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To the Servants staying in Chaldea there were no heart pounding battles for the salvation of mankind. For these Servants there were no missions, the completion of which was the only thing that separated Humanity from imminent death. There was no terrible enemy around every corner, no shadowy masterminds plotting to undermine existence, except for Baal. One could even say that it was ordinary and almost boring for the Servants staying in Chaldea.

For Hector, he just couldn't get enough of the fact that it was so!

Hector was one of those people who preferred to enjoy the lack of work, rather than try to find a new occupation as soon as they finished the previous one. That is why Hector enjoyed his quiet life in Chaldea as much as he had never enjoyed anything else in this world.

Do you want to sleep until 2 pm? No problems!

Do you want to spend all your time playing console games? Wonderful!

The Master gave no instructions to his Servants before heading to the Singularity? It sounded like carte blanche for wonderful days full of laziness, rest and relaxation!

Therefore, Hector, waking up on his bed after a perfect ritual of an afternoon nap, was in a mood so wonderful that nothing could bring him out of his good-natured state.

Rising from his bed, Hector reached for the jeans that he had haphazardly thrown when he took his nap, then, having straightened them out, pulled on a shirt dangling on a chair, buttoning it a little later. Of course, as a Servant, he could use other ways to dress himself, faster too, but Hector was not one of those Servants who preferred to walk around constantly in his combat form. Besides it's not like Chaldea would miss the article of clothing stored in the many filled warehouses of Chaldea, Hector was only glad to take advantage of the hospitality of his new home.

Straightening his clothes, Hector yawned, then scratched his chin which had time to grow a small stubble. He then took a lazy glance into the mirror hanging next to his bed. Yep, that's what Hector with all possible sincerity looked like!

Hector, after a little reflection, noticed that his hair is a little disheveled. No problem! Just a little smoothing with his fingers and he's good to go. Smiling at his reflection in the mirror, the reflection smiled at Hector in response, giving him new strength that he could spend on the thousands of exciting activities that are now open to him!

Indeed, Hector was not exaggerating when he said that thousands of possible options for his further pastime were opened to him!

Slashers, shooters, sport games, flying simulators, arcades... The list was virtually endless!

Therefore, deciding not to waste his time anymore on useless pursuits - but to assign it to the most important business of his entertainment - Hector got up from his bed, and then moved out of his room.

Outside his room, Hector, as expected, did not encounter anything unusual. No Masters running after each other trying to win the Shiny Big Golden Cup, no Servants who for some reason decided to arrange another deadly duel, no apocalyptic monsters that threaten human civilization...

Hector almost shed a tear at the realization of how closely Chaldea, in his personal vocabulary, fit the definition of Paradise to a t.

"Oh, Hector!" A voice rang out from afar, causing Hector to turn to the speaker, and then smile in recognition.

"Ah, Norman" Hector was in a unique position among the Servants of Chaldea, he was the most approachable. And as he spent all his time in Chaldea, short as it is, among the various comforts of Chaldea, it is no surprise that his laid back nature, along with his usual activities, allowed him to get along with the various Chaldean technicians. - "What, are you going to the computer lounge again?"

"Alas, my free time is nonexistent." Norman was, of course, a plain middle-aged man with his head already touched by bald patches. With his thinning, black hair and blue uniform of an ordinary service staff, he looked like the most ordinary of a person.

"You're lucky that you are a Servant", - the technician smiled, - "We humble technicians have to work twenty four seven…"

Hector smiled, - "Don't worry, I'll rest for you all!"

In response to his nonsensical remark, the technician just rolled his eyes and then exhaled, "Okay. Anyway I'll have to go, there are some problems in the command center that need fixing again… Why the surveying equipment kept being on the fritz is beyond me."

"Then good luck to you", - Hector smiled at the technician, after which he watched his retreating back.

Hector, despite his status as a Servant, which usually was an existence that existed on an unbridgeable distance with the technicians, barring some exceptions - was able to get to know the service personnel of Chaldea quite well.

Yes, they were not great heroes, whose power was capable of crushing mountains and cities, but they were the linchpin that kept Chaldea functioning. Not possessing the kind of strength that would allow them to lightly walk through the Singularities with fire and sword as a huge road roller, but still they are the one that allowed the Servants to travel across the Singularities in the first place. The force that supported Chaldea, in which the Servants could rest before their future battles. Their continued existence was the thing that gave Humanity a chance for survival.

