Turning Chapter 907

Chapter 907

"Gloe, now is the time."

"Ah, yes!"

Gloe swiftly responded, retrieving a bundle of cards from her embrace. The ongoing argument between Lusan and Aton subsided momentarily. Yuder, unable to conceal his displeasure, pretended not to notice the change in Aton and spoke with his usual demeanor.

"Shall we make a bet at this juncture?"

"...A bet?"

"I usually don't label others as persistent or terrible, but I've come to think you're an exception. Nevertheless, we still have time here, so we should do something, right? That's why I've prepared this."

"..."

"This individual here is a fortune teller from a wandering troupe, skilled in card reading."

"So, you're suggesting a bet based on card reading now?"

"How do you bet with a reading? Stop talking nonsense and look at these cards."

Aton, furrowing his brows at Yuder's cold remark, glanced at the cards Gloe was holding. Gloe's cards were nothing special, commonly available across the continent and frequently used in various card games.

Of course, the style of the illustrations on the cards was slightly unique, and some special cards used only in games were omitted, though quite worn. However, this did not hinder their use in a game.

"You know what these cards are. Given your history with Duke Tain and gambling, that much is clear."

"..."

"Let's play a game among us here. If you can outscore even one of us, I'll stop the interrogation and leave immediately. You'll be able to rest here for a while."

"..."

"And if you manage to beat me, and not Priest or Gloe, I'll answer your questions to the best of my knowledge."

"What?"

Surprised by the unexpected proposal, even Lusan and Gloe blinked in astonishment. However, Aton, without responding, skeptically glared at Yuder.

"This is absurd. Why should I do that? What assurance do I have?"

"Then continue your fervent debate with the Priest. To be honest, after observing your conversation with the Priest, you seem heavily linked to the Black Moon Faith. So, after today, it might be best to consult with the Sun God Faith and continue the interrogation formally. It's regrettable that I won't uncover it myself, but it can't be helped."

To Aton, these words might sound like an intention to hand him over to the Sun God Faith.

'He probably doubts how close the Faith and the Cavalry are.'

According to his earlier words to Lusan, even during his infiltration of the empire, Aton never stepped foot near the Sun God temple. The hostility and intense dislike he showed towards Lusan, more than Yuder, gave an insight into how different his identity as a knight and Awakener was from his identity as a priest.

'The former might be a matter of pride for him, but the latter would feel like a denial of his entire life and roots.'

The reaction was much more definitive than expected when Lusan was summoned. Hence, there was nothing left to do but exploit the weakness with all his might.

"Officially, the Imperial Grand Temple does not acknowledge any other gods. Naturally, heretics are also objects of rejection. If they are offered the chance to interrogate a criminal like you, who willingly walked into their grasp, I imagine many would be quite delighted. Especially since you were already the talk of the town due to the affair with Duke Tain. If the temple learns something, it would be a double victory for them."

"...”

"Your name will be known in your homeland as a traitor and one who knelt before the name of another god. That is, if you're still alive by then."

Aton's eyes burned brighter than ever before, filled with fury and hatred, glaring at Yuder as if to tear him apart.

"...So you're saying you'll kill me in the most dishonorable way."

"If you're going to die anyway, what does it matter if it's honorable or not?"

"Ha. Do you think I came here without preparing for even that?"

"I merely suggested a game. If you don't like it, refuse. It's just your loss of a final chance to beat me. I don't care. The rest is up to the temple."

The Cavalry is busy. There are many things to do, so there's no time to waste on the likes of you. If you refuse, the rest is not my concern. Yuder made his stance clear.

"...If I had my sword, I would have torn you apart right here."

Yuder, unfazed by Aton's cursed tone, coldly scoffed.

"Seems you've forgotten, even with your sword, you couldn't lay a scratch on me."

"..."

"Puffing up your pride while being so weak doesn't scare anyone. Know your place."

"I could beat you here with bare fists." The moment he said that, Aton clenched his teeth, a grinding sound filling the air. His jaw tightened, and his eyes blazed with bloodshot veins. Yuder thought coldly.

'Such a definite reaction.'

If this was the attitude of one who boasted of his readiness, he should revise what readiness means.

In the Southern countries, the roles of knights and priests are akin to that of nobility in the Empire. Although he must have prepared himself for a lot when he came to the Empire as a spy, a person who lived a life of noble responsibility wouldn't want to die in the most filthy and miserable way, his identity tarnished.

That's how the nobles Yuder knew were, and Aton was no exception.

His face, which had remained proud and dignified even under prolonged interrogation, now showed significant cracks.

"....You."

"So, will you do it or not? Answer quickly. There's an interrogation to do anyway, and we need to do something in the remaining time. I'm not particularly keen on it either."

To put it mildly, he even brought someone who could read cards. Glancing at Gloe's cards, her cheeks slightly flushed.

'I did well to explain beforehand that most of what is said here is false.'

Yuder watched Aton, who struggled to respond, then sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair. His eyes, half-lidded and expressionless, fixed on Aton, causing him to stiffen.

"Think clearly. If you know what honor is, you would understand which is better to converse with – me, who will beat you honorably, or the temple. I'll give you one last chance."

"..."

"Gloe, Priest. Please sit down. Let's start the cards."

Even though Aton did not respond, Yuder issued an order. Gloe and Lusan promptly pulled chairs nearby and sat down.

"Commander's Assistant, what... kind of card game will we be playing?"

"If we're looking for the simplest game for four players, it would be 'Cloverleaf.'"

Cloverleaf was the easiest and most straightforward card game for four players. It allowed for scoring zero and ranking, and the time to get into the game was relatively short.

Gloe, with a tense face, gripped the cards tightly, then began shuffling and dealing. In that moment, Yuder noticed a faint shimmer of power emanating from her fingers but casually ignored it and spoke.

"Aton. If you manage to beat me, I will do more than just answer your questions. I'll grant you a favor to some extent. For instance, I could... agree to another duel."

"...”

Aton let out a baffled snort. His glaring eyes were a mix of incredulity and various emotions. Most were tinged with feelings deserving of harsh and negative words, but not all of them.

"You're not someone who's just interrogated a few, Yuder Aile. How old are you, really? I've never heard of someone like you."

"What would you do with my age? Even though you're older, you're no more experienced than me. What's there to boast about?"

"The cards... are all dealt."

Before Aton could react angrily, Gloe finished her task and raised her hand.

'Good. Aton hasn't realized that Gloe already used her abilities.'