Editing Kakegurui Trip Fulltext (section)

==Chapter 4, part 1==

We showered in our rooms, changed back into school uniform and met at the restaurant. It was once again a lavish buffet.
<br><br>
''"It feels like everyone is even more pumped up than yesterday"'', Mary said while moving a large piece of salmon onto her plate.
<br><br>
''"It's tournament night. Everyone will be at the casino, I suppose"'', I replied, while trying to decide what cheese to pick.
<br><br>
Yumeko was generously sprinkling dressing on her salad. ''"I'm sure lots will sign up. Kifune-san called it the main event, after all."''
<br><br>
The meal was excellent. We ate with lighthearted banter. Just like yesterday, we didn't linger at the restaurant for too long and went to the casino.
<br><br>
A large group had gathered. They were crowding someone who was standing in an open space. As we got closer, we saw that there were two guys dressed in the black Kansankai uniform. One was the center of attention, looking down to his clipboard and writing while people were talking to him. The other was giving directions to the crowd.<br>
''"We'll handle your poker tournament sign up. There are only 125 spots, so register quickly if you want to participate."''
<br><br>
''"So many people were looking forward to this. Those 125 spots will be gone in a blink, I bet"'', Mary said.
<br><br>
Yumeko rushed forward.
<br><br>
''"So, you are going to do it"'', I said to her as I was catching up. 
<br><br>
''"Yes of course! This is exactly the sort of thing I came here for! If I miss out, I'd regret it terribly. It's a once-a-year event after all"'', Yumeko said with a smile. ''"Will you two also sign up?"''
<br><br>
I considered Yumeko's suggestion for a moment. I didn't think I had any chance of winning, but it did seem like a fun experience. 
<br><br>
''"Suzui, you are wondering what the entry fee is, right?"'' Mary asked it like the answer was obvious.
<br><br>
''"It would be nice to know that, yes. Have you heard what it is, Saotome?"'', I asked.
<br><br>
Mary looked me in the eye while answering to see my reaction. ''"It's a million Yen."''
<br><br>
I laughed. ''"Ha, no! I'm passing on this then!"'' Thanks to Yumeko, I got some money from that slot machine yesterday. I lost some of it later so I wasn't really in a position to pay one million, even if I wanted to.<br>
''"I can't believe so many are willing to risk that much so easily"'', I said.
<br><br>
Mary looked at me, like she would at an endearing and naive child. I smiled sheepishly. 
<br><br>
''"Sorry, Yumeko. I have to decline. There are other games here I still want to try. Besides, didn't they say that they took bets on who the tournament winner would be?"''<br>
I pulled my coin card from my pocket. ''"I still got some money on this thing so I can bet on you!"''
<br><br>
''"That's a lot of pressure"'', Yumeko said.
<br><br>
I laughed. It was a surprise to hear Yumeko say that. You'd think she was joking but there was not a hint of sarcasm in her expression. She was always fine taking huge risks herself, so if she was being sincere here, it meant she was concerned about me.
<br><br>
''"Just do your best and we'll both make money!"'' I said, cheering her on. 
<br><br>
''"Yes! I'll do my best!"'' She raised both hands in front of her chest and pursed her red lips. 
<br><br>
''"What about you, Saotome?"'', I asked, turning to her.
<br><br>
''"I'll pass too. It's the main event and this place is run by Kifune. I'm not desperate and I don't trust this for one bit."'' Mary looked at Yumeko before continuing. ''"But hey, I'll cheer for those who are actually trying to compete fairly."''
<br><br>
Yumeko looked dejected, but only briefly. She widened her eyes as if she suddenly remembered something and brushed up to Mary. She then started whispering into Mary's ear while covering it with cupped hands, for total privacy.
<br><br>
''"Yes...? And then? I can do that. Okay... Ugh!! No way... You mean you actually want me to --- mumble"'', Mary was saying, but was interrupted when Yumeko slapped a hand in front of her mouth.
<br><br>
The two were staring at each other in silence.
<br><br>
Eventually, Mary removed Yumeko's hand and closed her eyes. She sighed deeply like she had done many times already on this trip. ''"I'm scared of myself for getting used to the outrageous things you say."''<br>
With reluctant acceptance, Mary gestured towards the tournament sign up. ''"Okay, whatever. Hurry up and go."''
<br><br>
''"Hihi. Thank you, Mary-san! I'll see you both later"'' Yumeko waved at us as she disappeared in the crowd.
<br><br>
''"It didn't look like you promised to sign up for the tournament yourself. You two were talking about something else entirely, right?"'', I asked Mary.
<br><br>
''"Ah, no... I mean, yes... It's none of your business. Well, actually it is, but you don't need to worry about it. Or maybe you should, but not now. You'll find out eventually. Anyway, I need to go. Have fun! See you later!"''<br>
After saying goodbye Mary started to walk away quickly.
<br><br>
I felt abandoned but it didn't bother me too much. If those two are pulling off some complicated scheme and don't need my help, I'll gladly get out of their way.
<br><br>
''"The tournament will start in one hour. Those who still wish to sign up, must do so quickly! Don't forget to pay the entry fee at the reception desk!"'', the Kansankai staffer announced, while looking around.
<br><br>
It seemed I had some time to kill. I guess I should check out some of the games I didn't get to play yesterday.
<br><br>