Of course, to the Servants, each of whom bore a great legend behind them - a huge mark in history, and in their arsenal - magical artifacts that could change the course of human history - the ordinary workers were not of interest and were usually ignored. The Servants, existence that is quite far removed from normality, would not be able to think that the normal people of Chaldea did no less than the Servants themselves for the salvation of mankind. Still, if Chaldea's staffs started to interact with the Servants more, perhaps the rift would be bridged.

In the end, Chaldea's working staff were usually just afraid to approach the Servants in any way. Quite reasonable, realizing that the Servants could all break an ordinary person in half with their bare hands solely out of negligence. Not to mention the huge differences in their psyche and ways of thinking. It is quite easy to imagine a Chaldean staff provoking a Servant's anger by accident, it would be like cutting grass with a scythe, the offender would probably die before even realizing what had happened.

However, Hector, whose daily activities often intersect with the resting workers playing in the break room or on lunch breaks, was able to overcome this barrier and therefore was tacitly considered the 'Servant who's ok' among the Chaldean staff. Though, it could not be said that such a title really flattered Hector - but the fact that he generally preferred to maintain good relations with all people was undeniable.

Therefore, Hector, unlike even Archer, who was loved for his amazing cooking, but whom the staff still preferred not to interact with, was quite familiar with almost all the workers of Chaldea. Except the one technician who seemed to possess divine providence, which allowed him to elude Hector's gaze every time just a second before their acquaintance would become inevitable. It was perhaps time to think that not only Servants possessed special abilities in Chaldea… ?

In any case, with a shake of his head, Hector, still beaming with good-naturedness, went ahead to the computer longue, continuing to reflect on the most difficult question for him since his summoning.

Sports game or a shooter?

The fact that Hector would not be able to play any games today as long as he did in the past days - Hector realized even before he approached the rest room he had chosen.

"So, there is Poseidon, and I shit you not - he turned himself into a ship!" - Drake's voice came through the walls, reaching Hector's ears. - "The funniest shit I've seen in my life!"

In response, a much quieter laughter, but only compared to Drake's, rang out, after which Hector heard many other laughters coming from the lounge room he was about to enter.

Hector sighed - where there is Drake, then there was alcohol. If there was any amount of alcohol, there would be a lot of it. If there was booze - then no one will let Hector play calmly. And Hector, to be honest, although he liked to drink a couple of cans of beer sometimes - he was not much of a drinker. And with Drake being there, unfortunately, it was impossible to do otherwise.

But on the other hand, Hector was not one of those people who would have escaped in horror from a drunken Drake. All the more, there was just something funny about watching drunk people act out. So after a few moments of contemplation - Hector opened the door, looking at all the occupants of the lounge room chosen by him.

Of course, the first to catch Hector's eye was Francis Drake. A lady with an outstanding figure, it was no wonder that she would be very eye-catching. A figure favorably emphasized by a red jacket, and with no less red cheeks. Drake was holding a glass in her hand with some kind of liquid in it. Rum, at least that is what Hector believed Drake would have chosen as her preferred drink.

Hector's attention was then taken by the blue haired Cu Chulainn. Of course, who else could appreciate Drake's company more if not another drinker and party lover? Cú Chulainn's staff lay in the corner, covered with his fur cape, so that now anyone could appreciate his athletic figure, covered only by a black, almost transparent shirt.

The third occupant of the longue was Nero. Unlike Cu Chulainn and Drake, who preferred not to waste their time on trifles and drink strong alcohol with merriment while somehow not spilling their drinks, Nero acted regally. With a wine glass held in her hand, she interacted with the others with a smile and laughter. However, the blush on her cheeks still made it clear to Hector that she was not completely sober.

And the last person that was gathered in the longue was Archer. Unlike the others, who seemed to enjoy their time drinking, he kept his usual serious mask on his face. However, with Hector's experienced eyes, he could see that Archer was also enjoying his time. At least, judging by the four empty cans of beer next to him, Archer at least had participated in drinking. Though how plastered he would be with only four beers is anyone's guess.

