Chapter 12
When Marine handed Ranzo his first-ever defeat in their digital battle, her joy was boundless. Ranzo watched her, a soft smile playing on his lips while his heart silently offered prayers for her happiness. To keep the moment alive, he played the part of the shocked loser, staring at his trembling hands in mock disbelief.
"I can't believe it..." he whispered, his voice laced with feigned awe. "You actually beat me. In a game where I was thought to be invincible, you found a way."
Marine beamed, a cute flicker of arrogance in her eyes. "Believe it, Ranzo! I am officially the only person on Earth to take you down. And now... it's time to fulfill your promise."
Ranzo chuckled softly. "A promise is a promise. I won't ever leave you alone." He paused, his expression turning curious. "Where are Mom and Dad, Marine?"
"They went to the market to pick up some of my medications," Marine replied, her voice dipping into a somber tone.
Ranzo's eyes widened, a sharp spike of anxiety hitting his chest. "Medications? Are you feeling sick? What's wrong?"
Marine lowered her head, looking at her lap. "It happened a week ago, while you were away. I collapsed suddenly. Mom and Dad took me to the specialist, and the blood tests came back... they found a rare and dangerous condition called The Golden Hemolysis."
The air seemed to leave the room. Ranzo felt his blood run cold. He reached out, placing a gentle hand on her cheek, his eyes burning with concern. "Why did you keep this from me? Marine... what did the doctor say? You're going to be okay, right?"
Marine leaned into his touch, her eyes searching his for a spark of hope. "As long as you are with me... I feel like I'll be fine."
Ranzo felt a flush of embarrassment and quickly pulled his hand back, looking away. "That's not what I meant. My staying with you won't cure a blood disease. Tell me exactly what the doctor ordered."
A small, sad smile touched her lips. "There is a specialized injection I need once a month. That's the only thing keeping me... keeping me from..."
Ranzo didn't let her finish. He placed a firm finger over her lips, locking his gaze with hers. "Don't. Don't ever say that word. You are going to live a long, beautiful life, Marine." He pulled his hand back slowly. "And until you are fully recovered, no more designing for the Vencenti boutique. Give those small hands a rest."
"I'll do whatever you say," she whispered, her heart swelling with a strange warmth.
Ranzo stood up and extended his hand. "Come. I'll walk you to your room."
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Marine grabbed his hand, but instead of walking, she pulled him toward her with surprising strength. Caught off guard, Ranzo stumbled, his face landing inches from hers. He could hear the soft cadence of her breathing, a sound that made his ears ring and his heart race.
"You sleep on the sofa," she whispered playfully. "I'm taking the bed."
Ranzo's face turned crimson. He scrambled up, stammering, "Uh... okay. Yeah. Fine. You take the bed, I'll take the sofa."
A sudden knock at the door broke the tension. "Ranzo? Is Marine with you?" It was Zaydan.
Ranzo opened the door quickly. "Yes, Dad. We were just finishing a game."
Zaydan entered, looking tired but relieved to see Marine. "Come, my child. It's time for your medication and some rest."
Marine looked at her father, then at Ranzo. "Dad... is it possible for me to sleep here, in Ranzo's room, from now on?"
Zaydan paused, looking between his children. "If Ranzo is willing to sleep on the sofa every night, I suppose I have no objection. But he can't do that forever, Marine. Your mother is waiting for you in your room."
"She can have my bed," Ranzo interjected, looking up at the ceiling to hide his shyness. "She's my only sister. I can manage the sofa for her."
Zaydan's eyebrows shot up. "You're really willing to give up your bed every single night?"
"I said I'll take care of her, didn't I?" Ranzo muttered, still not meeting his father's eyes.
Zaydan smiled, a rare moment of pride in his son. "Fine. If you're that determined, Marine can stay. I'll bring her medicine here. Just make sure she takes it."
After Zaydan left, the news spread through the manor like wildfire: Marine was officially moving into Ranzo's room. While the household was surprised, for Ranzo, it meant a new kind of endurance.
"You take the bed," Ranzo said quietly, settling onto the sofa.
"I can't believe you're actually doing this," Marine giggled, watching him. "The great Ranzo, defeated by a sofa."
Ranzo didn't respond, he just closed his eyes. Marine leaned over him, her voice a soft flutter against his ear. "Thank you, Ranzo. For everything." She then tucked herself into his bed, falling asleep in the comfort of his scent.
The Next Morning: The Devil's Gambit
The sun rose on a day destined for blood. In one of the most opulent wings of the Mafia's fortress, Haru sat in his private study, bored and irritable.
"Give me my schedule," he barked at his secretary.
The secretary bowed, tapping his tablet. "Sir, first is the inspection of the pharmaceutical plant. Then, a tasting of the world's rarest coffee, followed by two high-stakes underground card matches."
"Ugh, nothing new?" Haru groaned. "I'm sick of the same routine."
The secretary's eyes scanned a new notification on the dark web. His face lit up. "Wait, sir. I found something... unique. A man named Hesayo is traveling the world, issuing an open challenge. If anyone can beat him in a single match of cards, he will give them one of his kidneys for free."
Haru sat bolt upright. "His kidney? Is he insane? Who bets an organ on a card game?"
"Sir, look at the stats," the secretary replied, handing him the tablet. "He's played 221 matches against professional gamblers across the globe. He has won every single one. Not a single loss."
A predatory grin spread across Haru's face. "So, a gambler who thinks he's a god? My record is 999 wins and only one loss. It seems this 'Hesayo' has finally met his match. I'll take his kidney as a trophy. What does he want if I lose?"
"He wants a 'Blank Check'—whatever amount of money he names," the secretary said.
Haru laughed, a dark, arrogant sound. "Money is nothing. But an invincible gambler's kidney? That's a prize. Tell him I accept. Let's see who the real King of Cards is."
An hour later, Haru arrived at the secret location, guarded by a small army of bodyguards. "Keep your eyes peeled," Haru ordered. "The hunters are crawling everywhere lately."
He entered a dimly lit room with only one bodyguard. In the center sat a table. Opposite him was a man wearing a hauntingly vibrant Smiling Joker mask. Beside him stood a stunning woman in a sharp suit.
"Welcome," the lady said with a graceful bow. "Please, candidate, take your seat at the table of fate."
Haru sat down, leaning back with supreme confidence. "So, Joker... prepare to lose your kidney today."
The masked man began to laugh—a deep, chilling sound that echoed off the walls. Then, he went dead silent. When he spoke, his voice was distorted, heavy, and terrifying.
"Then let it begin..." the Joker whispered. "The Game of Death."
Haru felt a sudden, inexplicable shiver. He didn't know that the man behind the mask was no traveling gambler. It was The Ace Master, and the trap had just snapped shut.