I was reincarnated as the carefree duke’s second son, and somehow, my random remarks got me treated like a hero
《Side Boat Race Operator》
It’s unbelievable. An extraordinary gambler has appeared.
I’ve been managing magic boat races for many years, but I’ve never seen anyone who could keep winning.
Magic boat races involve small wooden boats floating in a prepared tank. The boats must circle around two stakes embedded in the tank, making three loops in a figure-eight pattern.
Originally, this was a technique developed for mage training, focusing on three aspects of magical practice: mana control, precision, and the manipulation of objects. It was devised by a student from the academy city and has since become a famous gambling attraction there. It’s also recognized by the academy as a way for students to earn money and train simultaneously.
By paying taxes to the academy city, the races have been acknowledged as a public good.
As the operator, I’ve been managing this for years, and the customers’ win rate is usually around fifty percent.
If someone can win half the time, that’s already impressive. Moreover, the odds are calculated based on factors like mana capacity, control evaluation, and practical experience with magic boats, which we provide. These are fair assessments, so it’s never unfair to the customers. Occasionally, we might rig a match for a noble or a foreign dignitary, but only in critical situations.
Normally, it’s a competition where students hone their skills, striving to win by mastering their magical abilities. It’s run as a magical sport.
But I’ve just seen someone extraordinary.
When he first wandered in, I assumed he was some noble here to have fun. I figured he’d lose a bit and either quit or get hooked and pour money into it.
That’s how it’s always been. If you hit fifty percent and snag a long shot, you can claim victory. That’s gambling.
But what happens when someone wins every single time? It’s a disaster.
“Hmm, next time, his mana seems a bit unstable. And the girl next to him is determined but too tense.”
I heard him muttering something behind me, but I couldn’t make sense of it.
“Alright, this time I’ll go with this one and that one.”
Four points! Hah, fool. The racer you picked for first place is only on their second race. Still a rookie. From my perspective, their chance of winning is zero.
Finally, you’ll lose.
“Alright, start! Huh? Oh, I see how it’s going.”
What?! Am I dreaming? The rookie on their second race is leading, while two veterans are battling for second place! This bet is…!
“Oh dear, I won again. And it was quite the long shot.”
“Lord Fly! You’re here!”
“Huh? Julia?”
Wait, isn’t that a beastman slave?!
Lately, the slave traders have been making noise. Some outsider has been buying and selling beastman slaves, and there’s even talk of escapees. I’ve been considering cracking down on them, but what does this gambler know?
“By the way, old man, I hear there’s going to be a big crackdown soon.”
“What?! (Does he know about the slave traders?)”
“Thanks for always entertaining me. Outsiders need to be dealt with, after all.”
What a terrifying man. I don’t know how much he knows, but he’s probably aware that I’m the one in charge of the academy city’s underworld.
“Hmm. May I ask your name?”
“Huh? Fly Eltor.”
“I see, Fly. Thank you.”
“No problem. I’ll be back.”
What a refreshing gambler. I’ve become quite taken with this man I’ve just met.
“Hey.”
“Yes?! Boss, what is it?”
“There’s going to be a crackdown soon. We’ll wipe out the outsider slave traders.”
“Are we finally making our move?!”
“Yes. Prepare for it.”
“Understood!”
Interesting, very interesting. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen something like this.
A few days later, a beastman girl’s slave certificate arrived at my place.
“Hey, old man, you’re always here, huh?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Winning?”
“So-so.”
“I see. I won’t be able to come for a while, so I’ll give you my winnings.”
“What?! Do you even know how much you’ve won?!”
The amount he’s won exceeds the operating costs of this place. In other words, he’s already beaten me.
“Well, it doesn’t matter. Gambling money is like foam—it’s meant to be spent.”
“I see, that’s the kind of man you are… Then take this slave contract.”
“Slave contract?”
“Hmph, don’t play dumb. This was your goal from the start, wasn’t it? I get it. Going this far for a beastman slave is impressive. Take this ring too.”
“A ring? Isn’t it valuable?”
“No, it’s not. It’s just proof that I’ve acknowledged you. Consider it a thank-you for the winnings.”
“Well, if you’re giving it to me, I’ll take it. Thanks.”
With that, Fly Eltor left the gambling den.
He’s left a significant mark on Marco, a key figure in the empire’s underworld.
I’ve never known a gambler like him. What an interesting man.
“Spread the word. I recognize Fly Eltor as my grandson and successor.”
““““Yes, sir!!!””””
Interesting times may be ahead.
