Camus

Camus: ―MC. This is sudden, but I’m assigning you a new task. I’ll take care of your originally scheduled duties, so don’t worry about those. What I’m about to say takes top priority.
MC: Y-yes. What is it?
Camus: You’re extremely capable, just as I said earlier. But… you’re also too serious. As someone whose role is to provide pleasure and entertainment, it’s important to understand the experience from the guest’s point of view as well.
MC: Um, so you mean…?
Camus: Today, I want you to enjoy yourself as a guest of the Primus Club. So go out there and have as much fun as you can.

Chapter 3 - The Art Of Casino Etiquette

~Flashbacks~
Camus: You’re extremely capable, just as I said earlier. But… you’re also too serious. As someone whose role is to provide pleasure and entertainment, it’s important to understand the experience from the guest’s point of view as well.
MC: Um, so you mean…?
Camus: Today, I want you to enjoy yourself as a guest of the Primus Club. So go out there and have as much fun as you can.
~Flashbacks~

Camus had instructed me to "go have fun," so I changed into casual clothes… but now I wasn’t sure what to do.
(He told me to enjoy myself, but… what should I even start with?)
Even though the surroundings were familiar, it felt completely different being here as a guest. I wandered around, unsure of what to do—until…
Camus: You really aren't used to having fun, are you?
MC: Camus…!?
Camus: I came to check on things during my rounds. And it seems my concern was well-founded.
MC: …Sorry. I just don’t really know how to enjoy myself.
Camus: I see. Well then, allow me to lend a hand.
He extended an arm toward me. I tilted my head in confusion.
(Is he…?)
Camus: —If you’d like, you may take my arm. After all, you are a valued guest right now. And I can’t very well let a lady wander around alone.
MC: …Got it.
My heart skipped a beat at the sudden offer, but I took his arm, mimicking the graceful women I’d seen around him before.
Camus: Now then, allow me to escort you to your table.
MC: Th-thank you…!
As I walked alongside Camus, arm in arm, I began to notice the stares directed our way.
Most of them came from women—filled with admiration, envy, or both.
(Well… Camus is incredibly popular, so it makes sense we’re drawing attention.)
Camus: This way, my lady.
MC: Y-Yes.
He pulled out a chair for me at a roulette table and helped me sit.
MC: Wait… are you going to be the dealer?
Camus: Indeed, with your permission. You know how roulette works, yes?
MC: Yes, I’m familiar with the basics.
Camus: Then feel free to bet however you like… Though, for a warm-up, I suggest you start simple—red or black.
MC: All right. I’ll go with that.
After accepting my chips, Camus picked up the ball.
Camus: Now then—will it be red? Or black? Please make your choice.

~Choices~
-Red (☼)
-Black (☽) ✓
~Choices~

MC: Um… I’ll go with black.
Camus: Oh? Not red?
MC: …!? N-no, black is fine!
Camus: Fufu. Very well.
With a refined smile, Camus gracefully tossed the ball onto the spinning roulette wheel.
Camus: No more bets.
Even though my wager was small, the fact that Camus was dealing had drawn quite the crowd around the table.
(Please let it land on black…!)
Holding my breath, I watched as the ball spun—and finally, it landed on the color I had chosen.
MC: …! I won!
Camus: Congratulations, my lady.
MC: Thank you!
The chips in front of me were returned at twice the amount I’d bet.
Camus: —Now then. Feeling less tense? Go out there and truly enjoy yourself this time. Let yourself experience the beauty of this glittering world that shines even in the darkest of nights.
MC: …Okay, I will!

