Queen Of Cards || Akashi Seijuro x OC

Chapter 26

"Your first lovely gamble will be against dear Yuriko, worth 500 million yen."

Yuriko Nishinotouin was a member of the student council, of course. Her and her loyal slave, Kumagusu, were silently following Kirari as she led them to the large school backyard. In there was a structure that Airi had always saw but ignored.

The tower.

It was a strange structure built by Kirari. There were entrances all around the building at all floors. Airi counted 5 floors.

Just as Airi suspected and hoped for, her senpais were spectators. Kirari had left them in the student council room where they would watch the first gamble from the projector.

Unfortunately and fortunately, Akashi was with her and still a little shaken up by the cold blooded murder that happened mere minutes ago.

"Akashi Seijuro... right?"

Don't act dumb, Kirari. You did what amounts to centuries worth of research on him and everyone knows it.

Akashi looked at Airi, eyes asking if he could respond. Airi gave the slightest nod, eyes locked on the mysterious tower that she knew no-one had entered besides the president.

"Correct."

"I heard your family delves into investments and real estate... much like my dear Yunabamis."

"That would be correct."

"I see... Then I wonder... how much is your family's company worth? 100 million yen? Or maybe... closer to a billion yen?"

Airi knew where this is going. Cutting Akashi off, she interjected.

"Don't even think about it, Kirari-san. I refuse."

"What a shame... you could bet so much more and reap so much more."

Akashi wondered what his girlfriend was refusing. At this point, he was taking in every word anyone said, trying to piece together the whole picture.

The 5 of them began their walk up the central stairwell that seemed to go on forever and ever upwards. Airi took in every little feature, from the doors to the little screens that displayed white light to the beautiful lilies on the wall.

The stairwell came to an end and they exited at the top.

"Now that we're at the top, I will explain the game. The aim is to descend from this floor, the 5th floor, to the 1st floor and the ascend back here again. The first pair to bring back a lily from the 1st floor as proof of their descent will win. To open any door, you must answer the question the screen of the door displays. Each team will take 5 minute turns. For example, Akashi and Airi will have 5 minutes to open a door and after that 5 minutes, all doors will close and it will be Yuriko and Kumasugu's turn."

Simple enough... right? Airi glanced around the floor they were on, taking in all details.

"Please play paper scissors rock to see who begins."

Airi looked at Akashi who nodded. Stepping forwards, she threw out paper. She hadn't formulated a strategy yet and going first had both its advantages and disadvantages.

Rock and paper, Airi's favour.

"Well, make your move in 5 minutes, Airi-chan, Seijuro-chan."

Akashi was a little irked at Kirari addressing him so informally but he said nothing. He instead headed to the door which they came from. There was only one door at the centre which displayed '12c' which translated to 300 degrees. Airi thought about this. The tower... was full of mysteries.