The Villain Is Destined to Die: But as the Creator, I know All Endings-Chapter 217: To Merlin Kingdom [3]

Luvo’s Casino was an aristocratic club founded and run by big shots and high-ranking nobles of the Liora Kingdom.

Top-notch luxury, private rooms, gambling, information trading, and businesses like slave trading were some of the services it offered to its VIP customers.

If someone wanted to launder money, Luvo’s Casino was the perfect place.

When Leon entered the casino, the first thing that greeted him was a wide hall decorated with luxurious ornaments and expensive furniture. Staff members moved everywhere, serving customers and leading them toward their desired rooms.

"Good evening, sir. How may I assist you tonight?"

Leon turned toward the voice.

A young man with black hair and grey eyes, likely in his twenties, approached him. He was wearing the casino’s uniform and holding a thin black register in his hand.

Leon maintained a cold expression and spoke without emotion.

"Lead me to the Red Market."

The young man blinked. His gaze then dropped to the black card Leon held between his fingers.

The Red Market was a restricted zone where items never meant for public circulation were traded.

Most of what was sold there was illegal by every official law, offered at an exorbitant price with no middlemen involved. Every transaction was untraceable, conducted under complete anonymity, as if it never happened at all.

Only individuals of the highest status were granted access to this place, they were all placed under a separate classification among the casino’s customers.

They were generally referred to as VIPs possessing a black card.

Upon seeing the Black Card in Leon’s hand, the young staff simply bowed and gestured to the right.

"Please this way."

Leon didn’t waste any time, he re-adjusted his hood and his hair.

’It’s better to put this on.’

The young man led Leon towards a peculiar looking wooden door. Its frame was thick and the only thing which was made out of metal.

The young man placed his hand on the door’s edge. And soon after the sound of gears shifting and rotation came from the other side.

Clang–! Slide.

The wooden door slid open to the inside.

After the door fully opened, the young man turned to Leon and gestured down on the stairs.

"Follow the stairs, and you will reach the Red Market, and please ensure to follow the rules and not cause any punishable offence."

He bowed, and saw Leon walking down. After Leon faded, he closed the door.

Clang–!

— — —

The warm light laps were light on both sides of the wall. As Leon continued stepping down the stairs, he heard a loud movie.

Clang–!

The door behind him just closed.

"Haaaah..." He sighed.

After descending two more levels, faint murmurs began to seep through the air ahead.

Leon quickened his pace, then slowed to a halt as he reached the end of the stairs.

His eyes widened.

A chill of déjà vu ran through his nerves.

"Heh," he sneered quietly. "How long has it been since I last came here..."

Probably the last time he played the game.

The Red Market stretched before him, a massive underground district spanning nearly three kilometers. Congested stalls were packed tightly together, selling items from every corner of the world.

The greasy street lamps and dim oil lights illuminated narrow paths beneath the casino. Dirty air, priceless goods, and wealthy sellers. Despite the filth, this was where the rich truly walked.

And it wasn’t crowded, because limited entry was imposed, and also the vendors here were already fortune holders, they don’t have time dealing with those who can’t afford things in the first place.

They sold things that were nearly impossible to find above ground.

"Where to begin..." Leon muttered.

Inside his head, Rumi responded calmly.

’First, the dimensional house. That’s the priority right now, and it’ll cost the most.’

Leon nodded slightly.

Rumi guided him forward, weaving through the streets. Leon ignored unnecessary vendors. His focus locked on a single goal.

’We’re here,’ Rumi said.

Leon stopped and lifted his gaze.

[Chiba General Store]

The signboard was half-scraped, and the paint was peeling badly. The shop itself was barely larger than a single stall. Also there were no customers inside.

"Oh," Leon nodded in satisfaction. "Nice choice Rumi."

This was the very store the game’s protagonist frequented. The place where he obtained his VIP pass after receiving royal backing.

Leon slipped a hand into his coat and lightly patted his coin pouch.

His smile froze.

"...Haha," he muttered. "I’m poor."

Pathetic.

A duke’s son, a genius researcher, the so-called Light Messiah, and the one backed by a princess.

And yet, he stood there with only three hundred and sixty thousand gold coins to his name.

Truly a broke brat.

’I have no other choice...’ Leon thought. His confidence returned for a second. He didn’t like relying on it, but he had no choice.

With the use of his Black Card, Leon would be able to put hold his transaction for the later, meaning he would be able to purchase items, with the option of ’Pay later’.

Because of the customer’s status, and the VIP card tied to a noble house, delayed payment was allowed in places like this.

It was a system built entirely on trust.

And the Black Card in Leon’s hand carried more weight than most. It had been issued by Sumire to him. And Ayaka Rudward was filthy rich.

Which meant tonight would be... all in.

’Haru, borrowing money is bad,’ Rumi said inside his head. ’And scamming is evil.’

Leon smirked faintly.

"Oh, Rumi," he replied silently. "I’m not scamming anyone. I’m simply living under my alternate identity. Den Cooper."

He stepped forward and pushed the door open.

♪ Ring ♪

"Welcome."

A petite, feminine voice greeted him the moment he entered.

Leon was about to respond—

Then he froze.

On the other side of the counter stood a girl with pink hair and orange eyes. Barely over four feet tall. She looked up at him lazily, arms resting on the desk.

"Hm?" she said, tilting her head. "What can I get you?"

Leon blinked.

’Who the hell is this brat?’

Then regained his composure and spoke in his usual flat tone.

"Where’s the old man, kiddo?"

A vein popped on the girl’s forehead.

"...Who are you calling kiddo, mister?"

Leon raised a brow.

"I am thirty-five." She added.

"...Say what?"

Leon’s eyes almost moved to summon his status window.

Before he could, Rumi spoke.

’Haru. She’s a dwarf.’