Volume 5 Chapter 30 Izakaya Gathering
Even though it's called the "Uraten Matsuri," according to Matsuda, there are various types of shops. Our purpose is not to enjoy the Uraten Matsuri itself, but to collect coins and information. In other words, we should go to the place where the most people gather.
So, the first place we chose was the gathering izakaya where the Rakugo Research Group is held. Although it is called an izakaya, there is no menu, and it is a resting place where you can have a drink with your own food and alcohol. I was wondering how such a simple resting place could become so famous. But there is a sound of tiles colliding and the smell of tobacco and alcohol filled the air. An unusual space made of gazebos and Japanese umbrellas spread out in a corner of the university.
Ah, this is the kind of place it is. "It's more chaotic than a mahjong parlor."
"Well, anything goes, and everyone does what they want."
Souji and Matsuda looked around the izakaya. I have been to a mahjong parlor before, and it looks similar. However, it seems that not only mahjong but also card and board games are played here, and everyone is clearly betting on something. I won't say what, but it's quite shocking to see such a thing happening so casually on a modern Japanese university campus, except for Asteris.
"Y-Yusuke-san, what is happening here?"
"It's a game, I guess..."
It's not wrong, but something is clearly wrong. Lisha was rolling her eyes under her hat in the strange atmosphere. However, Lisha, I have to tell you that Asteris's bars are a hundred times worse than this. Gambling is commonplace, and the things being bet on are not just money. Stolen goods, living creatures, illegal items, and everything else are exchanged, and there are frequent incidents of violence. I don't know if the stains on the floor are from alcohol or blood. These people, adventurers and bodyguards, believe that fighting is one way of communication and are seriously crazy. When in Rome, do as the Romans do, so let's enjoy the game too.
"Okay, let's meet up in an hour."
"I'll just wander around randomly."
The other two man said that and quickly walked off to where they were interested. The word "cooperation" is not in their dictionary.
Since there was no point in just standing there, I also went into the gathering izakaya with Lisha. We paid 300 yen for admission or entrance fee and walked on the gazebos. On top of the tatami mat, there were several low tables where various games seemed to be played. It seemed like a system where you choose an empty spot and enter, but my purpose was different from playing games. I concentrated my magic power on my ears to pick up the surrounding sounds. I distinguished only human words from the miscellaneous sounds and listened while walking.
"If I lose this, it's over..."
"You know that cute foreign girl from the second language class? Well, she..."
No, not this one.
"Today, I saw a real youkai spirit, I swear."
"No way, isn't that just a rumor?"
No, not this one either.
"Who do you think will win the Miss Contest tomorrow?"
"Well, it's gotta be Kizaki. She can't be beaten as a model. By the way, have you heard about the prize for the Miss Contest?"
No, not this one.
"I don't have anything left to bet."
"There's still plenty to bet on. You know that thing we talked about..."
This is it.
I turned my head in the direction of the voice. There, three young male university students were playing poker. Cheap chips were scattered on the low table.
Good. I don't understand the rules of mahjong or board games well, but I can do it with cards.
With a smile as much as possible, I spoke to them.
"Sorry, it's my first time here. Can we join you guys?"
At first, the men looked at me with an indescribable expression, but they noticed Lisha next to me. It's natural for men to change their attitude when they know there's a girl.
"Of course, that's fine."
"You know the rules, right?"
"Come on, sit there."
The three immediately made room for us.
I had Lisha sit next to me and first participated alone. Now, let's start the game of darkness.
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