Chapter 153: Gambling. (2/2)
Lukas sat down beside Yaho, settling into the comfortable chair as the sun lit up the open field in front of them. The event was just starting, and all the horses were being walked out one by one for everyone to see. This was a traditional part of the event—it gave people a chance to observe the horses closely before placing their bets. Each horse had a number, and a handler walked them slowly in a circle, giving the crowd a clear view of their build, size, and energy.
Lukas watched carefully, his eyes scanning every detail. But he didn’t just look at the horses—he also focused on the riders. He knew that in horse racing, the rider was just as important as the horse. A skilled rider could make all the difference, even if the horse wasn’t the fastest. The way they sat, held the reins, and connected with the horse mattered more than most people thought. Lukas leaned forward a bit as each rider passed, studying their posture and confidence.
While they were watching, a staff member came by and politely placed a tray of tea in front of them. Lukas thanked him with a nod and picked up the warm cup, the light steam rising into the air. Yaho also accepted her tea and took a slow sip. The tea was calming, its soft scent mixing with the fresh smell of the race ground.
Just then, another group entered the premium section. Lukas noticed them immediately. They were dressed in clean, tailored suits and moved with a kind of sharp discipline. These weren’t ordinary spectators—they looked like high-level corporate people, the kind who came here for business and pleasure at the same time. They spoke in low voices and carried themselves with confidence. Lukas glanced at Yaho, who noticed them too but said nothing.
Then entered the man named Tanaka—the same host who had welcomed them earlier when they first arrived at the gambling grounds. This time, he looked even more formal. He carried a golden tray in his hands, polished to a shine, and walked with careful, measured steps between the rows of premium seats.
He approached each group calmly, stopping first at the section where the Yakuza boss sat. Without a word, the man in the black suit pulled a card from his inner pocket and placed it onto the tray. Tanaka nodded respectfully, then leaned in as the man whispered something into his ear. Whatever was said, Tanaka showed no reaction and simply moved on.
Next, he stopped at the corporate guests. Their leader, a clean-cut man with silver cufflinks and slicked-back hair, did the same—handed over his card and leaned in close. Lukas noticed the quietness, the way neither of them mentioned a horse’s name out loud. It seemed like a private ritual, one done with confidence and control.
Lukas now realized something. These weren’t ordinary bets. This wasn’t the kind of race where you loudly shouted numbers and names. This was private, high-stakes gambling, done only among the highest tiers. The premium section held just three groups—Lukas and Yaho, the Yakuza boss, and the corporation’s head.
When Tanaka finally reached him, Lukas sat more comfortably, then leaned toward the man and softly whispered, "Black horse."
Tanaka smiled politely but then leaned in and whispered back, "Tell me the amount you’re betting."
Lukas blinked once in surprise, but he wasn’t embarrassed. He simply nodded, then said in a calm, firm voice, "1.5 billion yen."