Chapter 4 - Early Morning Escape
A few days after experiencing what it was like to enjoy myself at the Primus Club...
(Today was especially busy... Things finally calmed down by early morning. Maybe I’ll head over and help with closing up the bar.)
...
After letting one of the hall staff know, I headed to the bar after closing hours—
Camus: Oh? MC, is that you? You’ve been working hard until dawn.
MC: Ah, good evening, Camus.
Victor: Oh, hi there. Did you come to help with closing up?
MC: Yeah, the hall work’s all done now.
Victor: Thanks, that’s sweet of you… but we’re just about finished already.
MC: Oh, really?
(Now that Victor mention it, everything except the counter looks all tidied up.)
As I glanced around the clean bar, my eyes naturally drifted to Camus, who was sipping a drink.
(This is the first time I’ve seen Camus drinking here...)
Victor: You know, Camus sometimes has a drink here like this—of course, only when there aren’t any other guests around. It’s his way of unwinding after closing, alone and undisturbed.
Camus: Going out at this hour is such a hassle. Besides, here I can finally relax without having to stay on guard all the time.
MC: I see…
(If he’s taking a break, maybe I shouldn’t intrude...)
MC: Sorry for disturbing your downtime. Since there’s nothing left to do, I’ll head out—

Camus: MC, why don’t you join me for a drink?
MC: Eh—are you sure?
Victor: He invited you, didn’t he? No need to hold back. You must be tired—how about a sweet cocktail?
MC: ...Well then, I’ll take you up on that.
Camus: Come, this way.
MC: Excuse me.
Feeling a bit shy, I took the seat next to Camus.
Before long, a soft orange-colored cocktail was placed in front of me.
Camus: MC, thank you for your hard work today.
MC: You too, Camus.
Victor: Cheers~
Each of us raised our glasses lightly and toasted.
As I tasted the cocktail Victor made while sitting beside Camus...
Camus: By the way, MC. It’s been some time since you joined this guild—have you gotten used to things?
MC: Yes, thanks to everyone. Though... I’m still surprised by how unique all the Meisters are. But they’re all so cheerful... It’s fun.
Camus: Fun, is it? You're so pure. That innocence may bring you trouble in the future—But strangely, I find myself hoping you never lose it.

~Choices~
-What do you mean by that? (☼)
-If that’s what you wish, Camus... (☽) ✓
~Choices~

MC: If that’s what you want, Camus, then I’d like to stay just the way I am. Even if all I can do is carry out my duties as a Guild Keeper.
Camus: That’s more than enough. You’re a reassuring presence. A light that doesn’t fade into the night... how dazzling it is. Yes, I do hope you remain just as you are. However… no matter how it may appear to you, this is still a world filled with danger. No matter who you’re dealing with—never, ever let your guard down.
His voice was gentle, but the warning behind it was clear and serious—
MC: …I’ll be careful.
I answered with a more serious expression, and Camus gave me a soft smile.
Camus: ...Good girl. But rest assured—this place is safe. For now, just enjoy this moment. Once more, a toast—to our Guild Keeper.

Chapter 5 - A Sudden Notice

~Flashbacks~
Camus: However… no matter how it may appear to you, this is still a world filled with danger. No matter who you’re dealing with—never, ever let your guard down.
~Flashbacks~

A few days had passed since the night I shared a drink with Camus at the bar.
While I was working on the floor as usual, a message arrived through a staff member—Camus was calling for me.
(Being summoned during the busiest hours… Did something happen?)
...
MC: Excuse me—Huh? Why is everyone here…?
Ymir: Isn’t that what’s about to be explained?
Victor: Getting called in during peak hours… doesn’t exactly sound like good news.
Seven: Are we having dinner together…?
Len: Shut up, Seven. Nobody asked you.
Camus: —Good, everyone’s here. I called you all in during this busy time for a reason. I believe this is something you all need to be aware of. It just arrived for me a short while ago.
Victor: Oh? A love letter, perhaps?
Ymir: What, trying to show off? Must be a passionate one, huh?
Camus: Heh. If that were the case, this would be a lot easier for me.
Camus handed me a letter. I took it and began to read it aloud.
MC: Alright, let’s see… “From the night the sun sets for the third time from today—I will take all the filthy money you’ve hoarded, stolen from your customers. Prepare yourselves.” …Huh? Is this—
Camus: Yes. It’s a warning letter. Someone has declared their intention to rob this Primus Club of its riches.