At the very least, for a second after Hector opened the door, Archer tried to look presentable and hide the cans of beer. Drake's shout showed him the pointlessness of such an action though, - "Hey, Hec, come in!"

"As I see", - Hector looked around the room, - "You certainly didn't waste your time."

In the middle of the longue there was now a table furnished with chairs, at which the four Servants were seated. Judging by the amount they had drunk, they just started drinking. Well, they're having a good time, apparently telling stories from their lives. Not exactly a friendly get-together - however, given the natural charisma of the Servants like Drake and Nero, as well as the influence of alcohol, it already looks like more than just colleagues having a drink after work.

"We rejoice in every day we have lived!" - Cu Chulainn then raised a toast, after which he raised his cup, - "Cheers for a new day!"

After an impromptu toast, Cu Chulainn and Drake were quick to empty their glasses to the bottom. Archer and Nero also joined in - but a bit more restrained, only taking a couple of sips from their drink of choice.

Hector was definitely not one of those people who interfered in other people's festivities - and therefore closed the door behind him so as not to embarrass the Servants celebrating inside the longue with the look of any passers by.

Taking in the atmosphere in the room, saturated with alcohol fumes, Hector chuckled, then moved to the only remaining seat.

"Sharing stories?" Hector looked around at the Servants around him.

"You don't know how many tales I have from all of my voyage!" Drake grinned at Hector.

"My stories are better, these are stories about empireishpil… imperisha… about me ~ umu!" Nero butted in Drake's boast, but it was not real anger, but rather something to preserve the atmosphere between friends, which made Drake burst out laughing with a deep, hoarse laugh. Whether Nero did it on purpose or not - Hector did not know, but he still appreciated the gesture.

"Stories from my life huh", - Hector shook his head approvingly, and then looked around, - "But are we just drinking... No one has any cards?"

In other circumstances, Hector would also not mind just drinking with friends, but unfortunately, Hector was at the moment still very much sober. So without alcohol to grease up conversations, he wanted to play something. The memories of how Ainz used his skills to defeat him in the game were haunting Hector, so he wanted the practice. In the end, he decided on a little experiment.

"What are you planning?" Drake was the first to look at Hector approvingly.

"No one has a desire to play poker?" - Hector looked around innocently, - "Or someone does not know how?"

"Ridiculous, there is no such gambling game that I would not know how to play!" - Drake burst out laughing instantly, and then looked around those present.

"I'm in ~ umu!" - Nero joined the conversation next.

"No questions asked," Cu Chulainn nodded graciously.

And only Archer asked a logical question, - "But, we have nothing to bet."

Hector froze for a second. Indeed, poker without bets was virtually pointless, however…

"I'll put my Golden Doe on the line!" - Drake answered first, and then looked around, "What, no one will ante up?"

"I want it!" - Nero answered instantly, - "I bet... Hmm... A beautiful song for the victor!"

"It is impossible to put what you do not possess!" - Cu Chulainn after a second dodged an empty can of beer thrown at him, - "I bet... Damn, what could I bet... Okay, damn it, I bet my runes! No, wait…shit!"

Hector smiled, - "So the bets were anted up…"

A deck of cards was found instantly - in the longue there was even a brand new one, unopened, which was only a plus for Hector, that took on the role of a dealer. Standing at the table, he concentrated for a second, after which he looked around at all those present, who were scattered from each other.

So now he only needed to concentrate on the game... And on the players.

Hector's gaze touched Nero, who happily sipped her wine from the glass, ignoring the others. Then Drake, watching Hector's face closely. Then on Archer's face, watching Hector's hands as he shuffled the deck. And then on Cu Chulainn, who tapped his foot slightly nervously, shifting his foot here and there slightly each time.

Hector broke into a smile, then began dealing the cards.

First, two cards were given to Nero, who glanced at them and, expression turning into a satisfied smile, put them aside.

Then Drake, who did not even reach for the cards, preferring to knock over some more rum.

Archer also did not reach for the cards, only glanced interestedly at Hector, while Cu Chulainn grabbed his cards and only took a short time to look at them.

"Considering the number of players - we will do without the blinds", - Hector smiled, - "In the end we are all friends here for a friendly match, right?"

The Servants had no objection to this.

"Then, if someone is stopping me from putting on my perfect voice and my magnificent singing ~ umu!" - Nero threw a disapproving glance at Cu Chulainn, - "Then... I put the title of the... First Senator!"

