The Final Decision
Hit.
Hit!
Hit!!!
Amazing, that's four wins in a row!
Impossible...
Whether it was momentum at work or Claire's sheer luck, it was unclear...
But the flow of the game had completely shifted.
Just moments ago, Hubble faltered for the first time with a bust.
So a match really is about momentum...
I suppose it cannot be dismissed entirely.
The chips we had been dwindling quickly recovered to match Hubble's.
No, we'd actually pulled slight lead.
Ah... this chilling sensation of a real match... it's been a while.
I hate to admit it, but...
My blood is truly starting to boil!
...
...Hehehe, hahaha.
...What's so funny?
Oh dear, my apologies.
It's been a while since I have encountered someone who speaks of momentum and flow in a game.
It's been quite some time since I have faced someone like you, Claire.
I do not dislike that type... but I cannot allow that flame to keep burning.
Hah, if you think you can put it out, then be my guest.
Now then, next round! Let's keep going!
Very well. Then please continue to show me...
The Blue Rose's Charge.
...Hicc.
The dark aura coiled around Claire blinked out in an instant.
Her flame went out?!
Uh...
What... what did you just...
say...?
I said I would like to continue watching the Blue Rose's Charge.
Watching you now reminded me of a certain story.
Someone who never looked back, charging forward with unwavering resolve...
Someone who faced every match sincerely without retreat...
A story of the now vanished Blue Rose.
...Hicc.
C-Claire?! What happened! Your momentum... Your momentum is gone!
Why do you... know that...? How...?
Because I am an observer.
If you observe the world, you come to learn many things.
Even a senior maid of Candle Square is no exception.
I... I...
Claire...?
Captain, I...
Claire, are you okay?
I abandoned my past!
With that cry, Claire collapsed to the ground.
Claire!
Scarlet rushed over to check on her, then looked back at us and crossed her arms in an X.
...Substitution, substitution.
Oh my, I only intended to shake her a little...
But it seems the effect was far stronger than expected.
...What did you say to her?
Nothing much. Claire's momentum was simply too overwhelming.
I thought I would try a bit of psychological play using information I had...
But I didn't expect it to go this far.
In any case, it seems Claire can no longer continue the match.
...That leaves only you, Captain. Hehehe.
C-Captain...
Claire tried to stand, but her legs would not support her.
It's okay, Claire. You did great.
I let you see an unbecoming side of me...
It's fine. Thanks to you, we have the advantage now.
Leave the rest to me.
Captain...
Claire had lost her momentum.
And Scarlet...
Captain!
...Scarlet is not quite suited to handle the match, for different reasons.
Captain! What were you thinking when you looked at me just now!
This was my call to make.
So the outcome is my responsibility to carry.
And what is needed for victory... I learned it all from Claire.
Are you ready, Captain?
I am ready.
Hubble and I each declared hits as we took our turns.
My total was 14, while Hubble's was 8.
It was a game that should end in my favor without issue.
Well, it seems this game is my loss.
Then let us proceed to the next round...
No, the game is not over yet.
...What do you mean?
Instead of answering, I looked at the pile of chips.
Even if I win this round, if the game drags on, I will surely lose.
Hubble is simply in a different league.
However...
I glanced back at Claire, still sitting on the ground.
Victory is about momentum, right?
Y-yes...?
Claire stammered for a moment.
I waited for her answer... and after steadying her breath...
She finally nodded firmly with determined eyes.
Yes! You've got this, Captain!
Good. Hit!
...Are you serious?
You're choosing to hit on 14, where victory is already secured?
Yes. If I get Queens, we win completely with a double payout.
Hmm...
Of course, if luck favors you, such a thing could happen.
But right now...
Hit!
...
Perhaps... I overestimated you, Captain.
Very well. If you insist on embracing a predetermined loss... I shall allow it.
Dealer.
The dealer drew a card and turned it face-up.
The card was...
An Ace.
Queens. Victory.
...Impossible?!
Captain!!!
We won!!!
The total reached 15. Achieving Queens granted a double payout.
With that, all of Hubble's chips were gone.
It was our victory.