~Choices~
-Maybe it’s just a bad prank… (☼) ✓
-We need to start planning a countermeasure (☽)
~Choices~

MC: A warning letter… Could it just be some twisted prank?
Camus: True, in our line of work, we get these kinds of things all the time. However—The sender is someone well-known in certain circles. There’s a very real chance they’ll act on it. In fact, just last month, they sent a similar letter to a casino two blocks over… and made off with a large sum of money.
MC: Seriously…!? But wait, didn’t that casino report at the recent meeting that nothing happened…?
Victor: Heh, of course they wouldn’t admit it. It’s a matter of pride. This world runs on appearances—show weakness, and you’re done.
Seven: Pride…? Is that like candy?
Len: Seven. Shut. Up.
Ymir: Even if someone stabs you in the back with a knife, you keep smiling on the outside. That’s how it works in our line of night business.
After checking everyone’s reactions, Camus looked around at us once more.
Camus: I believe you all understand the situation now. This is a matter that affects the honor of Primus Club. I’ll give you detailed instructions soon. But more than anything—We will make whoever underestimated the Primus Club regret it.

[Sun End]
Chapter 1 - Serpent Of The New Moon
Three days after Camus received the warning letter, the day finally arrived—the date that the mysterious sender had specified, the one who had declared war on the Primus Club.
...
Camus: —The place is lively again tonight. Everyone’s spirits are burning with excitement. Heh, such intense expressions.
MC: Yeah...
Camus: Hey, MC? If you’re going to stand on the floor, don’t forget to smile. And besides... it seems I’ve been personally selected by our guest of honor. So I’d appreciate it if you could hold yourself a little more confidently. You’re making it look like I’m going to lose, and that’s a bit insulting.
MC: T-That’s not what I meant at all...! I just thought—if he’s gone up against so many casinos and won, he must be a really tough opponent...
Camus: Yes, his name has gotten around. They call him the Serpent of the New Moon.

~Flashbacks~
Camus: The sender of the warning letter is a wandering gambler who goes by the name Serpent of the New Moon.
Len: A rookie in this world. But I’ve been hearing his name more and more lately... Guess that means he’s pulling in a decent haul.
Victor: Huh, kind of a rising star then? Though honestly, picking a fight with Camus makes him sound more like a naïve newbie.
Camus: The Serpent of the New Moon always makes a comeback, no matter the odds. They say he always wins in the end. He's rumored to be someone with absolute luck, as if everything he wants just happens to appear exactly when he needs it... —But no. He’s not lucky. He’s a cheater.
MC: A cheater...?
Camus: Yes. But a highly skilled one. Even seasoned gamblers have been thrown off by his tricks. In fact, not once has anyone ever caught him cheating. Because of that, no one can call him out. If a casino refuses his challenge, he spreads rumors that they’re cowards who lost. It damages their reputation, and customers stop coming. On the other hand, if you ‘remove’ him too forcefully, you get labeled a coward by the rest of the industry.
Victor: So basically, he’s a giant pain in the ass.
Ymir: And he always demands ridiculous amounts of money for his bets, right? Like, seriously—enough to wipe out a small casino if he wins.
Camus: I’m sure he’ll try to do the same here—make an outrageous bet. But that’s not a problem. As long as I don’t lose, we have nothing to worry about.
~Flashbacks~

Camus: Still... to call someone a 'loser' just for declining—That word brings back memories.
(Memories? What does he mean...?)
Suddenly—
???: —Well, well? Isn’t that Camus, the Guildmaster himself?
MC: !?
???: Are you here to greet me personally? Bold move, considering you know you're going to lose. I gotta say, I respect that.
(Is this him...!?)
The man grinned smugly as he approached.
Camus calmly stepped forward, placing himself subtly between the man and me—shielding me.
Camus: Welcome to the Primus Club. You must be the Serpent of the New Moon, with the reservation?
Serpent of the New Moon: Yeah, that’s me.
Unlike me, who was tense and uneasy, Camus lowered his head with grace, completely composed.
Camus: We’re honored to have you, Serpent of the New Moon. May fortune smile upon you tonight.
Serpent of the New Moon: Appreciate it. Just like I wrote in the letter—I’ll be taking every last coin from this place.
Camus: Of course. If you win, we’ll pay you every last bit—fair and square. Because here, the outcome is everything.
The two men smiled at each other.
But there was nothing friendly in the air between them.
It was like two wild predators sizing each other up, ready to strike at the first sign of weakness.

