Before today, there seemed to be no madman who would dare to instruct an envoy from another country at a diplomatic occasion, saying they do not like others to be late.
However, a few envoys from the Poplar Kingdom really did, after being overwhelmed by technology all along the way, subconsciously nod their heads as if it were only natural.
When they, like country bumpkins who had never seen the world, were escorted to their rooms by a waiter who seemed more like a noble than they were, they were completely overpowered by this modern shockwave.
"This thing is called an electric light! You just turn on this switch, and the whole room will light up! Yes, you can try it." The waiter seemed to have not instructed a hotel guest on how to use an electric light for a long time, because many people who come to Brunas are already familiar with it.
In this place that seems to belong to another world altogether, everyone has grown accustomed to the light. No one remembers any longer the oppressive nights spent under the gas lamps.
The light here comes too easily, as if the gods of light themselves reside here. When the third elf tried the switch, they finally realized from the waiter's disdainful look that they were doing something incredibly stupid.
"Uh... I apologize... My apologies, indeed." Fitteral apologistically said to the waiter with some timidity.
For the first time, he truly showed such a humble attitude towards a servant. It was not because he was well-mannered, but because he had shown fear first...
In his eyes, this experienced waiter was far more formidable than any of his highfalutin friends.
For example, now, after politely suggesting they not worry about it, he introduced them to the ceiling fan above and explained in detail how to use it.
This thing was definitely a rarity; nowhere else could it be found. When it started spinning, the elves who had come from afar were stunned.
They had never seen such advanced technology and even suspected that it could fall while spinning, becoming a terrifying weapon.
"If you need anything, you can press this switch to call for us; if there's nothing else, I shall take my leave." The waiter bowed slightly, with utmost respect and satisfaction in his performance.
When the door closed, all the elves finally relaxed, completely unaware that a hotel could be this luxurious.
The sofas here seemed much more upscale than those they had seen elsewhere, and the nobility guests they saw in the corridors could easily be considered the most respectable people they had ever encountered.
Treatment worthy of a king, they excitedly thought, then naturally began discussing strategies for the next day.
"Shall we try to keep the repayable Gold Coins within... within 200,000?" The deputy envoy tentatively started to suggest.
"200,000 Gold Coins? You must be joking; if we could reduce it to within 300,000 Gold Coins, that would consider us having an advantage." Fitteral said with a face full of dismay.
If the other party truly operated at this level, then their previous judgments seemed to have all been incorrect.
The other party was not concerned about those 100,000 Gold Coins; they were likely ready to use that sum as an excuse to escalate the war for greater benefits.
"Fine, let's have them run around like headless chickens," Harry nodded. "No need for further courtesies! I'm the junior here."
"It's only proper to see you out, after all, this is my turf," the bartender insisted on walking Harry to the door and watched him get into the car before turning to leave.
Upon returning to the hotel lobby, he said to his entourage, "If they are willing, let them have a look at the casino... They can borrow as much as they want, it doesn't matter."
"Understood," his subordinate nodded slightly, a smile spreading across his face.
...
"I... just saw a place over there bright with lights..." As night fell, an Elf finally grew restless and bored, stood up, and looked at his companions, "Shall we? Go for a walk?"
The night here was simply too beautiful, with neon lights everywhere, the colorful illumination enlivening the entire night, the air thick with the scent of temptation.
To be frank, none of the people here had ever witnessed such a dazzling night. They had never experienced such an enticing night either.
"Perhaps... we should go out... for a walk?" The deputy envoy was also tempted, curious about how wonderful the night could truly be.
"You all go ahead. I need to organize my thoughts since we have important negotiations tomorrow," Sir Fitteral, the head of the delegation, gestured with his hand, indicating he preferred not to go.
He needed to save his energy for the negotiations the following day. As a special envoy, he had to set a good example and attend to serious matters first.
Hearing his words, the deputy envoy had no choice but to suppress his restlessness and settled back into his seat. "Never mind, you go ahead! See what the excitement is about, and after the negotiations, Sir Fitteral and I will join you for a look."
"Yes! We understand!" Several Guards and staff members immediately perked up and left the room, leaving behind two unfortunate souls to stay and ensure the safety of the envoys.
Soon, these Elves from the wandering delegation met their new friends on the streets and together they headed to the casino.
After that... they discovered the games here were completely different from what they were used to, and utterly entertaining.
They took out Gold Coin to exchange for chips and then bet wildly. The lucky ones won seven times in a row, and their pockets fattened with more than double the Gold Coin they started with!
Caught up in the excitement, the Elves continued to ride their winning streak. In less than an hour, they had gambled away their gold watches, necklaces, and rings.
Then, as if possessed, they borrowed 200 Gold Coin, which also vanished on the casino tables.
By the time these Elves came to their senses, each of them owed an average of about 70 Gold Coin in debt... which was no small sum.
The casino staff were very polite, allowing them to leave after confirming their delegation member status. But the Elves were very uneasy as they knew soon the special envoys would find out about their debts...
After all, the casino was in the business to make money, and their security staff was very experienced in debt collection...