5. True Ambitions

[Ciel Casino]

I turned my gaze toward Theodore, who appears like a lost small child. The sight made me chuckle as we both entered the casino after saying our fake identities to the workers. 

"Is this your first time at a casino, Theodore?"

I asked with a slight smile as he nodded his head as an answer.

"Follow me."

As we passed the people gambling with the money they are so proud of, I led him to a quieter area.

Also, because it's Theodore's first time in such a place, he appears enthralled.

"A casino, as you know, Theo, is a location where certain sorts of gambling are permitted. Every kind of rotten person gathered here like mice."

He was only a step behind me as I stood at the corner.

"Ciel Casino. This is my father's casino, which he established under a fake identity."

I witnessed people wasting their time, money, and lives at this casino.

In my previous life, when I was sixteen years old, I discovered that he owns and operates a casino. I discovered it by accident, from a document that was slipped while I was visiting his office and I ended up reading them.

Ciel Casino. 

A casino designed to defraud gamblers of their funds. Everything that transpired there was a trick of the light.

Father was a cunning man who opened the casino to both nobles and commoners.

Every time a commoner or aristocrat who was lower than him won a gamble, he would take their money by force without exception.

Of course, if the threat was unsuccessful, he would assassinate the individual without leaving a trace. He was never found guilty because he wasn't the one who got his hands dirty. In his own way, he is clever.

But, also careless if I put it in another word.

The only person who knows this casino belongs to father is father and me alone.

(It's actually a lot simpler than I anticipated.)

I chuckled as I contemplated what I should do with this greedy man's casino.

"I might need Azazel's help."

I mumbled under my breath as my sight fell on the money being gambled on one of the nearby games.

(They play it haphazardly. However, since they're all wearing masks, it won't be a big deal. They won't be worried about their identities being exposed.)

"My work here is done, let's go."

-

[2nd Prince's Palace]

[Dear Azazel von Elysian

I know that this is unexpected, however, can you lend me two or three of your skilled men?

If you want to ask the reason, then please send an official letter to visit the Zielle Dukedom and find me.

Sincerely, Verena Zielle]

As Azazel read the letter that was sent to him, he placed it carefully on the table and put his hand on his chin.

(Sending her my men? I'm not sure what she's planning, but I have a lot on my hands with the Vad Clan.)

As he thought of Verena, a sigh escaped his lips, and a flush rose up to his cheeks.

(I suppose paying her a visit and asking her the reasons in person would be a lot more convenient.)

As he contemplated the idea, a knock was heard throughout the room as he raised his head.

"Come in."

The door opened to reveal his personal attendant, who had messy dark red hair and tired-looking black eyes with dark circles under them.

"... Greetings to the second prince.."

He closed the door and walked toward Azazel's desk while carrying a stack of papers.

"How's it going, Olivier?"

Azazel questioned as Olivier sloppily placed the stack of papers on the desk in front of Azazel.

Before responding, he let out a heavy sigh.

".... Well, since I'm good at hiding and obtaining top-secret information, getting information on the Vad Clan isn't a problem for me. But... There's still a lot of struggles.."

"Good work. You look tired."

Azazel muttered as he picked up one of the papers containing the histories of Vad Clan members.

"Yes, I'm tired... Please let me rest-"

"Unfortunately, you'll be accompanying me to the Zielle Dukedom tomorrow."

"... P-pardon?"

"My soon-to-be wife requires my assistance. So, I'd better be there for her. And of course, you have to be there as well."

"... You tyrant. I haven't even had a chance to rest in the last few weeks. Are you attempting to kill me by working too hard?"

 "If I want to kill you, I will do it fast and quickly. You know I don't like wasting time. Besides, you're my 'secret' personal attendant. It won't be hard to exterminate you."

Azazel's gaze sharpened as he glanced at Olivier, who flinched by his gaze and then immediately avert his attention from Azazel.

"... F-fine..."

"That's more like it."

Azazel chuckled as he read most of the papers given by Olivier. As he reads on, he notices two names that pique his interest.

"Ethan Vad and Edgar Vad. It appears that we can make use of them."

As soon as the name was mentioned, Olivier spoke up, saying,

"Most of the Vad Clan appears to have the most faith in the twins. Ethan, the younger twin brother, is well-liked by the rest of the Vad Clan. But, I heard he's a perfectionist."

"Ho? Then, what about the older twin brother?"

"Edgar Vad is not seen much, but he is often seen around Ethan. The two of them are going to be assigned as Princess Charlotte's personal knights."

Azazel stifles a laugh when he hears that information.

"Without a doubt. They're still young and attractive. Charlotte is that kind of person..."

 His eyes narrowed as he recalled something unpleasant in his childhood regarding Charlotte.

"Just remembering her face was enough to make me vomit."

Olivier's sweatdrop the moment Azazel's gaze grew colder and more unfamiliar.

"... I will try to gain more information regarding the twin if you wished for."

"Hmm... Yeah, do that now."

Olivier nodded at his new task.

"Find out their motives and true intentions. I want to know if they truly resented the Imperial Family. Even though I trust Verena's words, I don't trust them."

"I understand, You Highness."

"I want the information tonight. Also, don't get caught."

"... T-tonight-?!"

Azazel's brilliant crimson eyes turned cold before Olivier could protest, and he immediately swallowed back his words out of fear.

"... I understand."

As he left Azazel's office, Oliver sighed deeply and yawned for a bit.

(I'm really tired... and tonight?!)

He even stretched out for a few moments to relax his muscles, regretting his life decisions thus far.

(... I don't have a choice... Alright, time to work and work and work until I die of exhaustion.)

(I wonder if he would feel guilty if I died that way.)

He sighed deeply and concentrated on his inner energy as he vanished into thin air without a sound.

-

[Next Day, Zielle Dukedom]

"Ah, an illegal casino?"

Azazel questioned, confirming as Verena nodded her head as she sipped her cup of black tea calmly.

"You want to overthrow your father with that? I'm sure it won't be the only thing you do."

She chuckled after hearing his statement and his correct assumption.

"Of course, Your Highness. This casino is only a stepping stone."

"If you had a plan, you wouldn't mind sharing it with me, would you?"

Verena smiled as she nodded and set her cup down on the table.

"Have you discovered anything about the Vad Clan?"

"... Olivier."

Azazel called out of nowhere as Olivier suddenly appeared before them with two papers in hand, making Verena's eyes went wide by his sudden appearance.

"This is Olivier, my secret informant."

He introduced as Olivier lower his head and placed his hand on his chest.

"... Please accept my sincere apologies for the late introductions. My name is Olivier Silas, one of the people who support the second prince in secret."

Verena could tell right away with what kind of person he was. Along with his exhausted appearance, his tone was low and devoid of energy.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Silas. My name is Verena Zielle. You must be an excellent wind user."

Verena responded with a polite smile as she looked at Olivier's tired jet-black eyes.

"Olivier."

Azazel extended his hand toward him, urging Olivier to hand over the papers, which Olivier promptly did and handed it to Azazel.

"As a result of Olivier's investigation, I discovered two interesting people on Vad Clan."

Azazel passed it to Verena, who accepted it and read the papers he handed her.

(This is... twins?)

As she reads their profile, her brow furrows.

(... Twins.. Both skilled in swordsmanship.)

"... Why did you choose these two?"

Azazel shifted his gaze to Olivier, indicating him to explain Verena's question.

Verena turned her head toward Olivier in response to Azazel's gesture.

"The twins lost their parents and little sister because of the Imperial Family."

Olivier started, and just by his first sentence, a smile rose to Verena's lips.

(Exactly what I needed.)