Day 10-Your favorite minigame
Chinchirorin-Crossing the Dice
The sound of metallic clashes was like music to his ears. Georg waited in line for his turn, observing his new headquarters with mild interest.
"Oh, that's the last of our funds," said Riou, his eyes scanning on his party. "Sorry Georg, looks like we can't sharpen your sword now," he continued, sending Georg an apologetic look. Georg dismissed it quickly.
"It's alright. A true swordsman relies on his skill, not his weapon."
That was something no one would be able to refute. The story of his power, the rescue leading to his involvement in the army, had already spreading around the army. If his skill was one-tenth the gossip, he could use a wooden sword from the dojo and still survive the warzone.
Meanwhile, Riou was already finding a place to sit, quickly sifting through his inventory.
"I have a few antiques which could sell for a good price in Gregminster, miscellaneous items for Forest Village and some crystal balls for the kobolds, but for time being..." Riou's face lighted up in an instant, and he made a frantic rush past the hall, heading to the barracks. His party took it as a sign to leave, each going on their own way to eat or take a bath. Georg, perplexed, followed Riou's mad dash. He couldn't pretend to have any inkling of what might be on his new charge's mind.
The headquarters couldn't be more different from the castle by the lake. Ceras Lake castle radiated coldness and the feeling of safety in its multitude defense measures, while it was clear that the area they occupied used to be a village. Warm and homey, if Georg could say so. He kind of liked the haphazard structures, preferring it to some ancient ruins.
It took him another minute to realize Riou was already stopping. They were in one of the larger room in the barracks, which was unusually sparse. Keeping the time in mind, the soldier might be out in the fields or the dojo. A delinquent-looking guy was at one corner, entertaining Riou. Georg peeked, and a forlorn sigh escaped his throat.
Riou made his way around to give him space, but his eyes never wandered from the table.
"You playing too, old man? Gonna wait for a while," said the blonde young man. Georg moved a bit aside, watching the game from sideway glances as he scanned the area, examining the steady stream of people coming in and out.
Riou and the man continued their business. Riou in particular, was looking entirely serious. After watching for a while, it was clear to Georg that the kid was quite skilled in the sleight of the hand, and he was quite liked by the Lady Fortune. A few rounds later they took a break, Riou counting his winnings with glee.
"You're getting better, kid." The gambler, now he knew was named Shilo, took out a strand of straw and chewed it as he waited for Riou to resume.
"You do this often?" asked Georg. Riou looked up, grinning.
"It's addictive, you see, and pretty reliable for some quick cash."
Georg wouldn't call any kind of gamble reliable, but then again... He laughed when Riou added, "I guess Shu wouldn't be too happy if he knows. Prefers me to do it the 'right way', you know, trading and stuff. But nothing's as quick as this when all you want is several thousand potch."
"Yes, I see," Georg nodded, reminded of a certain prince who used to secure military funds from an oddball collections of eclectic games hosted by various people in the army more than a decade ago. Too bad Chinchirorin wasn't more popular in the Northern land. He could see Freyjadour playing this had anyone introduced the game.
Riou gestured to the table. "Are you familiar to Chinchirorin?"
Shilo examined him. "You look like you're from the north. The game's not doing well there. See, I'm not robbing a beginner old man."
Georg was sure there was a twinkle in his eyes, an odd feeling creeping in his heart as he felt the vigor of youth catching up with him.
"Oh, I will take you on anytime."
That evening Georg treated himself with plates full of Hai Yo's cheesecakes, along with a slew of Falenan-style dishes to sate his nostalgia. You wouldn't do well underestimating a man who once made a then-Commander of Falena's Queen's Knights down his rags.