Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

"Seele, please wait a moment, this is really...!"

"Look, the invitation says it's for the Count and Countess. If you go alone, they might get suspicious."

"..."

Seele took out the letter and showed the name written on it. Ryu could only sigh helplessly.

"What innocent girl? That's all an illusion, meow! Seele is practically a witch, meow!"

Ryu now had to nod in agreement with the thoughts that Chloe, Anya, and others had shared in private.

On the contrary, Seele, a girl from the streets, was much more cunning than Liu.

"...I understand. There's no other way now, so I'll ask Seele to come and help as well."

"Um!"

"But please do not leave my side, as this is a very dangerous infiltration operation."

"Okay!"

After hearing Seele's joyful response, Ryu sighed again.

She glanced at the ecstatic girl and began to formulate a new plan in her mind.

At this moment, Liu felt that he had heard a word that could not be ignored in his conversation with Xi'er.

"Please wait a moment, Seele. Since you're 'husband and wife,' could it be...?"

Compared to Ryu, whose expression was unusually unsettled—

Seele smiled sweetly.

○

The sun disappeared behind the mountains, and night fell from the east, covering the entire sky.

In the blink of an eye, Orario was shrouded in night. Looking down from the dim sky, the labyrinthine city was illuminated by a vast array of Materia lamps, comparable to a starry sky, thus donning its nighttime appearance.

Barmaids solicit customers on the streets, the air thick with the songs of bards and the melodies of orchestral instruments, while the aroma of grilled meat and fish wafts from the bars. Adventurers returning from the dungeon and laborers finishing their work stroll along the main streets, intending to end the day with a drink. Even the gods, who love children and enjoy a lively atmosphere, join in the revelry. Orario becomes even more bustling after nightfall.

Surrounded by impregnable and majestic city walls, the south gate was fully open.

Extending from outside the city walls to the South Street, a long procession of carriages and entourages could be seen. Each of the box-shaped carriages entering the city was lavishly decorated, exquisitely crafted to flaunt wealth. The demi-humans who disembarked were all dressed in opulent attire, heading towards the upscale hotels, theaters, and fine bars in the bustling city center. These people were all wealthy individuals from various countries.

Every year at certain times, the South Gate opens to the public around the clock to welcome wealthy individuals from afar. This is one of the current guild leader's policies. The leader has recognized that this system of entertaining the rich, rotating them, and creating a cycle will generate greater economic benefits. Of course, everyone entering and leaving Orario must undergo strict screening and possess an officially recognized pass. From merchants to nobles, carriages carrying people of status and wealth arrive in Orario one after another.

At that moment, a box-shaped carriage emerged from the alley and joined the procession on the main road, becoming part of the queue.

The box-shaped carriage, which looked just like the ones around it and seemed to be from out of town, lined up in order and eventually stopped in a corner of the bustling area.

As soon as the car door opened, the first person to get off was an elf dressed in a tuxedo.

His long, pale green hair was neatly tied into a ponytail, and a large, monocular eyepatch, reminiscent of that worn by a blacksmith god, covered half his face, along with his left eye. This handsome man—who, even in a bustling area filled with the powerful and wealthy, exuded a mysterious and unique charm that captivated the surrounding ladies—reached out his hand toward the car door. He was a woman disguised as a man, in a way, an elf.

"Hehe, thank you, darling."

"...Seele, please don't tease people like this on purpose."

"If you don't pretend to be a married couple properly, people will find out, won't they?"

The woman that Ryu, after changing her clothes, was supporting was none other than Seele, who was wearing a formal dress.

This young wife, who was only available for tonight, showed no signs of stage fright and returned a delighted smile.

According to Seele's plan, Liu, disguised as the person on the invitation—the Countess and Countess—suffered a great deal of effort to suppress the urge to sigh.

"Seele...don't you think this dress is a bit too flashy?"

"Really? I asked a businessman to prepare this for me privately."

The dress Seele wore, like the tuxedo Liu wore, was a long gown for a banquet, rented at a high price.

Although the dress is not specially tailored and is a fairly common style, Seele's shoulders and back are exposed, and the chest area is almost completely open.

Her cleavage, which wasn't usually accentuated by her outfits, was now fully revealed.

Liu, who was reluctant to expose Seele to outsiders, felt worried, but immediately used her sharp eyes to deflect all the lecherous glances directed at her.

Seeing the men who quickly turned around after being glared at by Liu, Xi'er chuckled softly.

"I usually work in a bar, I never thought I'd have the chance to dress up like this!"

The long, thin shawl rolled up around her arms swayed with her movements.

To match her outfit, Seele changed her hairstyle to one more suitable for the banquet and replaced her work maid hair accessories with expensive ones. Because Seele was naturally beautiful, a little makeup transformed her from a common girl into a noblewoman. However, in her cheerful mood, Seele barely noticed how captivating she looked.

