Volume 10 Chapter 12 (2/2)

Of course, other measures were also in place to make sure that stupidly big wins didn't happen often.

”I just played normally? I started playing some card games and betting on the dragon races. I won in those and got more money. I then played the roulette. It said I could win 36 times of what I bet, so I bet all that I've won. And then, I won, and did it again, and again, and again!”

So, it was just luck?

As to be expected of the S+ Luck of an S rank monster, it was nothing to scoff at.

”Owww, but now, my relaxation spot's gone…”

Raph looked dejected.

I wanted to help her out, but it would be disastrous for the casino if I let her to continue to roam free there.

But then again, I didn't want to snatch away what my monster enjoyed doing.

”If you promise to only play at the low-rate slots and the dragon races, and also to bet a maximum of 3 chips at a time, I'll convince them to let you back in.”

”I promise! Oh, your majesty, I so love you!”

In her excitement, Raph hugged me.

For someone of her short stature, she had a rather impressive set. Try as I might, my awareness kept being pulled toward the pressure they gave.

”Ohh, I see, Lolicell made a new girl. And wow, despite being Lolicell, you have that kind of taste as well, hmm”

”I keep telling you, please stop it with the Lolicell stuff.”

Marcho said so with a look of disdain, but I decided to focus first on Raph's problems.

So long as she abided by my conditions, there shouldn't be any significant issues.

And so, after freeing myself from Raph's embrace, I talked to someone in charge and explained the new arrangement.

When I informed her that it was now all settled, Raph thanked me again and then excitedly returned to the casino.

Glad to know she can enjoy her off hours as much as she wants again.

”Say, what was that slots thing you mentioned earlier? I don't think I've ever heard of that game before. It sounds fun.”

”I think it's better to show it to you first.”

I said so and then led her by the hand toward Avalon's newest showpiece.

◇

The place was filled with a bizarre zeal.

The guests were staring fixedly at the multiple cabinets that were installed.

Music was playing in background, accompanied by the sound of the reels continuously spinning.

”So, I win if three of the same symbol lines up?”

”Basically, yes. The number of chips you win depends on the kind of symbol that lines up. For example: if three apples appear in a line, you win 30 times of what you bet; the jewels give 100 times; and the golden apples give out 300 times the bet.”

We had three kinds of slot machines. The main difference of each kind was the amount a guest would bet.

The most expensive one required a chip that was worth 1 gold coin. For reference, a gold coin was enough to sustain an average household for a whole month. Because of that, it was almost just the truly rich who would bet on these machines without any hesitation.

On the other hand, because almost anyone could afford to play with the cheapest machines, there were a wide variety of people who wanted to use it.

Slots were very convenient.

Our casino was a huge success. So much so that a lot of people had to wait to get a chance to enter. So, to continue growing, we tried to solve the issue time and time again. No matter what we tried though, the thing that was holding us back the most was the number of our first-rate dealers. Sadly, getting more of them was quite difficult.

On the other hand, slots could entertain a large number of people without the need of a dealer, first-rate or otherwise.

When I came up with the idea of using slot machines, I asked the Dwarf Smiths to develop them, but what they made was beyond what even I imagined.

Since we didn't use electricity, at least not in the casino, the slots were powered by golem cores. One golem core powered about ten cabinets. As such, these cabinets could be technically called a golem.

Marcho went and exchanged her money for some chips.

And then, without any sign of hesitation, she headed toward the most expensive cabinets.

”Are you sure? If you get unlucky, you could lose 300 gold coins in just an hour.”

That amount could sustain an average household for two to three years.

”It's fine; I've saved a lot of the human beings' money. Besides, it's no fun if the risk is too small.”

While smiling, Marcho watched as the reels turned.

Could it be that she's the type to be ruined by gambling?

◇

After the slot machines, we enjoyed the races, played some card games, and then relaxed while drinking at a bar. When we had enough, we exited the casino.

