"Saber, you didn't plan this through, did you?"
Feeling irritated, Yuki crossed her arms and tapped her fingers, clearly annoyed. Her eyes glanced at the handcuffs on my wrists before she let out a deep sigh.
"Yeah, yeah, it's my fault for acting impulsively. Can you let me out now?"
I sat on my knees, clasping my hands in a praying position to apologize. Veins bulged on her forehead as she looked down at me with a frown.
As she began to scold me, I ignored her and took a glance behind her. The three knights who were supposed to be guarding me were knocked out. They were tied together, their eyes blindfolded, and their foreheads bleeding. Blood still stained Yuki's clenched fist.
Noticing me staring, she cracked her knuckles, sending chills down my spine as I shrank back to the corner of the wall behind me.
"Hey... Can you stop with your murderous look please?"
Normally, I wouldn't be scared by such actions. But considering I couldn't use mana to protect myself in my current situation, Yuki could hypothetically kill me by flicking my forehead with her finger.
...If I'm gonna die, at least, let me keep my head attached on my body.
With that said, let's not waste time. I need to think fast before those thoughts become real.
"How about this...? Well, I'll let you take the lead next time we have sex. I'll even let you tie me up if you're into bonda—"
Splash!
Yuki didn't even let me finish my sentence as her fist landed a blow directly on my face.
...
..
.
It hurts, damn it!
***
(Reaper POV)
Staring at the cards in my hands, I couldn't help but sigh deeply in contempt.
I was currently inside a casino, playing poker. It was a gambling establishment within the Black Market.
Earlier, since I had nothing to do in the city, I figured I'd spend the rest of my day gambling to earn some extra money.
I should have realized that was a bad idea...
"You're losing."
"Yeah..."
It was true. Considering the cards in my hands, I should probably give up and fo—
"Wait, who the hell are you supposed to be!"
I quickly moved away from my seat, turning to look at the man who had spoken.
He had long black hair tied neatly at the back. His face was covered by a black mask, but I could tell he was looking at me with amusement.
What was strange about him was the clothes he was wearing... Is he a noble or some sort? Mmm... Then again, this guy looks familiar... Just where could I have seen him before?
As I thought deeply, the dealer's voice prompted me to turn my attention back to the game.
"...I'm fold—"
"She wants to raise."
Before I could finish my sentence, the masked man spoke again.
I was about to say something when he shushed me, placing his index finger directly to his lips, which were covered by his mask.
"Just trust me."
He said it with full confidence.
"I promise I'll pay you if you lose."
My mouth remained shut as the dealer turned his attention back to me, lightly tapping his fingers on the table, feeling impatient.
He said he'd pay if I lose... I guess that's that.
"I'm raising."
...
..
.
"Hey... Why aren't you giving me the full amount!"
As I counted the pouch full of money he handed me, I couldn't help but feel annoyed.
Earlier, this masked guy managed to beat everyone. I didn't know how he did it, but I'm pretty sure he cheated.
And now that the game is over, he only gave me the exact amount I bet instead of everything.
"I promised you that I'd pay if you lost. Since I managed to win, it's only fair I take the winnings."
"Huh? You still used MY money!" I clenched my hands tightly into fists, my teeth gritting in anger.
The man only shrugged and sighed, "And look at the amount I gave you. It's exactly what you bet."
"You motherf—"
As I cursed at him, it felt like my words only entered his one ear and left the other... This guy is ignoring me!
Anyway, who the heck is this guy anyway...?
Looking closely, it was weird for someone to wear....
Now that I think of it, it's pretty common for people to wear masks around this place to keep their identity hidden... Shit! I should have worn one earlier.
"Oy, are you even listening to me?" I asked, finishing my rant and taking some heavy breaths to gather myself. The masked man finally returned his attention to me before he could even say a word.
But then, my growling stomach interrupted him.
"...You hungry?"
"Shut up."
My face flushed as I held the pouch of money tightly.
The main reason I gambled this money earlier was because I was bored. However, I never told Solis about my plan... Not only that, this money was supposed to be hidden inside her room.
I entered the casino fully hoping that I would be able to even win once, but...
If she found out that the money she was hiding was gone or some of it was missing, she would punish me!
While I was thinking deeply about this, the masked man spoke up once again, "Want me to treat you to a meal?"
"...."
I hate myself.
***
(Saber POV)
A couple of hours earlier...
After breaking the handcuffs and teleporting me outside, Yuki handed me a bag before leaving to wander around the city alone.
"A mask...?" I muttered, pulling out the item. I wasn't sure why she gave me a mask, but I decided to keep it, just in case.
And thankfully, I did...
I decided to head to the market by using a secret teleporter—it was the same from back at the Central City. I had to spend some of my precious hours just to listen from the rumours in order to gather information before I could finally find the bar with a teleporter.
Once inside the Black Market, I wandered around aimlessly.
Isn't that Reaper...?
"What is she doing here...?" I muttered, spotting her inside the same casino where Solis and I had been banned. And by the looks of it, she was playing with the same people who had tried cheating me before.
She was clearly losing.
And so, I decided to put on my mask and help her.
Until...
"Why aren't you eating anything, Mister?" Reaper asked, breaking my train of thought.
"I'm fine... I'm not that hungry anyway," I replied, resting my chin on my palm.
I'm not sure if she realizes that what we're doing is technically a date. Watching her eat innocently, I sighed.
I guess keeping it to myself is better than getting cursed at nonstop.
Lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice Reaper finishing her food. Her voice brought me back to the present, her expression curious.
"Who are you anyway?"
So she still hasn't figured out who I am, huh?
Should I tell the truth or lie...?
If I reveal myself now, she might realize this is technically a date later and, considering how she hates me, kill me out of embarrassment.
On the other hand, claiming to be a nobody and leave, but... This could lead more chance for awkward future encounters, so it wouldn't be so convenient as she would keep asking for my name.
...what should I call myself then?
After a moment of deep thought, I found the answer.
"Loki," I said.
"My name is Loki."
It was the name I used in my previous life.
***
[𝗖𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗗𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗼𝗻]
After considering deeply what the man had said, Alice decided to visit him in his cell to seek more answers.
Since she couldn't walk, the princess sat in a wheelchair, pushed by one of her personal maids. As they neared their destination, one of the knights escorting her noticed something amiss in the distance.
Running ahead, the knight found several of his comrades unconscious. The remaining knights hurriedly began to untie and revive their fellow soldiers.
"Oy, get a hold of yourself!" one knight shouted, shaking his companions awake.
While this was happening, Alice's grip tightened on her skirt as she looked at the now empty cell.
On one of the bars, a note was pinned:
[I told you. You can't stop me from leaving.]