Editing Kakegurui Trip Fulltext (section)

===Chapter 1, part 4===
So how would one approach this game? You'd have to work with broad assumptions about people.<br>
Most would not easily order something they don't know the taste of. There are always the adventurous types but the majority would stick to the familiar.<br>
Fruit based drinks will probably be favored. The palm tree on the menu book and the anticipation of leisure at the resort puts people in a tropical paradise sort of mindset, after all.<br> 
Perhaps the guys will more easily go for carbonated drinks while the girls will tend to pick something extra sweetened. Then there is the weather. It's warm and sunny so it's unlikely someone will go for hot coffee.
<br><br>
Kifune's thoughts must have been similar to mine, but what Yumeko was thinking I could not attempt to guess. She always says she doesn't like it when she is guaranteed to lose or guaranteed to win. She lives for the gamble itself rather than the winnings. If anything, she was probably thinking of something that would make the game more exciting, rather than turn it in her favor. Normal people will do all they can to limit risk. Yumeko's nature is to turn up the risk to the max. True excitement comes from games where there's no going back if you lose. As I have observed Yumeko play, I feel like this is her message to the world. With the adjustment to the rules following Mary's comment, this game may very well be a toss-up, so Yumeko has room to work her magic.
<br><br>
Yumeko was looking across the deck for bar customers with her usual gentle smile.
By her side was Kifune with her calm, serious and concentrated expression. The skirt of her black uniform was slightly waving in the breeze. Her outfit looked inappropriate for the weather but it didn't seem too hot or uncomfortable for her.<br>
Behind them were Mary and me. Mary still had her arms crossed and was frowning in disapproval. Around us were the staff Kifune arrived with earlier. They were waiting in silence.
Although all of us together formed quite a group, people at the bar did not mind us much.<br>
I wondered if Kifune set up a listening device somewhere as a cheat. She seemed not to have any earpiece at least. Her ears were clearly visible thanks to the breeze that played with her hair.
<br><br>
A couple showed up at the bar. They looked at the menu while chatting. Yumeko remained silent.<br>
The bartender handled several bottles and used the silver shaker. The sound of the liquid sloshing in the shaker reached us as we looked at the bartender's fluid and practiced moves. The bright orange contents was poured out in long drink glasses.
<br><br>
''"It looks like they both took a 'Cinderella'. I would have guessed that"'', Kifune said.
<br><br>
Surely, she was lying to unsettle Yumeko. This was the type of game that keeps going until a lucky coincidence occurs. And yet, here was Kifune declaring with confidence she would have guessed right on the first try from a list of over a hundred possible orders. 
<br><br>
''"How about her? Shall we gamble on her order?"'', Yumeko said while gesturing. 
<br><br>
A girl has just arrived at the bar. There was nothing distinctive about her looks. Nothing that would give away a drink preference, at least. Did Yumeko know her? Probably not. Yumeko didn't have many friends and I'm pretty sure I would have met this girl before if she was one of them.
<br><br>
''"Acceptable"'', Kifune said without hesitation. ''"Let's declare at the same time. One... two... three..."''
<br><br>
''"Lemonade."'' Yumeko's guess was the same as mine. I was nice that our thoughts aligned, but this was not the time to dwell on that. I was listening to Yumeko but missed what Kifune said. 
<br><br>
''"What was Izayoi-san's guess?"'', I asked Mary.
<br><br>
''"No take-backs, you know"'', Mary said to Kifune. It seems she did hear Kifune's words but was ignoring me asking for them.
<br><br>
''"Of course. I stand by it"'', Kifune replied.
<br><br>
''"Everybody got that?!"'', Mary said loudly. She was making sure Kifune's staff could hear her as well. ''"Izayoi-san predicted hot coffee with milk!"''
<br><br>
What? When negotiating the rules, nothing was said about the temperature of the drink. It was implied only the drink itself mattered, not if it was hot or iced. There were common hot drinks on the menu, but someone ordering them was unlikely. Given the exotic choices, the vacation atmosphere and the weather, why would someone order something plain and hot they could have gotten anywhere at any time? Mary probably asked Kifune for confirmation because she was as surprised as I was.<br>
The bartender started to prepare the drink while talking with the girl. Kifune maintained her cool composure, which was a bit unnerving, given that she had made such an odd bet.
<br><br>
So it's 'lemonade' against 'café au lait'. Surely, Yumeko had the advantage in this round, but Kifune's bold move must be a strategy for the long run of some sorts.
<br><br>
The girl received her drink. She thanked the bartender while smiling and walked off towards us. There were benches behind us and it looked like she was heading to them. In her hand was a non-transparent, thermal, lidded cup. Kifune stepped forward and approached her.
<br><br>
''"I'm awfully sorry, but I'm afraid I need to ask you for your cooperation. Could I perhaps have your drink? You will get a replacement right away, of course. I'm in a gamble with one of the other guests and it would amuse us if we could examine your cup"'', Kifune said to the girl with a short, polite bow.
<br><br>
The girl was surprised and hesitated, but when seeing the replacement drink that was already fetched for her by one of the staff, she went along with it. 
<br><br>
''"You saw how we swapped, right?"'', Kifune said while walking back to us and facing Mary. ''"What I have in my hand how is the original order. Could you check for us what it is exactly, Saotome-sama? I think everybody is fine with you being the judge."''
<br><br>
Mary looked at Kifune in bewilderment. Then she did what was asked and removed the lid. ''"No way..."'', she said while her eyes widened. She slowly took a sip from the cup. After swirling it around in her mouth, to be sure of the taste, she swallowed it. The expression of bewilderment was still on her face. She said nothing.