I must protect Seele—Ryu, deep in thought, looked like a knight and was on high alert.

"Look, Ryu, the merchant even prepared this fan for me!"

"Seele, don't forget our goal is to infiltrate the big casino."

Seeing Seele overjoyed as she pulled out a bright purple fan, Ryu whispered a reminder. Upon hearing this, the common girl first stuck out her tongue slightly, then frankly apologized to Ryu.

Liu looked slightly helpless and took Xi'er's hand as they walked forward.

The two had only one goal: the huge archway facing the street—the entrance to their destination.

"Um... Ryu is playing the Countess named Aryud Maximilian today, and I am Countess Sirene Maximilian."

"Maximilian..."

As Liu listened to Seele remind him of the name of the invitation holder, she muttered to herself in a daze, while the surrounding crowd became even more crowded and noisy.

Along the way, one could see people dressed in gold and silver, walking with their heads held high, and many of them had hired burly orcs or dwarves as bodyguards. In addition, guild staff and members of the Ganesha Familia were stationed to provide security for the central square leading from the south gate to the city center and for the major facilities on South Street.

(That's Shakti... she's here too.)

While aimlessly observing her surroundings, Ryu spotted a familiar blue-haired beauty—the leader of her faction. Knowing she must avoid a fight, she quickly averted her gaze to avoid attracting the other's attention.

Finally, Ryu and her friends reached the archway.

"Could you please show me your pass?"

"Okay, is that alright?"

Seele handed an invitation to the human in formal attire standing at the door.

After checking the letters, the man greeted Ryu and Seele with a broad smile.

"Welcome, Count and Countess Maximilian. Have a pleasant evening."

Ryu and her companions walked past the facility's staff and the guards of the Ganesha Familia facing the archway.

Looking around, you can see a plaza with a giant fountain, as well as several luxurious buildings highlighted by various magic stone lamps.

This is a gambling paradise where people can escape their daily lives.

Ryu and Hier officially infiltrated the magnificent casino.

3

Located in the casino area on the south side of the bustling city center of Oralley, you can see all kinds of gambling facilities.

The area is dotted with large casinos established by various countries and major cities, some of which also function as high-end hotels, while others are designed to resemble desert oases. Many buildings possess exotic flair. Within this oval-shaped plaza, buildings exceeding three stories are ubiquitous, and numerous coconut trees, common in tropical regions, are planted. At the center of the plaza stands a magnificent, unprecedented fountain, spewing forth water like giant waves.

Upon entering the Grand Casino area—through the massive archway built along the main avenue—guests are immediately greeted by an overwhelming flood of lights. Extensive use of high-quality Materia lamps, typical of Orario, illuminates the Grand Casino in red, blue, purple, and gold, making its appearance distinct from the guild headquarters, the Pantheon, or the Tower of Babel. From the air, it must be quite striking. Guarded by countless sentries, this Grand Casino area shines brightest in the labyrinthine city shrouded in darkness, resembling a magnificent city that never sleeps.

In stark contrast to the typical city center teeming with adventurers and ordinary citizens, lies another world in Orario.

"There are so many people!"

"Yes, it's no wonder that wealthy people from other places come here because of its reputation."

Seele and Ryu walked through the area of ​​the casino.

After explaining their situation to the bar owner, Mia, the two were finally able to get leave. They then mingled among the wealthy and powerful who treated the casino area like their own backyard, strolling around with their heads held high. Dressed in expensive tuxedos and evening gowns respectively, and arm in arm with each other, they posed as a count and countess from abroad.

However, Ryu, disguised as a man, couldn't hide her confusion and slight embarrassment when Seele walked alongside her shoulder to shoulder, and seemed rather uncomfortable from beginning to end.

The girl with light silver hair, perhaps understanding Ryu's feelings, swayed her shoulders lightly with interest.

"So, where is Miss Anna located...?"

"Golden City Amusement Park...that's the building."

As Ryu and Hieru whispered among themselves, a particularly eye-catching building stood out in the square.

Its luxurious, gleaming golden exterior, seemingly crafted from gold ingots, exudes a captivating allure. Whether as a gesture of formal reverence or a wish to bestow blessings and favors, the entrance features statues of male and female gods symbolizing wealth and success. A signboard emitting magic stone light displays the words "Golden City" in Koine.

"Golden City Amusement Park".

It is the premier casino in Orario, invested and built by the entertainment city of Santorio Beja.

It is also the first large casino (gran casino) run by the casino owner who took Anna, the only daughter of the couple Karen and Hughie.

Wow, that's spectacular!