On our way out, we bought some frog-shaped cakes.

Seeing Marcho, otherwise known as the big shot that was the [Beast] Demon Lord, the shopkeeper, Ronove, frog-jumped to the ceiling and hit his head.

And when Marcho said that the frog-shaped cakes were delicious, he repeatedly bowed his head.

”Yeah, that was fun! Oh, I got a good idea. Send some of those slots to my dungeon. I want my monsters to enjoy it too.”

”Sure thing. I'll talk to the Dwarf Smiths about it. But are you sure though? Those things come in sets of ten, so they could take up quite the space.”

Marcho evidently liked the slot machines.

”Yeah, it's fine. The more the better, in fact.”

Since there were still some space left, and since space was all the slot machines required, the Dwarf Smiths were still continuing to build more machines every day.

By the way, because the slot machines had a processing unit in the form of the golem cores, no amount of timing to stop the reels could help the player. Only luck mattered. Additionally, the golems cores were programed to pay out, over time, 90% of the machines' earnings. That meant that there should be plenty of winners.

Talking like that, we wondered around the city without any particular goal in mind. If she sees something she likes though, I'm going to buy it for her as a present.

”Procell, I think you really get it now after this painful experience, but you shouldn't underestimate [Awakening]'s negative effects on you too much. Like I've been saying, it's a double-edged sword.”

”…yeah, I won't anymore. The tears falling down from my daughter's eyes are enough to make me learn my lesson. I don't ever want to see that again.”

”Good. Don't forget that feeling. Now, if you'll also let Aura take a look at you every day, I'd be relieved.”

A monster that could care for one's well-being, even their soul's, was exceedingly rare. I definitely owe that girl.

”Moving on, my intelligence network suspects that your enemies will act soon. Have you prepared yourselves?”

”Certainly. We're ready for them anytime.”

Before my present condition, I had been continuously using [Creation] to produce the rare metals that were necessary to make high-powered explosives.

We had already regained the amount we had used during the Marcho-rescue campaign, including the weapon of mass destruction MOAB.

To be honest, I wanted to use [Create] on the MOAB to make it evolve just like I did back then, but that would have to wait until I have recovered.

Regardless, with the number of explosives we had, we could take on even an entire country.

”That's the right attitude. You can't afford to get careless when your next enemies will try and try until they finally take you down. On that note, you might be planning to not rely on my powers again, but at least this time, let me lend a hand. The odds are too stacked against you.”

At the start of each of my [War] ever since she became my monster, a choice whether to join or not was presented to her.

However, each time, I had asked her to refuse.

I had two reasons:

The first was so that we could gain experience. Having her babysit us would hinder us from gaining that valuable experience.

The second was so that we could keep the fact that she was now under my control a secret for a bit longer. Marcho's existence as my monster was a trump card in itself. Just the surprise of her appearing in the white space beside me was enough to turn the table against enemies that could definitely kill me. Because of that, she wasn't really a card to be played against someone of the [Pig] Demon Lord's caliber.

”Marcho, about that. Sorry, but I'd like you to refuse the option of joining this time as well. You see…”

I then explained my plan to her.

I wouldn't be dependent on her, but I also wouldn't mind some help from her.

”Ohh. Interesting. Okay, I approve of that. You're acting more and more like a Demon Lord, you know.”

”Thanks for understanding. For the next [War], it isn't just [Wind] Demon Lord Stolas that's going to lend me a hand, but also [Despair] Demon Lord Belial. For that reason, your role is truly vital.”

I must know whether Belial's a real friend or not.

”Okay, that's it for the serious talks. Let's go to an inn right away. Your daughters are going to be back home around this time, right? Unless, of course, you get your kick out of them watching?”

”How in the hell could that ever be the case?!”

Marcho laughed.

As usual, she was the one who had the upper hand.

And so, we went to an inn and made love.

The enemy side is on the move, huh? Even if my soul is still healing, I'm ready for them.