<br><br>
''"So, how is it, Saotome-sama?"'', Kifune asked in a flat tone. 
<br><br>
Mary remained motionless, still holding the drink. It was silent recognition. I walked over to her and looked into the cup. Sure enough, it had the white-brown color of coffee with milk.
<br><br>
''"I've won the gamble... haven't I?"'', Kifune said while slowly turning towards Yumeko. She dragged out the last part of the sentence in way that was clearly meant as mockery.
<br><br>
Kifune dropped the refined politeness she was so proudly holding up earlier. Her eyes were filled with contempt, like a noble looking at a commoner. She was smiling with one side of her mouth. It was like one corner of her mouth was pulled up by a fishing hook. The cheek was bulging outward as it had nowhere else to go. Kifune looked downright demonic, smiling in such an ugly, distorted way.
<br><br>
''"This ship is headed for Ryouran Island, the pride of our prestigious Hyakkaou Private Academy. Do you have any idea of how important Ryouran is? No, I'm sure you haven't..., Jabami-sama."'' Kifune looked Yumeko straight in the eyes as she stepped closer to her. It was clearly provocative body language that Kifune permitted herself now, having won the game.
<br><br>
''"When our country finally legalizes casinos as part of the tourist lure, Ryouran Island will surely become an example case. In fact, many from the political and business elite have visited it often already for inspections. In other words, it is sacred land and essential for the future of Japan. To set foot there means to set foot in the realm of the upper class... Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"'' Kifune's eyes were wide open, it looked like the corners could snap. ''"Fidos and Mittens defiling the place is absolutely unforgivable!"''
<br><br>
Kifune's voice was menacing but she spoke quietly. Probably only we could hear her as the sound of the sea swallowed up background noises.
Fidos and Mittens. These are the nicknames given to the unfortunate souls that are reduced to housepet status at our school. Slaves, for everyone to treat like livestock. Yumeko, Mary and I were all housepets at some point.
<br><br>
Kifune ran her fingers through Yumeko's silky smooth black hair, pushing it along the ear. She rubbed a lock of it between her fingers. ''"It's still there, isn't it?"'', she asked with a hissing voice. She grabbed the lock and yanked it towards her nose, forcing Yumeko's head forward. She sniffed it loudly. ''"The stench of an animal"'', she hissed again.
<br><br>
''"That's enough!"'', I shouted without thinking. Kifune snapped back into her professional self. She quickly turned towards me and looked at me directly with a plain expression and a faint smile.
<br><br>
''"Oh, I apologize profusely, Suzui-sama. I got carried away. Please rest assured. As promised, the linen room will be prepared. I hope you will enjoy Ryouran Island and the services we provide. Mind yourself at the casino, though. No matter how hard you try, I'm sure you'll only keep losing."''<br>
Kifune stepped back a little and gave the same theatrical bow as when she introduced herself. ''"Our ship will soon arrive at Ryouran. Please enjoy your exciting trip."'' She turned around and left with her assistants following her.
<br><br>
Then there was silence. None of us three said anything. Kifune had taken control of the situation, lured out a gamble and decisively won. The game looked fair enough, but it was over a bit too quickly. Looking back at it, a lot of what Kifune said were probably lies. The sign up mistake and the room shortage were likely made up in order to target Yumeko.<br>
What was the motive, though? I couldn't see how setting up Yumeko with a utility closet would accomplish anything. It didn't seem that severe of a thing considering Kifune runs the place. There are plenty more serious ways in which Kifune could cause trouble.
<br><br>
Yumeko wasn't injured but she was subjected to violence. Her head was still leaning forward from the pull with her hair covering her face.
<br><br>
''"Are you alright?"'', I asked her while seeking her eyes. What I saw shocked me just as much as what came before. Yumeko was smiling. She was biting on her index finger, seemingly to suppress the laughter welling up inside of her.
<br><br>
''"Hehehe, I see how it is..."'', she said to herself. Her pupils were widened in excitement and looked like two back holes that were somehow smiling along with her mouth. It was the face of a demon. Equally unnatural as Kifune's expression earlier, but totally differed. 
<br><br>
''"Are you alright?"'', I asked again. 
<br><br>
Yumeko responded this time and did so with a cheerful attitude, no less. ''"Yes, of course. I lost. What a shame."''
<br><br>
''"What do you mean, 'what a shame'?! And you stayed silent after being hurt like that as well! She may be the island owner or whatever, but that doesn't make any of this acceptable!"'', Mary shouted while stomping the deck in frustration.
<br><br>
''"I'm sorry, Mary-san, but... oooh!"'' Yumeko noticed something and did not finish her sentence. Instead, she ran off towards the ship's bow, leaned over the railing, stretched her arm as far out as possible and pointed. ''"Look! There is the island! It's so green and beautiful!"''
<br><br>
Mary and I followed her to the front of the ship, but with a lot less enthusiasm. The island was slowly coming closer. It was densely covered with trees. We would see them up close soon enough.
<br><br>
''"I'm looking forward to this so much, Suzui-san. Let's have lots of fun"'', Yumeko said. She turned around, showing a genuine smile. The wind was slightly stronger now and she had to hold her hair to prevent it from waving in front of her eyes.
<br><br>
It was as if Kifune and her game were completely forgotten. Yumeko showed no bitterness, only childlike excitement for the time she was about to spend with her friends. It was a most lovely and endearing sight, truly worthy of being captured as a photo. I was a little embarrassed witnessing it and averted my eyes.
<br><br>