Chapter 155: Playing Games
Trevor looked incredulous.
It seemed clear that he thought there must be some kind of ulterior motive.
'But did I really come here just to play games?'
Enfer Journey was a board game that Abel had put a lot of effort into creating.
It was a method of increasing points by exploring various terrains with the heroes players possessed, but there were quite a few variables. If you didn't make the right choices at every moment, you'd end up falling behind.
It was very appealing because it required both luck and strategy.
It was much more colorful than Enfer Trip, so players wouldn't get bored.
"What kind of person is this… Huh?" Trevor, muttering to himself, ended up putting the token in the wrong place.
It seemed like he was quite embarrassed that he ended up playing a board game with Abel out of the blue.
Still, the world of competition is a cruel one. Abel moved his heroes mercilessly and took control of all the valuable exploration areas.
It was originally supposed to be Trevor's spot to claim, but since he made a mistake, there was nothing that could be done.
"It's so delicious."
"Ugh," Trevor groaned.
After that, Abel steadily accumulated points.
Maybe because the beginning went so well, Marcel couldn't catch up with him either, despite being quite talented.
"I'm going to lose the game because of a beginner's mistake," Marcel muttered.
"There are days like that, but next time it won't be the same," Abel said reassuringly.
"I know Mr. Marcel's skills very well. So, aren't you saying this out of courtesy?" Marcel asked with a hint of disbelief.
"Ahhh! If I get fired up again, I'll easily get 200 points. Anyway, I had fun today, Your Highness," Marcel admitted with a grin.
"Then I'll see you next time. Take care," Abel replied.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Marcel responded before leaving.
After Marcel left, Trevor was left with his head in his hands.
The average monthly salary for a lumberjack was 12 shillings.
Compared to a few years ago, the wages were unimaginably high.
But that didn't mean you could spend silver like crazy.
"Eeeeek! We lost because of a mistake at the beginning. Let's do it one more time," Trevor said, his frustration evident.
"Want to bet money?" Abel asked slyly.
"Of course..."
Trevor, who had been growling with a red face, trailed off because the maximum daily bet in the casino was 1 shilling.
No matter what you did, betting more was forbidden.
Abel couldn't ignore the rules either.
"If you just want to play the game, I can handle you as much as you want," Abel offered.
"Good. This time I'll show you my true skills!" Trevor declared confidently.
But a moment later, Trevor was holding his head in frustration once more.
This was the reason for his overwhelming defeat again.
Somehow, it felt like steam was coming out of his head.
"Are you okay?" Abel asked, feigning concern.
"Eugh! You said you were busy with the trial, but how can you do so well?" Trevor groaned in frustration.
In fact, it was quite natural. Abel was the one who had created the game in the first place.
He knew all the strategies.
But he didn't mention that.
The other person might feel tricked.
'There are plenty of creative and efficient builds out there,' Abel thought.
Being the creator of a game didn't necessarily give an overwhelming advantage.
Doesn't that happen often, even in modern times?
Players tend to use strategies that the developers never intended.
"There are many other games, so take your time and enjoy them. Okay, I'll take my time," Abel said, preparing to leave.
"Excuse me, can I ask you something?" Trevor called out.
As Abel was leaving the arcade, Trevor came running up to him and grabbed him.
Since Abel wasn't that busy, he nodded readily, curious about what Trevor was thinking.
"Go ahead."
"I received a set of clothes and shoes today. You gave them to me," Trevor said.
"Who was it from?" Abel asked.
"There was a tailor named Martin."
"Oh, that's it. I just delegated full authority," Abel explained casually.
"What does that mean?" Trevor asked, confused.
"It means that it was Mr. Martin, not me, who chose you as a model."
"Ah..."
In reality, Abel hadn't given Trevor any special treatment.
He thought of himself as just another employee, without any excess or deficiency.
When Abel answered nonchalantly, Trevor's expression turned dizzy, as though he had misunderstood.
For example, Trevor may have thought Abel was trying to bribe him for something.
Trevor furrowed his brows in thought, then asked another question.
"Then what brings you here today? I've been living here for a while, but this is the first time I've seen you."
"Sorry, but I come here quite often to clear my head. Plus, I like explaining new games when they're released," Abel answered.
"That…"
"If you don't believe me, ask Mr. Marcel. He seemed quite friendly with me today," Abel added, dismissing Trevor's suspicions.
Trevor was at a loss for words.
It seemed like he hadn't realized Abel had been so disinterested in him all along.
"If you have nothing more to say, I'll be going. Thank you for your hard work," Abel said, waving dismissively and leaving the arcade.
Then he smiled meaningfully.
'Did I do that for no reason?'
In fact, what happened today was just a passing fancy.
Abel was curious about what Trevor was thinking and how he lived his life.
If it came down to it, Abel was considering accepting Trevor as a knight of the Carriers Duchy.
Of course, he would have to evaluate the surroundings and Trevor's actions first.
'You're a bit quick-witted. I'll leave you be for now,' Abel mused.
If he extended his hand too soon, it would only cause trouble.
He had to wait until Trevor came to him on his own.
That's why Abel felt like he was handling a cat.
A large cat with sharp claws hidden inside, so it would be more appropriate to call it a tiger.
"Anyway, you're mine, Inma," Abel muttered to himself with a grin.