Shota's Isekai NTR Adventure Chapter 1911: Unpopular tournaments (2)

"What do you think? Can we make use of them?" I questioned Shadow One, who remained concealed in the darkness behind me.

Despite my offer for her to take a seat, she had evidently declined.

A significant amount of time had passed since our last meeting, as I had been under the protection of the royal guards while tasking her with the Prime Minister's safety.

However, the moment we reunited, she seemed to be intentionally keeping her distance.

It was almost as if she feared that simply being near me would result in her becoming pregnant.

Her current behavior was a complete departure from how she used to act in my presence.

Furthermore, considering the Prime Minister's reaction when I mentioned wanting to go somewhere with Shadow One...

It was obvious that an event had transpired between the two of them during my absence.

Still, I didn't view this as a negative development, as it was exactly what my brother-in-law deserved. We had been urging him to find a wife for quite some time, yet he had persistently avoided the matter for unknown reasons.

While the cause of his sudden change of heart remained a mystery to me, it was a welcome change.

"I can identify some potential utility in them, though the necessity of their presence eludes me," Shadow One replied, offering her candid assessment.

I had anticipated such a reaction. She didn't possess the same foresight as the Prime Minister, but I had my own methods of persuasion.

"I am aware that you look down on them due to their low social standing, but I must remind you that these individuals possess no fear. Their professions have made their minds exceptionally cunning. I believe this will prove beneficial to your specific line of work."

Shadow One appeared skeptical upon hearing my words, yet she stayed quiet, continuing to watch the participants of the tournament.

From the start, this was an unusual event, being a tournament centered entirely around gambling.

It certainly wasn't the type of competition one would expect to be officially hosted, as such activities were generally looked down upon by society.

Gambling was rarely viewed with favor, yet there was a clear reason for its prevalence across the continent. It was a pursuit many were drawn to, regardless of its morality.

Among the gamblers assembled here, a few possessed genuine talent.

However, the nature of their talent wasn't exactly virtuous, as only a specific type of person can consistently emerge victorious.

They didn't win through legitimate means.

Instead, they manufactured their own fortune.

This was the very technique that Shadow One despised, despite working in a similar field of shadows.

Because I compelled her to observe them, she began to focus on the various tricks they used to cheat while playing.

The game itself was a straightforward version of Texas Hold'em, but the methods of deception were numerous.

Eventually, Shadow One seemed to recognize the maneuvers these cheaters employed and began considering how to apply them to her own tasks. She realized that the nimble, deceptive hands of these people could indeed be an asset to her.

Nevertheless, her disdain for them remained.

Seeing this, I suddenly remarked, "You are free to handle them however you wish. Whether they are still breathing by the end of it... that is entirely up to you."

She shot me a startled look when I said that, but I didn't retract my statement.

After all, I was well aware of their character.

Even before this tournament was organized, I had already ordered a background check on every one of them.

That was how I knew their true natures despite never having met them in person.

Such was the current level of sophistication within the Kite Kingdom's intelligence network.

After studying me for a moment, she finally asked, "Are you certain about this?"

"It would be ideal if you could set aside your bias and utilize them effectively, but I know there is no use in forcing you. Simply do whatever is necessary to ensure their obedience."

Shadow One gave a slow nod, though I caught a lingering glint of a smile in her eyes.

It appeared that as long as she had my authorization, she was willing to accept my terms.

However, upon further reflection, I added, "Do not touch these specific individuals. They are vital, and we will require them later."

As I spoke, I produced a list for her to examine.

Shadow One looked at me with confusion and scanned the names I had handed her, but she didn't seem to recognize a single one.

That wasn't surprising, as none of them were famous figures.

They weren't even notable within the game, yet I recognized the patterns of their success.

Unlike the others, they weren't cheaters; they were simply unnaturally lucky.

Their constant winning meant they must possess an incredibly high Luck stat.

I had a specific experiment I wanted to conduct with them later, so I needed to recruit them to exploit that fortune.

But that was a matter for another time.

Ultimately, Shadow One nodded to signal her understanding. Since she had agreed, I didn't press her further.

There was, however, one final thing I wanted to tease her about.

"When do you intend to get married?"

She was usually a master of emotional control, but this question caught her completely off guard.

"Just give me a date, and I will arrange a magnificent wedding for you and him. It is the least I can do to welcome you into the family."

I didn't stay for her reply, walking away with a small, knowing smile.