Chapter 2 - The One Who Controls, The One Who Is Controlled
Everyone in the Primus Club had their eyes fixed on one particular table—on there has two people facing each other.
One of them was Camus, the general manager of the Primus Club.
The other was the gambler known as the "Serpent of the New Moon," said to devour every fortune in his path.
Serpent of the New Moon: The game rules I proposed earlier are fine with you, right?
Camus: Yes, of course. We each place three dice into the glass in front of us, shake them, and check the result. We take turns doing this three times, and the player with the highest total wins the round. The first to win three rounds is the overall winner. Did I get that right?
Serpent of the New Moon: Yeah, let’s get started already. I’m itching for this match.
Camus: Understood. Then, let us begin.
To ensure fairness, they used dice provided by the Primus Club.
Though there was no official judge, with all the staff and guests watching, cheating should have been nearly impossible...
The first round proceeded—and by the third roll, the Serpent was clearly in the lead.
Then, unbelievably, he rolled all sixes.
Serpent of the New Moon: Well, would you look at that? Luck’s on my side today.
Camus: Hmm? I can’t beat that, so the first round is yours. Congratulations.
Serpent of the New Moon: Thanks. Let’s move on to the next round!

The second round began—and once again, the Serpent dominated. By the third roll...
MC: All sixes again!?
Serpent of the New Moon: Hahaha! Another win for me, Camus!
Camus: ......
Camus: Congratulations on your second victory. You’re already one win away from winning it all.
As the Serpent took a break and chugged his drink, I quietly approached Camus and whispered to him.
MC: This is obviously cheating! There’s no way he rolled all sixes naturally!
Camus: I’m sure everyone here is thinking the same thing—including myself. It seems he managed to swap in his own dice before the match started. And unfortunately, we didn’t catch it in time. That’s on us.
MC: But if this keeps up...
Camus: It’ll be fine. I told you, didn’t I? He’ll come to regret underestimating us.
(He must have a plan…)
MC: …Okay. I trust you, Camus.
Camus: Good. Put your full trust in me. Serpent of the New Moon, may I suggest something? Shall we increase the number of dice in the next round?
Serpent of the New Moon: Huh? …Sure, why not. Let’s go with five dice. But I’ve got a condition—let’s double the wager. Deal?
Camus: Understood. I accept.
Serpent of the New Moon: Hah! No hesitation! That’s the famous Camus for you!
(But if the stakes are doubled… what is Camus planning?)
The third round began.
Despite now using five dice, the Serpent rolled—all sixes again.
Serpent of the New Moon: Ahahahaha! Too bad for you!
(This is insane…)
Even the newly added dice had somehow been swapped out.
The Serpent of the New Moon truly lived up to his reputation as a cheater who had never been caught.
But then—
Camus: ......
Camus: Oh my. It’s a tie, isn’t it?
Serpent of the New Moon: ...What?
Incredibly, Camus had also rolled all sixes.
Serpent of the New Moon: N-No way…! You cheated, didn’t you!?
Camus: If you’re concerned, we can switch out the dice.
Serpent of the New Moon: Gh...! N-No, forget it! Let’s keep going!
From that point on, both Camus and the Serpent kept tying—rolling all sixes round after round.
(More than ten ties in a row now… Are they ever going to finish this match?)
Serpent of the New Moon: Gh… Damn it!
Camus: Oh my, only three sixes this time? In that case... I’ll take this round.
As promised, Camus rolled all sixes once again and claimed victory in the third round.
The fourth round was the same—after dozens of ties, Camus won again.
Now both had two wins apiece—the final round was about to begin.
Serpent of the New Moon: Damn it... this is insane...! How are you better at controlling the rolls than me!?
Camus: ...Serpent of the New Moon?
Serpent of the New Moon: Wh-What!? You got a problem!?
Camus: Oh no, not at all. It’s just... with so many ties, our guests are starting to get bored. So, I’d like to propose something. For the fifth round, how about we increase the number of dice to ten? And raise the stakes tenfold.
Serpent of the New Moon: Wha!? T-Ten times!?
The crowd erupted in excitement at Camus’s bold proposal.
Camus: You seemed quite confident with five dice—But maybe ten is beyond your preparations? Those lucky dice of yours...
Serpent of the New Moon: ...!!
Camus: Still, a true gambler wouldn’t back down from a challenge like this.
Serpent of the New Moon: Tch… Don’t mock me! I accept!
Camus: Thank you for your enthusiasm. Then, let’s begin.
The final, decisive round. First roll—
It left everyone speechless. All ten of Camus’s dice came up as sixes.
(The Serpent only rolled four sixes… Camus takes a massive lead from the start!)
Serpent of the New Moon: W-What!? How… how are you doing this!?
Camus: Oh? Is something wrong? It’s only the first roll, after all. Or... are you considering forfeiting? Either way, if you lose—Know this: we will collect your debt. No matter what it takes. Even if it takes your whole life.
Serpent of the New Moon: …!! DAMN IT ALL!!
And with that, Camus triumphed over the Serpent of the New Moon.
As I clapped along with the cheering crowd, Camus and I locked eyes.
He gave me a calm, confident smile—Just as composed and collected as ever.

