The Crown's Fire - Chapter 218

Chapter 218: A Personal Bet
Asura checked the activities for the day and smiled as she excitedly lined up for the card games.

“Are you going to join here, Lady Asura?” Minister Janus asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

“Of course! It’s been a long time since I joined in gambling!” she burst out, her eyes shining brightly with excitement. She was feeling giddy as she craned her neck to peer inside the big tent where the card games were happening. She had always been skilled at these games but had been unable to play since Devon’s siege.

The Sorel Guild was well-organized, and everyone inside was polite and sportsmanlike. There were clear guidelines and punishments for those who cheated or caused a ruckus. A spell was cast on all players who wished to participate, ensuring fairness and deterring any potential troublemakers.

Asura’s heart raced with anticipation as she made her way to an empty seat. She felt a surge of nostalgia and excitement; this was a taste of the freedom she had missed. She watched as the other players took their seats, noting the mix of experienced gamblers and eager novices.

“Alright, let’s see if I’ve still got it,” she muttered to herself with a determined grin. The cards were dealt, and the game began.

Asura quickly found her rhythm, her hands moving with practiced ease as she studied her cards and made her moves. Her sharp mind and keen intuition served her well, and she couldn’t help but revel in the thrill of the game. Minister Janus watched from the sidelines, impressed by her skill and composure.

The atmosphere in the tent was electric, filled with the sounds of shuffling cards, murmured strategies, and occasional bursts of laughter. Asura was in her element, completely absorbed in the game. She felt a sense of camaraderie with the other players, united by their shared love of the challenge and excitement of the game.

As the games continued, Asura’s pile of winnings grew steadily. She played with a confident grace, her eyes sparkling with joy. This was a much-needed respite, a chance to unwind and enjoy herself amidst the tensions and responsibilities that had dominated her life.

“Lady Asura, you are quite the player!” one of her opponents remarked with admiration.

“Thank you,” she replied with a smile. “It’s been too long since I’ve had this much fun.”

She then spotted Kasper entering the tent. He played at another table, and she could see that he was winning.

“Looks like we’ll have to face off here,” she thought with a smirk as she showed her winning cards.

“Lady Asura of Ebodia wins and advances to the finals!” the Sorel in charge announced. She was escorted to the final seat, where she waited for her contender.

She eyed the prizes for the winners, which included rare magic stones. She was determined to secure at least one of them.

“Lady Asura, greetings…” a young man wearing a crown greeted her with a curt bow.

“I am King Moler from Eren,” he sheepishly introduced himself. Asura gave him a polite nod and replied, “How are you, Your Majesty?” She had noticed this man taking an interest in her, often catching him looking her way. Kasper’s glare from her peripheral view didn’t go unnoticed either.

“I’m quite well, Milady. May I invite you to lunch later?” King Moler asked straightforwardly. She gave him a timid but seductive smile as she responded, “Let me think about it, Your Majesty. I will first finish the game and then give you an answer.”

King Moler nodded, clearly intrigued. “I look forward to your answer, Lady Asura.”

Asura turned her attention back to the next game, her mind sharp and focused. She felt the weight of Kasper’s gaze on her, and it fueled her competitive spirit even more. The cards were dealt, and she quickly assessed her hand, formulating her strategy.

The game was intense, with both players displaying remarkable skill. Asura’s confidence never wavered as she made her moves, her eyes occasionally flicking towards the pile of magic stones. She could feel the tension in the air, the excitement of the spectators adding to the pressure.

In the final round, she faced Kasper, who played with a calm demeanor and sharp mind. The game was neck and neck, each move carefully calculated. Asura’s heart raced, but she kept her composure, her eyes locked on her opponent.

“How about a personal bet on this game, Milady?” Kasper suddenly commented in the middle of the game.

Asura’s eyebrows raised, and she curiously questioned, “Like what, perhaps?”

“If I win this game… you’ll never entertain any invitation from any man at this Global Summit event except me!” Kasper announced with a wide grin on his face.

Asura’s face soured. This man was too impossible. What was he talking about when she was clearly excited to join this event to meet as many men as possible and see who could be her potential future husband!

“Hmmm, are you scared you’ll lose to me, Lady Asura?” Kasper challenged.

Asura’s facial muscles flinched as she hissed, “No! I will win, and once I win… you will become my slave and do whatever I want until this Global Summit event ends!”

The stakes were high, and the crowd murmured in excitement. With a confident smile, Asura laid down her cards, revealing a near-perfect hand: a straight flush of hearts from seven to jack. The crowd erupted in applause, thinking she had secured her victory.

But then, Kasper laid his cards down, and everyone gasped.

In his hand, Kasper held a royal flush in spades: ten, jack, queen, king, and ace. The rarest and most unbeatable hand in the game.

The crowd fell silent for a moment before bursting into cheers and exclamations of shock. Asura stared at the cards, her face a mixture of disbelief and frustration. Kasper’s grin widened as he leaned back in his chair, clearly relishing the moment.

“Well, it looks like I won, Milady,” Kasper said with a triumphant smirk. “Remember our bet. No entertaining any man’s invitation but mine.”