CH 95.2

[Part-2]

A thought like that was truly fitting for a Demon King.

“How do you arrange for chips to be exchanged for money?”

“We need something that can’t be duplicated, and we can’t get a large quantity by today or tomorrow. Please give me a few days.”

“Oh, that’s okay.”

Casino prosperity strategy #2, chips.

Chips were less intimidating than money, and you won’t feel so much danger when you lose. It’s just a vague strategy, based on his memories of his days of Earth.

“However, a band of musicians is going to cost a lot of money. I’m not sure if it’s appropriate for our clientele, but…“

“Hmmm, but I want to have music. It would make people feel better, wouldn’t it?”

“Uh!”

Casino prosperity strategy #3, I think it would be better if there was some kind of music that would add more atmosphere to the casino.

However, the quality of the performers must be high since it is targeted at the rich customers and the aristocratic customers.

It seems to be a disadvantageous action to take.

I don’t know about that, however, because I could even enjoy the music that was played at a children’s concert.

“Let’s leave it at that. Worst-case scenario, our members will learn to play music and take turns playing.“

“Uh, are you joking…?”

“…Unfortunately, no, because music has to be played to be born. It’s not like your beard that grows even without your effort. Someone has to do it.”

“Uh, sorry!”

He reacted like, “Are you serious?” I was annoyed and gave a slightly harsh answer, which seemed to have scared the tough looking Marco.

“We’ll discuss the music later. I’m sure Celestia will have a great idea if we ask her, so I’m not that worried about it.“

The Gerald wall dart incident seemed to have lingered.

“Now we’ll have to settle on the snacks.“

“We’ve been serving cheese and other snacks, but I think we should use the kitchen in it’s full force and turn one of the rooms into a cafeteria.“

“Cheese is the best snack… Good idea. I’d like to serve some unique specialties, so I’ll ask for ideas from everyone. Tell the others to think about it too.“

“Okay.“

The specifics of the games will have to wait, since they’re a big deal and the rules have to be explained to the dealers.

“Porridge or Ochazuke would be good for those who’ve had a few drinks… By the way, where’s Gerald? I’m going to give him a taste of my prototype.”

“Big brother’s probably out for dinner at this time.”

“What? He went out to eat?“

I was going to give him a taste of the new Chronodashi soup stock that aimed to be as good as Celestia’s soup stock…

“Boss. Next, can I tell you about the new large scale branch that’s being built in another town?”

“Oh, yeah. Another town…. I’ll have to make time to go check it out… So, what are the ladies doing standing in a line there?”

I had ignored the pretty ladies lined up in the corner of the room for a long time, wondering if they meant anything, but when they really didn’t even move an inch after quite a bit of time, I addressed them.

All of them flinched at the same time.

“I’ve prepared them for you, boss. Do whatever you like.“

“Oh, I see.”

I told him yesterday that I’ve been working on various projects such as cooking, music, and various other things, so I guess that he brought me some assistants. Assistants, the devil’s assistants.

“You’re very thoughtful, Marco….”

“Thank you very much….”

I smiled wickedly like a demon king should and praised him, and he gave me a very wicked look in return.

In the shadows, I could feel the trembles of the women with faces so pale that they looked like corpses.

♢♢♢

“It’s so delicious!“

“I see.”

A certain restaurant in the entertainment district that was open late at night.

The unfriendly owner was behind the counter, silently grilling the steaks ordered by the thugs in the back of the restaurant, who were scared of Gerald.

“Oh, uh, sir,” he said.

“What?”

Lana and Gerald were tucking into their steaks made out of savory meat.

But both of them stopped when Lana asked fearfully.

“Well… I had a glimpse of that weak-looking kid who’s the new head….”

“That’s right.”

Gerard assured Lana, who had been convinced that there had been a mistake, without hesitation.

“Didn’t Marco tell you?”

“I heard about it in a notice addressed to all the members… why is he on top of you, brother? I don’t understand! Brother’s been pulling the strings since the last generation! He’s just a nobody!”

More than half of the employees were not satisfied with the incomprehensible demon king.

And Lana was on that side too.

“Why don’t you just blow him away?!“

“Hm… I can’t win. We can’t win no matter how many of us there are.“

Lana, the shopkeepers and the customers who had been listening to the conversation widened their eyes at Gerald’s reply, which reminded them of last night and made them giggle unintentionally.

Gerald, the self-made man of the entertainment district and a legend, had declared that he couldn’t win.

“The only reason I’m alive is because of the boss’s whim. I have no choice but to obey him. And…”

Gerald was silent as he mulled over it.

“…did Marco say anything?”

“What? Well, let’s see… he said he acted a bit like the predecessor…” She replied.

“…I see.”

He ate the remaining steak with one last bite and swallowed it with the rest of the wine.

“I’m happy with the new boss. The rest is up to you.”

He put the money on the table, stood up, and told Lana.

“Okay, brother.”

Lana was worried that she might have offended him, since he usually waited until she finishes eating before he went back to the casino while accompanying her.

“Hey, I’ll take that one too,” she said.

“…the same?”

“Yeah.”

Gerald ordered more drinks from the owner as he watched drunkards coming out of the door.

“–Gerald, you son of a b*tch! What the hell do you think you’re doing to my Lana!“

“What do you think you’re doing, father? You’re ruining my dinner with my brother!“

Lana’s father, Cheng, and a childhood friend of Gerald’s, spotted them and shouted at the restaurant.

“Lana, after you eat, get this son of a b*tch to give us a ride back to the casino.”

“Oh!”

“Who’s the son of a b*tch? You’re ordering your daughter around? I won’t let you order me!”

“You’re a real son of a b*tch! Don’t mess with me, or I might lay my hands on you!”

“F*ck!”

With the familiar sound of the quarrel between a parent and child in the background, I left the store.

Walking down the dark alley, I remembered what Lana said to me earlier.

‘…he said he acted a bit like the predecessor…’

“……”

He stopped walking, and after a few seconds, he started walking again.

‘Gerald! Don’t cheat!’

My father’s words were still vivid in my mind.