After passing through the entrance hall, Ryu and the others arrived at a spacious lobby where they were personally greeted by the manager of "Golden City Paradise". The moment Seele saw the scene before her, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

The first thing that catches the eye is a giant crystal chandelier-shaped magic stone lamp, followed by a large plush carpet with an extremely luxurious color scheme and pattern. On the gambling tables of various shapes and sizes, all kinds of glamorous and eye-catching games are underway.

For example, cutting cards, dice, and roulette.

Cards were smoothly handed out; colorful dice flew into the air; after the ball was placed in the roulette wheel, it began to spin rapidly. Guided by dealers in stylish uniforms, the guests gathered at the various gaming tables, their figures, combined with the dealers' gorgeous attire, resembling a flock of butterflies drawn to flowers.

A large number of round, coin-shaped chips were piled up on the table, forming a small mountain. Sometimes they were taken away, and sometimes they were given to others.

Sighs of disappointment or deafening cheers could be heard from time to time around the gambling table.

In short, it was an unprecedented spectacle.

"Ryu, are you used to these kinds of occasions already?"

"I have indeed sneaked into casinos many times... but this is the first time I've seen a place this grand."

Seele and Ryu weaved through the crowds of wealthy demi-humans, observing their surroundings.

Guests, clutching their chips, move about, each heading to their chosen betting pools. A single chip they wager is equivalent to a day's wages for a laborer in Orario, and it's all gone in a single game. This scene of money flowing like water would surely terrify most people. It is precisely because guests are willing to spend so much money to acquire enormous amounts of chips that large casinos are hailed as colossal corporations.

Besides the most representative card-cutting gambling, there are various race-specific gambling methods using ores, gems, spinning tops, and more, all of which are quite popular here. Elves are enjoying the cultural differences, while gods and enthusiastic dwarves are seen arm-in-arm. You might also spot a male god casually stealing chips from a pile, at which point the security guards (Ganesha's Familia) immediately rush forward, smiling, and lead him away to who-knows-where. Thanks to the assistance of Orario adventurers, there seem to be comprehensive measures in place to combat illegal activities.

Each dealer responsible for each table adds a lot of excitement to the gambling.

For example, the cards move smoothly across the table, and the dice, made of crystal from the dungeon, are used to place bets in short bursts, creating beautiful melodies as the dealer flicks them. Such ingenious techniques are one of the skills that deeply fascinate guests.

Among the predominantly female dealers, whether orcs or humans, every woman is young and beautiful.

Under their smiling gazes, the guests shouted, some rejoicing while others grieved.

The wealthy Lilliputians were distressed as their piles of chips were taken away, while the Amazonian merchants who made a fortune were laughing heartily.

"Can I take those chips with me? Rosie and the others have always wanted to come to a big casino, and I'd like to bring them back as a gift..."

"Seele, this is really not a good idea... and even if we could actually take them, it's not hard to imagine that Chloe and the others would be very unwilling to accept them."

Although Seele, dressed in a formal gown, wasn't overwhelmed by the atmosphere and kept looking around, she seemed to be thoroughly enjoying the luxurious ambiance of the casino. Ryu, on the other hand, maintained the composed demeanor befitting an earl, secretly observing the situation in the hall.

They spared no effort in gathering intelligence, from the location of the interior decorations to the number of guards.

"Ryu, we've successfully infiltrated. What's the next step?"

Seele walked across the luxurious carpet that covered the entire floor and asked a question in a low voice, to which Ryu answered succinctly:

"First and foremost, it's eye-catching."

"?"

"We need to create the illusion of being financially powerful, making people think we're a cash cow. That way, they'll eventually approach us on their own."

Ryu shared the experiences she gained while in her former faction (the Astrea Familia).

Large casinos are constantly seeking new customers. These customers, in this context, refer to wealthy individuals who can spend large sums of money, regardless of their gambling success or failure.

If you catch the eye of a restaurant, you will be treated as a VIP and treated with great hospitality.

They might even proactively suggest, "Would you two be willing to participate in a game with higher stakes?"

"According to the invitation, the countess and countess we're disguised as seem to be visiting the Labyrinth City for the first time, like some country nobles from nowhere... But on the other hand, the casino also knows very little about the countess and countess (us), which is something we can take advantage of."

What was initially thought to be merely a guest of a rural nobleman turned out to be surprisingly wealthy and extravagant, a delightful miscalculation for the casino. This was Ryu's plan.

Until the other party opens their arms to welcome them, until the other party lowers their guard and invites them into the trap... the two must first pretend to be guests who are visiting a big casino for the first time and are very excited about it.

"So...does that mean we need to find a way to spend a lot of money?"

"Yes. However, our funds are limited, so the compromise is... to keep winning money through gambling."