Last Chapter - Camus Personal Lesson

~Flashbacks~
Serpent of the New Moon: W-What!? How… how are you doing this!?
Camus: Oh? Is something wrong? It’s only the first roll, after all. Or... are you considering forfeiting? Either way, if you lose—Know this: we will collect your debt. No matter what it takes. Even if it takes your whole life.
Serpent of the New Moon: …!! DAMN IT ALL!!
~Flashbacks~

A few days after the match against the Serpent of the New Moon—
It already feels like a long time ago since the entire floor erupted in cheers over Camus victory.
(Maybe it feels that way because it's morning and there aren’t many customers. The quiet really makes that excitement stand out in my memory…)
Camus: MC, thank you for your work. Is everything alright over here?
MC: …! Camus, thank you. Yes, there’s nothing in particular to report.
Camus: Good to hear. Your shift should be ending soon, right? I’m counting on you again from tomorrow.

MC: Of course. Oh—actually, there’s something I’ve been wondering about.
Camus: What is it?
MC: That match with the Serpent of the New Moon… Camus-san, you were cheating too, weren’t you? I mean, making ten dice all land on six at the same time? That’s basically impossible...
Camus: Not at all. That was simply a clever trick of mine.
MC: Eh!?
Camus: Rolling exactly the numbers you want, exactly when you want to… That’s what it means to be a true dealer—the one who controls the game. Creating just the right balance of danger and hope for the customer—that’s the role of a master dealer. After all, games are entertainment. Don’t you think they’re best when they’re thrilling?
MC: ...So wait, are you saying… all those tense moments during the match were staged?
Camus: You're free to interpret it however you’d like.
MC: ......
That confident smile of his said more than enough—it was clearly a yes...
(He manipulated everything exactly as he wanted. That’s the level of mastery Camus has...)
MC: …Incredible.
I let out the most basic, cliché comment without thinking, and Camus let out a soft chuckle in response.
Camus: Fufufu… With enough practice, anyone can reach this level. It doesn’t have to be with dice, but as a dealer, learning to stir up the excitement at the table is essential—And I believe you are fully capable of mastering that. If you're interested, would you like me to teach you? Naturally, we’d start with the basics.
MC: …! Are you sure? You’re always so busy…
Camus: Of course, I won’t be able to give you my full attention all the time, but this could be a great opportunity for you to deepen your understanding of what it means to be a dealer. Besides, teaching you would also be a form of training for me. I’d be happy to do it.
MC: In that case… I’d love to learn!
Camus: Let’s see... your shift ends in about ten minutes? Then why don’t we begin the first lesson a bit early?
MC: Wait, right now!?
Camus: They say there’s no time like the present. Though I’ll keep it short—Since I'm sure you’re tired from today. Let’s move to that table, MC. To start building sensitivity in your fingers, let’s begin with the roulette wheel instead of dice. I’ll show you slowly. Try to copy me as best as you can.
I watched, completely absorbed, as Camus demonstrated his precise, elegant movements. Then I hesitantly mimicked him.
MC: Um… so I move my wrist like this—
Camus: Exactly. But don’t stiffen up—stay relaxed and natural.
MC: Natural... like this?
Camus: Fufufu, I wouldn’t quite call that “natural,” but… still, not bad at all. Just as I expected—you have promise.
MC: …!
His gentle voice, his warm smile—it all made my face heat up.
I suddenly became aware of how close he was… and then, I heard his amused whisper by my ear.
Camus: MC, you’re forgetting to smile again. After all, everything we do is for the customer’s experience. Never forget to be considerate toward them. That, too, is a vital skill for any dealer.
MC: Yes…!
Camus: If you keep practicing, you’ll not only entertain customers—you’ll be able to command the room. That’s the kind of presence you should aim for. I look forward to watching you grow.
MC: I’ll do my best…!
Primus Club—a dazzling flower blooming in the night.
(I want to be someone who belongs here… no, someone who can support Camus. So for now, one step at a time—I’ll keep learning, little by little.)
With that thought in mind, I reached once again for the roulette ball.

