CH 134

Everyone in the casino stood, struck dumb, with their mouths agape. The blue phoenix, known as the phoenix, was a legendary phantom beast that ended its life in a blaze of blue flames, only to rise from the ashes once again. Its ephemeral nature meant that while its magnificence could be witnessed in its life, not even a single feather could be salvaged upon its death. It was a creature no one could possess, that is, with one exception.

There was but one instance in which the phantom bird would willing leave its mark—when the phoenix swore complete submission, it would offer up in tribute a single drop of blood. Those who received it were granted eternal protection from the beast. This was all explained to Cecile when Estian presented her with the mystical item.

“I mindlessly caught the thing, but it left this and disappeared. I brought it back because the color was nice, but suddenly it became a national treasure. They even went and turned it into an earring on their own,” Estian explained. “So, always wear it when you go about. A blue phoenix will appear if you throw it. It’s quite a pretty sight, so feel free to throw the earring if you just want to admire the bird.”

That was the reason Cecile had worn the earring to the casino. After all, even with Richard’s escort, it was always better to be prepared. Cecile watched Yuliana with a hint of a smile. “Why? Do you feel it is lacking?” She asked.

“How… could that be? I was merely at a loss for words, as this place is too undeserving of its presence,” Yuliana replied sincerely.

The princess recalled the stories she’d heard about the empress. The woman who’d enchanted the emperor, and claimed all the treasures of the empire as hers. It wasn’t a surprise she was in the possession of such an item. It was an unexpected disruption to her plans. She’d intended to grab ahold of everyone’s attention by laying out all the gold chips, but was immediately overshadowed.

Meanwhile, the other participants added their wagers, although no one paid them any attention. Nothing they made could possibly compare to the first two wagers. The dealer began preparing to set the table, when suddenly Cecile made her next move.

“It is… unexpected, Princess Yuliana,” Cecile began.

“What might you be referring to?” Yuliana asked.

“I’ve never heard of you having any ties to this casino. Yet, by the looks of it, it’s hard to tell whom the owner is.” Indeed, the hotel owner was acting like Yuliana’s servant earlier. Cecile’s implication of ‘How did you buy him over?’ hung heavy in the air.

Yuliana let out a peal of laughter. “Your Majesty may not have been aware, but I hold a significant share of this place,” she replied. Currently, she held a 50% stake in the casino, but it would all be hers by the end of the night. It wouldn’t be wrong to say she was the owner.

“The princess of Aswan? In a casino of the empire? I see that you hold an interest in something unexpected, princess.”

“Unexpected? But there could be no better place of learning than a casino of the empire,” Yuliana countered. She picked up and lightly swirled a glass of water. A subtle rumbling rippled out across all the water in the casino.

Richard, who’d been watching the blue phoenix, was the first to notice the change. ‘I knew it.’ The power of witches was known to originate from water, the source of all life. ”She must be channeling a more powerful hypnosis… although the execution seems a little clumsy.’

He watched with interest as the eyes of the onlookers glazed over and turned hazy, and the crowd pivoted towards Yuliana. It was his first time observing the power of witches, but he could tell that the princess was unfamiliar with wielding it. According to the records, one would hear a beautiful harmony when witches used their power of water. All he heard from Yuliana was noise.

Estian’s warning rang in Richard’s ear. “If even a single hair of Cecile is hurt, I’ll segment you into the number of your bones.” That man would most certainly follow through on his threats. Richard massaged his recently reattached neck. While the blue phoenix was likely enough protection for the empress, Richard decided additional defensive spells wouldn’t hurt, and began to draw on his mana.

“Your Majesty may be ignorant, having spent a quiet life in Navitan, but a casino is a place where a lot of money comes and goes. That is not all to it—money begets more money. Where there is a casino, prosperity is bound to follow,” Yuliana continued.

“Your point?”

“The income and administrative experience gained from this casino will contribute greatly when a new casino is built in Aswan. How about you try a hand at practical learning, Your Majesty? It will be by far more rewarding than the frivolous spending you’re accustomed to.”

Stooping to blatant ridicule? Cecile was speechless. It wasn’t as if she was particularly fond of Navitan, but a foreign princess had no right to denigrate the homeland of the empress. Furthermore, Yuliana’s words implied she lived a life far more rewarding than Cecile, which was downright impertinent. Cecile was certain that others would surely point out the princess’s transgressions, but instead she heard clapping. In her confusion, her head turned to see the crowd giving a standing ovation.

“Brava, Princess Yuliana!”

“My word, to think the princess possesses such foresight! So different from the norm!”

“My goodness, a princess who reflects on and prepares for the future of her country this much—isn’t it a waste that she remains merely a princess of a nation?”

“Such wisdom to complement such beauty. Truly extraordinary I say!”

Cecile burst out in incredulous laughter at the sight of their fawning over the princess. The blind praise and compliments were mortifying. A standing ovation for something as obvious as stating a casino makes cash? Cecile wondered with incredulity as to why they were acting like fools, as the crescendo of voices and clapping continued to grow.