Lily''s expression remained impassive, as if she had just calmly narrated a fantastical tale in a calm, detached manner. She had always been carefree and cheerful, preferring not to voice her inner difort out loud.


    Once the cleanup crew left, Lily arched an eyebrow at their retreating figures, "Well, aren''t you going to say something?"


    L stood up from the sofa, walked to the window to let some fresh air in, and replied, "Nothing out of the ordinary. Just know this-you have me, and no one else can hurt you. And don''t be sad; think of the royals as blockheads with faulty intellects.


    When Lady Phoenix showed no intention of speaking further, Lily didn''t push it. Instead, she strolled over and yfully brushed L''s shoulder, her tone filled with cheeky pride. "Heartbroken? As if! My life has been thrilling in ways the average. Joe could never understand. Plus, I''m a princess-a real, bonafide princess."


    L chuckled, a smirk ying on her lips. "Right, a real, bonafide runaway princess."


    Ignoring thement, Lily suggested. "Let''s not stay here," L nodded in agreement. "We''d better head straight to the hotel inside the casino. No one dares to make trouble there." After saying that, she turned and headed towards the door. Lily returned to her room, grabbed her two suitcases, and followed.


    The Grape Casino in Cove was the world''srgest and most luxurious gambling haven. The casino didn''t just attract tycoons from across the globe eager to spend their fortunes. The top three floors housed a hotel renowned for its privacy, which often yed host to the most distinguished guests.


    L naturally had a standing reservation in the exclusive upper levels as a former casino champion.


    Upon entering her room, a casino floor manager arrived to attend to her.


    Lily intercepted him while L retreated to her room to change into an all-ck outfit, donning a buzzcut wig and a silver mask that made her unidentifiably enigmatic.


    Ethan, d in a tailored suit, waited patiently by the door. The previous tournament''s enigmatic top yer had always alluded to his investigations.


    That piqued his interest.


    Soon after, as the door swung open, Lily''s fiery red hair caught the light. She shed a seductive smile at Ethan. "Mr. Gomez, sorry to keep you waiting."


    Ethan, stoic as ever, just nodded and strode in.


    "The championship rules," he said, handing them to L.


    After a cursory nce, L noted they were the same as previous years: the reigning champion would challenge the former one, who could opt to watch from backstage or in the audience and prepare for a potential showdown. "Backstage for me," L said, her voice youthful and refined, its slight adolescent quality making Ethan inwardly marvel at the champion''s youth.


    "Certainly, I''ll arrange that."


    Meanwhile, in the underground gambling dens of Grape Casino, the excitement simmered even though the championship was set for the next day. The crowds had already flooded in, losing themselves in the games.


    And, of course, Victor was there, the spoiled scion from Pliar country, whose domineering personality was on full disy from the moment he arrived. Alongside him was Flora, his current favorite. His arrogance inevitably led to his downfall at the tables, and he was quickly down nearly a billion.


    The Robinsons were prominent folks, but even they had limits to their extravagance.


    Victor''splexion was terrible, and Flora took his arm, urging, "Victor, let''s go."


    Feeling irritable, Victor shoved her away roughly, "Get the hell away from me."


    John watched the altercation with a smirk. He was a mastermind of moneyundering, had a gang on his payroll, and feared no one. To him, life was a high-stakes game — you either had money, or you had guts.