"Why not the title Emperor?" Cu Chulainn glanced at Nero, forcing her to frown.

"Know your... ~ umu!" - She could not finish the complaint before taking another drink of her wine, forcing Hector to smile, and then looked at Drake, - "Drake, you won't look at your cards?"

"I believe in the heart of the cards!" - Drake grunted, - "And that I'm lucky, I have bet the Golden Doe after all!"

"Archer?" Hector glanced at the guy who also never looked at his cards and smiled.

"I bet…" - Archer thought. He didn't have many things that he could pony up as a bet - it's not like he's getting paid for his job after all, both of them… However, with his mind a little confused by alcohol, his decision making skills were a bit impaired. - "I bet my mantle. Sewn from a holy shroud, so no one should have any problems with this."

"Okay", - Hector nodded, then turned his gaze to Cu Chulainn, who was looking at his cards, unconsciously running his fingers across the table, - "Cu Chulainn?"

"Using my runes as a bet.", - Cu Chulainn exhaled, - "I hope, teacher never knows about it."

Hector smiled. He had already figured out the tricks all four are using, but… How boring an adult would he be if he passed up the opportunity to snap youths on the noses? Plus, it was an important experiment. After all, Ainz was using his powers for amusement - why couldn't Hector do the same?

"The Flop" Three cards were drawn from the pile. Hector drew and flipped the cards slowly.

Jack of Hearts. Ace of Hearts. King of Hearts. The situation that had recently been a friendly one instantly heated up. Three cards of the same suit, almost creating an improbable hand… Was there a call for a royal street flush? Which player did Fortuna smile upon?

Hector smiled, then looked around the room. Before the draw, the Servants, who had played quietly more from idleness, have now become much more attentive.

"I'm raising", - Nero was the first to answer, keeping a satisfied smile on her face, - "The title of vicar of any province to choose from, except Italy and Rome. With the right for taxation."

"A title of honor is, of course, not bad…" - Archer answered bluntly, - "But the administration of the Roman provinces in the modern world can be… difficult."

"They will not resist the ruler appointed by the Emperor.", - Nero rolled her eyes, as if she were talking about something obvious, - "Besides... You can always 'persuade' them ~ umu! Only by peaceful means of course."

Hector breathed out - who knew that there was so much excitement in Nero?

"I see.", - Drake grinned, - "Then, since we can bet on titles, ha... Then I call - the title of admiral of my armada! With the right to control the fleet, there are no restrictions!"

Archer was next and, unlike the others, hesitated for a second before sighing. "Call. My Infinite Sword Forge on demand... Not on a permanent basis - but... Say, any hundred swords of your choice."

Hector chuckled and looked at Cu Chulainn, who was slowly mumbling words to himself.

"Okay…" - Cu Chulainn exhaled and looked up, - "Then from my side... All the knowledge about runic magic that my teacher taught me!"

Hector chuckled. "The stakes are huge!" Hector smiled as he dealt the turn.

The next card was the Ace of Clubs. Hector looked with interest at Nero.

"Raise, two more provinces under your control ~ umu!" Apparently, Nero was confident in her hand - and was not going to give up just like that, absorbed in the thrill of the moment.

"All the treasures on my ships.", - Drake easily answered in kind, then grinned, - "And half of all my treasures in the future."

Hector smiled - Nero could afford to lose what she did not possess - but Drake… Drake however, was one of those people who risked everything without any displeasure.

"Then..." Archer frowned. Also, like Drake, he still has not seen his cards, but Hector was not particularly worried about this, - "Hmm... A thousand? No, okay, ten thousand swords."

The eyes of those present were then focused on Cu Chulainn, who slowly sighed, and then looked around everyone present with a confident look, - "Well, since it came to really big bets, then... Hmm, I'm no stranger to being a dog - so… All-in, I bet myself!"

Hector chuckled - however, into the drunken minds of those present, no one was surprised by such a move. Indeed, the main reason why the Servants were so weakly related to the society of ordinary people was just how different their way of thinking is.

"In that case," Hector breathed out, "The last card, the river."

The Queen of Hearts. The perfect combination of cards is on the table. From the Jack of Hearts to the Ace. Only one card was needed to hit the largest possible jackpot.

