Lilianna tapped the table's control panel, and the embedded display flickered to life beneath her fingertips.
"Rules," she announced, "Standard Blackjack. Table minimum is one thousand star coins per hand."
"Sponsors," She paused for effect. "Feed your funds directly into your player's chip well. Fair warning: Every transfer is real-time, legally binding, and non-refundable."
Lilianna continued, lifting her chin, "Please scan your accounts."
The table's embedded QR pads pulsed with soft blue light. Grayson showed his bank's QR code and held it over the scanner behind Neville's seat.
The confirmation chime was almost immediate with a crisp, clean sound.
Thiago did the same behind Ciel, though his scan was preceded by a long, contemplative exhale that spoke volumes.
Julius scanned his own account without ceremony.
Bryan did the same, though he shot a glance over his shoulder at Iris first—a glance that she answered with a raised eyebrow that contained a silent warning.
