After the butler showed everyone to their rooms, the group wasted no time settling in. The estate was far grander than anything Vani had ever experienced. While the others had stayed in noble homes before, this level of luxury was new to him. The sheer size of the place, the intricate carvings on the walls, and the soft carpets beneath his feet—it all felt surreal. But even as the others went off to bathe, Vani declined, saying he would go later. He needed a moment to himself.
Now, he was alone in the bathroom, the warm water enveloping him as he stared blankly at the ceiling. Steam curled in the air, and the faint scent of herbs mixed with the heat, a scent far richer than the simple soaps he was used to.
Even after everything Darius said, I can't figure out what to do… Move forward… How can I do that? The feeling I keep having, and the regret of what I tried to do two weeks ago won't disappear. I'm such a fool. How could I even consider taking my own life?
If my mother saw me, she would be so disappointed in me… And even more, I can't bring myself to tell Darius the truth about what I heard in the woods. I'm really weak…
Vani lowered his gaze and looked at the mark on his hand.
If you chose me, why did you do it? I'm sure there were better people, people who could do great things with this mark. All I do is hide you. I have no goal or purpose. You just wasted your time by choosing me. And seriously… me? A king? What a laughable idea.
He exhaled sharply, dragging his fingers through his wet hair, frustration weighing heavy on his chest. He stared at the mark, waiting—hoping—for some kind of answer. But the silence mocked him.
What am I even thinking…? Waiting for a reply from a mark… But why does it look like a bird? And what bird is this?
The thought lingered as he traced the shape with his thumb. But soon, he realized he had been soaking for too long. With a sigh, he pushed himself up and stepped out of the bath. After drying off, he carefully wrapped his arm in bandages, concealing the mark as he always did. The maids had left fresh clothes for him, far finer than what he usually wore. He dressed quickly, adjusting the fit of the garments before heading for the door.
With one final glance at his hand, he turned and stepped out of the bathroom, heading downstairs to the living room where the others were.
When Vani arrived in the living room, he saw everyone gathered around a luxurious table, deeply engrossed in a game. The flickering candlelight cast long shadows across the polished wood, highlighting the glint of coins scattered across the surface. He approached them, curiosity piqued.
Seems like they're playing cards.
"What are you guys doing?" he asked.
Rowan leaned back in his chair, his tone brimming with confidence. "We're playing poker."
Vani took a closer look at the table and noticed they were gambling with real money. His eyes flickered over the piles of gold and silver, and among them, Rowan had the highest winnings.
It looks like the same game I played with that old man—the one who gave me alcohol. Now that I think about it, every time my mother took me to the brothel and was busy, someone else had to watch over me. But there were times when they, too, were occupied, and I was left alone. I remember being bored, having no one to talk to or play with—until that old man always appeared. He would ask me to keep him company while he drank, and most of the time, we played games. I didn't know how to play at first, but he taught me. I never asked him the game's name, and he never told me. But this game they're playing right now… I played it before with the old man. So it was called poker, huh?
Wait… now that I think about it, I can't clearly remember his face. And he never told me his name. When I asked, he just laughed and told me to call him 'Grandpa' because he had no grandkids—said his son was an idiot with no charm for women. But… was it really a coincidence that he always showed up? I never saw him in the village before…
Darius, who had been steadily losing, interrupted Vani's thoughts. "Have you played poker before, Vani?"
Vani hesitated for a moment before replying, "A few times."
Darius gestured toward the table. "Do you want to play?"
Before Vani could respond, Elsera spoke up, frustration evident in her voice as she bit her fingernail. "Wait, Darius. We're playing with real money. Plus, we don't have time for newbies. Rowan is winning too much again—I have to win my money back."
Rowan nodded in agreement, smirking. "Yes, Lady Elsera is right. Besides, he needs money to join. We're playing with gold and silver coins, not bronze."
Vani didn't like the way they dismissed him.
"So I just need money to be able to play, even if I'm a newbie?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of challenge.
Rowan grinned, oozing confidence. "That's right. You need at least ten silver coins to join."
Without another word, Vani turned and walked out of the living room.
Darius sighed. "You guys are too harsh. Everyone's playing—letting him in wouldn't hurt anyone."
But the response didn't come from Elsera or Rowan. It came from Tessa, who held the second-highest winnings after Rowan. "You worry too much about him. Also, weren't you the one who always said that someone can only play if they have money? You can't go back on your words now."
Darius hesitated. "Then we could just lend him some money."
Rowan scoffed. "Why would we do that? It's bad luck to lend money while gambling."
"That's right," everyone echoed in agreement.
Darius sighed in defeat. They were all too serious about the game.
But then—a small bag dropped onto the table with a soft thud. The string loosened, and golden coins spilled onto the polished wood, catching the warm glow of the candlelight.
A voice followed.
"You said I need at least ten silver coins to join."
It was Vani.
Slowly, he placed twelve silver coins on the table beside the pouch filled with gold.
Everyone stared, stunned.
Rowan hesitated before asking, "How do you have so much money? There must be at least fifty gold coins in that bag."
Vani met his gaze evenly. "Fifty-two, to be exact. And it doesn't matter how I have them. You said I need at least twelve silver coins to join, so I brought twelve silver coins. And fifty-two gold coins. That means I can play now."
His eyes flicked to a maid who had been silently observing the game.
"Can I have a chair, please?" he asked.
The maid bowed and immediately went to fetch one.
Darius leaned forward. "Wait, Vani, are you sure?"
Well… I never beat the old man at this game. Not even once. Actually, I never beat the old man at any game. He never let me win—never went easy on me. But every time I lost, he pointed out my mistakes.
The maid returned with a chair, and Vani sat down, resting his hands on the table.
He glanced at Darius and gave a small, confident smile. "It should be fine. Don't worry."
Darius still didn't look convinced, but there was nothing he could do to stop him now.
Vani shifted his gaze to the table.
"So, how much is the ante?"