Ronnel rarely enjoyed conversations over dinner tables laden with food and drink. While he admitted that business negotiations were often fruitful in such settings, he couldn't help but feel it wasted good food.
His grandmother's words echoed in his mind: "There are two unforgivable things in this world—making girls cry and wasting food." Ronnel couldn't disagree, which made him somewhat resistant to the culture of mixing business with dining.
Yet, Milluki was an exception. The man had a unique charm that made it hard to dislike him.
After downing a drink, Milluki stuffed three steaks into his mouth with gusto before diving into conversation.
"Ronnel, you know, when you won at the Battle Olympia, I was so proud of you!" Milluki said, his words slightly muffled by the food in his mouth, but his smile radiated sincerity. "I'm your biggest supporter, after all!"
Ronnel chuckled, his chopsticks deftly grabbing another bite.
"With the amount you bet on me, how could you not be?"
"Hey, it was a sure thing!" Milluki laughed heartily, raising his glass for a toast.
The camaraderie between them was evident. Both indulged in the delicious spread before them, their enjoyment mirrored in the sparkle of Milluki's eyes.
"So, Ronnel," Milluki began after a pause, "you were hanging around near the auction earlier, right? Does that mean you also went to the Auction? What hall were you in?"
"I was in Hall B, same as you," Ronnel replied. "I wanted to check out this 'Greed Island' game that has Battera so worked up."
At the mention of the name, Milluki's expression shifted, his fair complexion reddening slightly.
"That guy…" Milluki muttered, downing another glass of wine. "Battera's trying to buy every copy of Greed Island. I was tempted to follow Ickshonpe's advice and consult you, but now... It seems hopeless."
He sighed, his shoulders slumping as he added, "I probably won't even get the chance to play the game at this rate."
Earlier at the auction, Milluki had realized just how determined Battera was to obtain every copy of Greed Island. Despite accumulating 30.7 billion Jenny—through savings, betting on Ronnel's Battle Olympia victory, and even borrowing from his father—Milluki was still short of what Battera had spent on a single copy of the game: 27.8 billion Jenny.
For a moment, frustration flickered in Milluki's eyes.
"I know I can't outbid him, but part of me still wants to try," he confessed, taking another bite of steak.
Ronnel studied him for a moment before asking, "Milluki, do you really want to play the game?"
"It's not like I'm obsessed or anything," Milluki replied, chewing thoughtfully. "I just want to experience a game that can kill you for real. If I get it, great. If not, no big deal."
"You know Battera won't play it himself," Ronnel said. "He'll probably hire professional Hunters or skilled players to clear the game for him. You could try joining his team."
Milluki scoffed, his pride showing. "The Zoldyck family doesn't take jobs unless they're assassinations."
Ronnel leaned back slightly, his tone casual. "Still, don't you wonder why someone as rich as Battera is so obsessed with this game? It doesn't seem like he's just chasing a hobby. There must be something valuable hidden in Greed Island."
Milluki paused, curiosity flashing in his eyes. He set his fork down and muttered, "You might be right. For someone like him, there's no such thing as a pointless investment. Maybe he knows something we don't. Still…" He shook his head, dismissing the thought.
"For me, it's all about the game itself. I couldn't care less about any hidden secrets."
Ronnel smirked. "Well, I did come across some interesting rumors about Greed Island—reasons why someone like Battera would go all-in for it."
That caught Milluki's attention. He tilted his head, his curiosity impossible to hide.
"Oh? Do share."
"The game is cleared by collecting specific cards," Ronnel began.
"Yeah, that's common knowledge," Milluki interrupted. "You collect 100 designated cards to win. It's a classic adventure game mechanic. Even I've read about it online."
"True," Ronnel agreed. "But there's more to it than just card collecting…"
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