A Different World? Trading Between Worlds - Ch 2, Ep 39 - Evaluation of the Three by the Sailor, Part 2

Evaluation of the Three by the Sailor, Part 2

Masques stared intently at Watari’s face across the table.

At first glance, he seemed like an ordinary man you could find anywhere.

He didn’t seem like someone William would fuss over, but Masques believed that if he invited him to gamble as usual, his hidden nature would be exposed, and he would see through it.

He was considering whether to deepen their relationship based on that.

Masques’ impression of Watari’s negotiation skills was very ordinary.

He was decent, but not remarkably so.

He fell for Masques’ bluffs and there was no way to predict the quality of his hands.

“Oh, I have a Quadruple.”

“I had a Full House.”

“Yes, a Straight. I win.”

Chips kept accumulating on the table in front of Watari.

Masques was confident in his luck and had won many bets before.

‘But he’s not winning. What’s up with this idiot…’

No matter how lucky someone is, there’s always a chance of getting no combination.

However, since earlier, Watari had always maintained at least One Pair.

‘I wonder if he’s cheating somehow, but I don’t sense any signs of that. I don’t understand. Is he a genius, or is he just naturally lucky?’

At times like this, it was best to probe through conversation.

“Wow, you’re good. I’ve been doing this for a long time, but I rarely see someone as good as you.”

“Thank you. I think it’s just beginner’s luck.”

“You said you never gamble, right?”

“Yes. My grandparents always advised me to stay away from it.”

“So you never gambled at all?”

“Oh, but I did play non-gambling games. But for some reason, everyone stopped playing with me. So, I naturally stopped inviting them.”

He said it as if it were nothing, but it implied that he was naturally winning, and Masques was at a loss for words.

Even with Watari’s incredible luck, he didn’t always get the best rolls.

Sometimes he won, sometimes he lost.

But if his winning ratio leaned towards wins, the more he played, the bigger his winnings would be.

‘Watari’s grandparents probably didn’t want their grandson to become a gambler. He could have made a name for himself in that field.’

Despite having an innate talent for gambling, he lived without utilizing that talent.

Or perhaps meeting the two slaves was the result of that stroke of luck pulling them towards him.

‘Business with this guy is worth it…in fact, we should have a long and intimate relationship from now on.’

‘If that’s the case, which direction should I take? He has enough money. If I recommend a woman, I’ll spoil the mood of the other two. He’s not strong with alcohol, and he doesn’t enjoy gambling regularly…this is tricky.’

Trying to win him over proved to be quite challenging.

It wasn’t wise to negotiate with a difficult hand.

To deepen their friendship, they could share a meal, drink, and confide in each other.

They could even visit brothels together. Bathe together.

‘Come to think of it, the next town is famous for its large public bath… Maybe I’ll invite him later.’

It’s about building rapport.

Masques thought he would be pleased with the bath since he kept himself clean.

As Masques thought, the dice rolled, and he momentarily held his breath.

“Oh, looks like I got a good hand.”

“I’ve got a pretty good one too.”

“I think I’ll fold.”

“…I’ll fold too.”

“So it’s between you and me. Let’s see, the first die is a six.”

Being consistently on the receiving end could lead to Watari underestimating him.

He had to at least even the odds.

The amount of money could be raised for each die revealed.

If Watari folded midway, Masques’ winnings would decrease accordingly.

Now, how to keep Watari hooked until the final stage.

While Masques was thinking about his words, the ship suddenly lurched heavily.

“What the…? What kind of shake was that?”

“Kyah!?”

“Mariel, are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Thank you very much, master. Thanks to you, I’m not injured.”

“Good, that’s a relief.”

Watari supported one of the slaves who looked like she was about to collapse from the shaking.

Rather than being terrified, Masques saw her as looking happy.

‘My, she’s quite passionate…and this Ea, the beastman, is an amazing warrior. Her core is unshakable.’

She possessed the same level of balance as Masques, who had been trained as a sailor for years.

Even considering the physical capabilities of the beastmen, it was an astonishing show of her dexterity.

One of his subordinates who had come down to the cabin shouted loudly through the door.

“Captain, monsters have appeared. There are three Maroons!”

“Got it, I’ll be right there! Form a line and fight back!”

“Understood!”

“Sorry for interrupting the game.”

“It’s alright. Your subordinates are waiting, hurry and go.”

“Should I assist?”

“Just take my feelings. We’re not weak enough to have customers fight for us.”

In the first place, if they were floundering against monsters, trade would not flourish.

Masques and most of his crew were adept at fighting.

Without showing any signs of displeasure at the proposal being declined, Ea nodded.

“True. Everyone’s quite skilled. I’d like to have a match if you’re interested.”

“I’ll pass for now. It’s a shame, I had a hand that could’ve won big. Oh well.”

“If it’s over after we’re done, or maybe tomorrow onwards?”

“Deal?”

“Yes, until we reach the capital.”

Masques concealed his dice rolls and left the cabin to defeat the monsters that were causing unnecessary trouble.

His mind was already focused on the battle with the monsters.

Masques’ hidden dice rolls were all sixes, lined up perfectly.