[Moon End]
Chapter 1 - Love Confession

~Flashbacks~
Camus: I believe you all understand the situation now. This is a matter that affects the honor of Primus Club. I’ll give you detailed instructions soon. But more than anything—We will make whoever underestimated the Primus Club regret it.
~Flashbacks~

The day after the warning letter arrived at the Primus Club—
Even as I got ready for work that morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had heard yesterday.

~Yesterday~
Camus: The ones who sent the letter called themselves the 'Crimson Spiders'.
MC: Crimson Spiders?
Camus: Yes. They’re a group of criminals who only target casinos. They’ve only recently come into the public eye, so the group hasn’t been around for too long.
Len: They’ve got maybe 30 members at most, and no one really knows where they operate from. People say... they’re mostly just a bunch of kids.
Seven: ...So basically, they’re all like Len?
Len: Hey! What’d you just say, Seven?! You wanna repeat that!?
Victor: Hmm... So they’ve been causing trouble, but no one knows where they’re hiding. Sounds like they’re pretty good at hide-and-seek.
Ymir: Or maybe the people looking for them are just idiots.
Camus: They’re not much of a threat as an organization. But there is one troublesome thing about them... They aren’t afraid to use violence.
~Yesterday~

(Violence... If those kinds of dangerous people are targeting us, even if the day they mentioned in the warning isn’t here yet, we need to stay alert...)
...
Later that day, as I arrived at work, I noticed a group of men loitering near the entrance.
(…! Those customers over there are glancing around nervously... What are they up to? What are they whispering about...?)
Ymir: Wow. You’ve got a seriously intense look on your face.
MC: Oh, Ymir... I guess I’m just being overly suspicious.
Ymir: I eavesdropped a bit. They’re not involved. One of them just forgot his wallet and they’re freaking out about it. It’s fine to stay on guard, but this is a customer service job. Wouldn’t it be better if you greeted them with your usual cute smile?
MC: I—I guess you’re right...
The day passed without any real trouble—business as usual.
...
Len: Hey, Camus is calling for you.
MC: For me? What does he want?
Len: How should I know? You think I read minds? Probably just some routine Guild Keeper work.
...
MC: Excuse me, Camus. You called for me?
Camus: Thank you for coming. I apologize for calling you so suddenly while you're still on duty. There’s a task I’d like to ask of you. It’s related to the Crimson Spiders.
MC: The Crimson Spiders...? What is it? If there’s anything I can do, I’ll give it my all!
Camus: How reassuring. That’s exactly why I asked for you. In fact… this is something only you could handle.
MC: Only me?
Camus: Yes. But just to be sure, I’d like to ask you one simple question. Consider it a compatibility test.
MC: Of course. Ask away.
Camus: Very well. MC—do you find me attractive, as a man?
MC: ...Huh?
I was so caught off guard, I made the most ridiculous sound.
MC: U-Um... Why would you ask something like that? Is that part of the test?
Camus: I’m the one asking the questions here, MC.
(His smile… feels intense somehow…)
MC: Well... I respect you a lot, Camus. And as a man... I think you’re very charming.
Camus: Fufu, thank you. That’s a lovely thing to hear.
(W-What is this? This is so embarrassing...!!)
Camus: Hmm. In that case, I see no issues. Then... MC. Will you be my lover?
MC: Yes, I understa—
MC: ......
MC: HUH!?!?

