him win?
More accurately, they didn't dare let Alucard lose. A gamble with a known result truly was meaningless.
Monet pretended not to hear from the front. Upon reaching a golden door, it gradually opened, revealing the highest VIP room.
The lighting was slightly dim, surrounded by wine cabinets and dancing girls. In the innermost area, sofas were arranged around a circular table. Kaido, Queen, Cracker, Opera, and the hosts of the ship, Tesoro and Doflamingo, were already waiting.
"Thank you for your hard work, Monet."
Doflamingo, who was notably squatting on the sofa, looked toward the doorway and greeted Alucard. "With this, the last guest has also arrived."
Alucard sat down, with Hancock standing behind him, her expression as arrogant as ever. Tesoro smiled and asked, "How do you find the entertainment city? Does it suit the appetite of a Yonko?"
"You've made me want to seize it for myself," Alucard replied, though it was unclear if he was joking.
"Haha, you flatter me," Tesoro responded with a chuckle, also in a joking tone, though a flicker of apprehension passed through his eyes.
"It was already unexpected for two of the Yonko to show up. I anticipated that old man Whitebeard wouldn't bother with our affairs... I wouldn't have been surprised if none of you showed up," Doflamingo said, tapping his forehead with one hand.
"It wasn't convenient for Mama to come, but several unmarried daughters in our Charlotte Family have yet to marry. I wonder if either of you is interested?" Cracker, the impulsive one, didn't mince words and immediately revealed his purpose.
Tesoro and Doflamingo's expressions froze slightly. This was the standard strategy of the Big Mom Pirates, wasn't it? A marriage alliance, taking in a son-in-law.
"Wororororo!"
Kaido, who was currently gnawing on a large rack of grilled meat, laughed wildly. He yelled toward Tesoro and Doflamingo sitting across from him, "Did you hear that? That woman Charlotte is recruiting you as sons-in-law! Hurry up and join her! That way, it might be slightly more fun when I attack you later."
This lunatic was completely unhinged. He was on someone else's territory, yet he openly declared his intention to "attack later."
"Haha..."
Alucard let out a mocking chuckle from his throat, indicating his amusement at the unfolding spectacle.
Although they were aware of this characteristic of the Charlotte Family, the sudden proposal still caught Tesoro and Doflamingo completely off guard.
After a few seconds of silence, Tesoro managed to regain his composure. "Ah... The purpose of inviting everyone here is to discuss business matters. As for a marriage alliance, perhaps we should discuss such things after the parties have met?"
Not wanting to join Big Mom and live under her thumb, yet unable to completely offend her, Tesoro chose to evade the topic.
"Has Charlotte Linlin become so weak that she needs to strengthen her forces with such methods?" Alucard finally spoke. "She wasn't behaving like this when she stole the Poneglyph from the mad dog."
Cracker's eyes narrowed, and he clenched his fists tightly, though he didn't dare make a move.
Seeing the atmosphere growing increasingly tense, Doflamingo interjected, "This gathering is for the benefit of everyone present. Let's put our grudges aside for a moment. Isn't profit the most important thing?"
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