Hector exhaled, then smiled. "The final round of betting."

Nero blinked, then looked at the table and looked at Cu Chulainn, - "No."

"Check," Drake replied, then knocked over another glass of rum.

"Check," Archer replied mechanically, then looked at Cu Chulainn.

"What, I'm already in the game", - Cu Chulainn grunted, not looking up from a new mug of alcohol.

Hector smiled. "Well... Showdown?"

The first to display her cards was Nero, Hector smiled at that - "Nero."

"Four aces." Ace of Diamonds and Ace of Spades.

Hector smiled. "Not bad indeed. Drake."

Drake just idly turned her cards over.

Ace of Diamonds and Ace of Spades.

Cu Chulainn choked on his whiskey. Nero choked on her wine. Archer choked on his beer. Drake choked on the rum. Hector smiled.

Nero's cheating was beautiful - after all, her Imperial Privilege allowed her to deal any card to herself. However, Drake's Luck meant that she would always get the best card. Even if it wasn't possible.

In other words, there were six aces on the table - and two of them were not real. The only question was, whose?

"That's such a strange coincidence", - Hector exaggeratedly cheerfully rubbed his chin, - "We have six aces from one deck…"

Nero and Drake looked at each other.

In the end, Drake always got the best, even if it wasn't possible. Nero could not help but get the best - the benefits of being an emperor.

"Well, no way to find out the cheater", - Hector exhaled sadly and looked at the two girls, - "Apparently... You two are disqualified."

"What?! No! Umu!" - Nero looked at Hector in horror, but Drake managed to put his hand on her shoulder.

"Sit down," Drake grinned, then turned her gaze to Archer.

Archer turned significantly pale after Nero's reaction and Drake's eyes continued to wander around the table. Hector even knew why.

After all, everyone cheated in this game. Including Archer.

Using his perfect vision, reflexes, and projection magic, Archer made sure he got the best possible hand in his hands. However, Archer couldn't have known that Drake and Nero would also want the best.

"Archer", - Hector looked at that, - "Maybe you will reveal your cards too?"

Archer exhaled slowly, then turned the cards over.

There were now eight aces on the table.

"Alas, Archer also suffers disqualification," Hector chuckled, then turned his gaze to Cu Chulainn. "Cu Chulainn?

Cu Chulainn was silent. Hector sighed. "Cu Chulainn?

"Disqualification," Cu Chulainn sighed languidly, then turned over his cards. Ace of Diamonds and Ace of Spades.

Drawing with your fingers from stress, mumbling to yourself... Did Cú Chulainn really think that Hector would confuse him using runic magic with a nervous tick?

"Oh my, it seems that we have ten aces on the table…" - Hector exhaled theatrically, then looked at everyone. - "How to determine which of them are real? Who is really that lucky and who should be the winner?"

After another moment, Hector, enjoying the look of confusion of those present, smiled, - "Nobody. All of you are disqualified."

A moment later, with a real magic trick, Hector pulled two cards out of his sleeve, - "The two aces were in my hands all the time. Two more on the table. And you all decided to take the chance to get some more, hmm... Not very sportsmanship behavior."

"Wait…" - Drake suddenly came to understand, - "That is... You cheated from the very beginning?"

"Hmm?" Hector blinked.

"So you are the biggest cheat in this game?" Nero glanced at him with a heated glare.

"No, wait, you yourself…" - Hector tried to justify himself, but was interrupted.

"So you originally decided to cheat everyone in order to set us up?" Archer looked at Hector with steely eyes.

"No, wait, that accusation doesn't make any sense at all!" Hector tried to justify himself...

However, he was indeed right. Servants, especially under the influence of alcohol, were indeed difficult to understand individuals. Hector reacted immediately and dashed out of the longue

"Hold him!" In an instant Cu Chulainn's shout ringed out.

As Hector ran out of the break room, Hector thought that his non-combat Tactics skill test had gone well. It's just… Judging by the rumble behind Hector's back, the situation threatened to move from a non-combat situation to a death or life struggle very quickly.

Name: Hector

Ability: Military tactics

Ability Level: 50

An ability that allows one to determine the approximate level of the enemy, as well as some of his most powerful and dangerous abilities. An indispensable ability for commanders and scouts.