Chapter 2 - Duties As A Lover
Camus: —MC? No need to be so shy. Come a little closer.
As he whispered in my ear and pulled me gently by the waist, I could feel my face heating up instantly.
MC: Ugh... I-I’ll do my best...!
Camus: Heh. Your innocent reaction is quite endearing, but... This is something you'll need to get used to—after all, we are lovers now.

~Flashbacks~
Camus: Hmm. In that case, I see no issues. Then... MC. Will you be my lover?
MC: Yes, I understa—
MC: ......
MC: HUH!?!? W-Why do you want me to be your lover…? And what does that even have to do with the Crimson Spiders—?
Camus: Haha, you're more flustered than I expected. But don’t worry. It’s only pretend—I’m asking you to act as my girlfriend.
MC: Act as your girlfriend...
Camus: Yes. According to Len’s intel, the Crimson Spiders always target people during private, off-duty hours. The last time they attacked another casino, it was while the owner was spending time with his wife. They go after the true power behind a casino when they’re alone, using violence or kidnapping—whatever it takes—to extort money. So we’ll turn that pattern against them. We’ll deliberately give them what looks like the perfect target… and catch them all in one go.
~Flashbacks~

(…I’m not sure if I can really handle such an important role. But… I want to live up to Camus’s expectations.)
With that thought, I force a slightly awkward smile and ask him as calmly as I can.

MC: Camus, do you really think this plan will lure out the Crimson Spiders?
Camus: Absolutely. I’ve deliberately exposed today’s outing and path. They’re not clever enough to see it’s a setup—I'm confident they'll take it.
MC: I see...
Even as we chat and laugh like a couple in love, Camus gradually steers us toward a more secluded area...
...
Young Man A: Hey, you two. Got a minute?
MC: !
Camus: Oh? What can we do for you?
Suddenly, shady-looking men begin gathering around us from all directions, as if they'd been waiting in hiding.
(There’s no mistaking it—these guys are...)
Young Man A: Been lookin’ forward to this, Camus. We’re the Crimson Spiders. Just like the letter said, we’re here to collect your money.
Young Man B: If you don’t wanna get hurt, I suggest you don’t put up a fight.
Camus: Oh? You’re full of youthful energy—admirable, really. But sadly, that line… belongs to me.
At Camus’s snap, black-suited guards flood in from the shadows, completely surrounding the Crimson Spiders.
Their numbers far outmatch the Spiders—
Young Man A: !? What the hell!? Where’d these guys come from!?
Young Man B: Boss! We’re totally surrounded!!
Camus: Gentlemen of the Crimson Spiders… you’ve gone a bit too far, don’t you think?
Young Man A: D-Dammit! Like hell we’re going down easy—GET 'EM!!
Young Men: URAAAAHHH!!
MC: ...!
Desperate, the gang rushes toward the guards all at once. A few even charge straight at Camus with fists raised, but—
Young Man B: Gah—!?
Young Man C: Ugh—!
Camus: My apologies, but I’m currently escorting my lady. And I won’t let the likes of you interfere.
...
In the blink of an eye, the attackers are taken down one after another—and before I know it, all of the Crimson Spiders are on the ground, subdued by Camus’s men.
Camus: Now then. You're not hurt, are you, my lady?
His gentle voice, his hand softly brushing my cheek with care and tenderness—
MC: Um… Camus? Isn’t it time to stop pretending we’re lovers?
Camus: No—this isn’t an act. My concern for you… that’s no lie. I’m truly glad you weren’t hurt.
(His feelings… aren’t fake…)
Maybe he didn’t mean anything deeper by it.
But still… those words make me smile without thinking. Not wanting Camus to notice, I quietly turned my face away.

Last Chapter - To Appreciate You

~Flashbacks~
Camus: My apologies, but I’m currently escorting my lady. And I won’t let the likes of you interfere.
~Flashbacks~

The criminal group “Crimson Spiders” had sent a warning letter to Primus Club.
Using false information, Camus lured them out and successfully had them all captured, bringing down their entire organization.
...
A few days have passed since that incident—
Reporter A: Mr. Camus, please look this way!
Reporter B: And over here too, please!
Reporters, having somehow caught wind of the story, had been swarming Primus Club daily for coverage.
(Wow… Today, there are so many interviews again...)
Camus: —Everyone, thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedules to visit Primus Club. As we are currently open for business, I may not be able to answer all of your questions, but... If it's just for a short while, I will take your questions.
Reporter A: Mr. Camus! Is it true that you turned the tables on the Crimson Spiders by luring them in and capturing them?
Camus: Yes. Even before targeting our casino, they had already committed crimes against other establishments. We were determined to bring them to justice ourselves, and with the cooperation of all our staff, we managed to do just that.
...
Ymir: —Wow, it’s still lively around here, huh.
MC: Yeah, it’s been like this every day for the past few days. But... Camus is already so busy, and yet he’s handling every single interview so politely… I hope he’s okay.
Ymir: Hmm? That’s all part of Camus’s plan. He told us to leak the story to all the news outlets.
MC: Eh...? Really?
Ymir: Yup. I’m guessing he’s using it for PR. Something like ‘Primus Club, the symbol of a clean nightlife, captures wanted criminals!’
MC: ...That sounds just like him. Camus really misses nothing, does he.
Ymir: He’s almost scarily good at business~
...
Later that day, at Victor’s bar after closing—
Victor: —Still, though. Camus got you to pretend to be his lover and dragged you into danger... And after all that, he hasn’t even thanked you properly yet? He should be showering you with jewels—ten, no, a hundred at least!
MC: Ahaha… But he did take care of me during the mission, and... Camus is really busy. I’m not worried about it.

~Flashbacks~
MC: Um… Camus? Isn’t it time to stop pretending we’re lovers?
Camus: No—this isn’t an act. My concern for you… that’s no lie. I’m truly glad you weren’t hurt.
~Flashbacks~

(Just thinking about that time makes my body feel hot. Even though I know it didn’t have any special meaning…)
Victor: Oh my, speak of the devil... Whoa, would you look at that.
MC: ...?
Wondering at Victor’s reaction, I turned around—and was met with a wave of rich floral scent.
Camus: MC, I’ve been looking for you.

MC: Eh… Camus?
Camus: These 100 roses... are for you. After the Crimson Spiders incident, the clean-up took longer than expected, and I wasn’t able to thank you properly. This is just a small gesture, but I hope you’ll accept it.
MC: I-I wouldn’t call this small at all...!?
Camus: No. You risked your safety to help us—And I don’t think even this comes close to repaying that. I plan to express my gratitude more fully later, with proper time and care.
Victor: Oh my~... He’s going all out. That’s not like him.
Camus wore his usual, confident smile.
Maybe it was because I hadn’t seen that relaxed look on his face in days, but something about it made me strangely happy.
MC: I only did what I could. That’s all. But… if it helped you, Camus, then I’m really glad.
Camus: Heh, you’re as modest as ever. You may be a little reckless at times… but just like I’ve said before, I want you to stay exactly as you are. Please continue to be a vital part of Primus Club—and by my side, as the Guildkeeper who supports our dream. Let’s continue working together, for a long time to come. Also… if you ever feel like it, I hope you’ll join me for a drink sometime. Enjoying a fine drink while admiring a beautiful flower like you—it doesn’t sound so bad.
He whispered those playful words close to my ear.
Camus’s smile was sweet—and in an instant, my cheeks grew warm.