Chapter 132

Chapter 132

ES Game

Already experienced bone-deep in the previous life what accidents fandom causes when concentrating on one matter.

I also experienced fame in my own way, and among surrounding acquaintances many entertainers.

Most people who appeared on my channel complained going crazy from stress due to sasaeng fans behind the camera.

But, Durandist guys. As bad as sasaeng fans of the previous life.

The Sir Ashford team secretly guarding around my residence often sent me reports organizing the social harm Durandists cause for reference, most attempts to intrude into my restaurant.

And that guys aiming when no one at night and trying to pry the back door or windows and enter.

Of course most immediately caught on site. Because anticipated all and attached locks quadruple, quintuple without leaving.

At first they made a fuss saying curious about Jean-Paul Durand's secret recipes, but now rubbing saying will steal the ES Game.

That clear criminal act, right?!

But most ended in attempted so punishment of more than about one week detention impossible.

Era being era, no devices or investigation means to thoroughly monitor fandom like the previous life.

From the start no way that possible in a world where the privacy concept itself scarce?

How vicious British fandom clear just looking at Sherlockians.

In 1893 when Sherlock Holmes fell from Reichenbach Falls and died in The Final Problem, even did mourning marches wearing black armbands in London city.

Directly hearing the talk from Mr. Doyle received a lot of protest letters, threatening letters, even wreaths.

How severe even moved residence for a while.

And sending murder case resolution requests to Mr. Doyle who is only a simple mystery novel writer common, saying will solve real cases like Sherlock Holmes and interfering with the police station, or intruding into the police station, or prying the court door and rushing in... trying to steal original manuscripts from Strand Magazine also common.

But, wait a moment.

Surely not Sherlockians second job changed to Durandists?!

Not one or two people who saw me sticking with Mr. Doyle in London, so even if that vicious fandom infected me nothing strange at all!

Ah, how did Durandists know the ES Game?

Simple principle.

Not only general public Durandists secretly active in society.

Don't know who, but among some nobles also people doing Durandist activities. That my conclusion.

Someone among the nobles who played ES Game at the Carlton Club spread wrong information that the game came from my restaurant—exactly Miss Edith's source—at a Durandist gathering, and seemed passionately spoke how fun that game.

Originally humans, harbor desire for items that can't have.

If a vicious one immersed to the degree of doing fandom activities in this era, sufficient thought of aiming for the ES Game and rushing.

Solution? Simple.

Hitting a newspaper ad saying no relation to me and the ES Game and instead revealing the original creator.

But still didn't want to step forward so enthusiastically yet.

That is well... no matter a count's daughter, doubtful whether Miss Edith lacking social experience can handle the public's fame...

Moreover she my employee... well operated the restaurant instead of me... damn.

Anyway, naturally someday known, but thought too much right now.

Ultimately the remaining method one. Official release of the ES Game.

Throwing what the excited Durandist guys want and hoping the heat calms a bit.

Production and distribution helped by Strand Magazine side, and funds the Earl of Derby said will lend unlimited.

Already legal problems solved state, so no reason to hesitate more.

Come at me, these guys.

* * *

Twelve Days of Christmas.

Traditionally in Europe referring to the festival period continuing for 12 days from December 25 to Epiphany Eve (January 5).

December 26 Boxing Day. On this day in Britain the custom of employers distributing gifts to servants or laborers.

And from the 27th to the 30th banquets, music, dance etc. festivals held centered on nobles and upper class, the 31st New Year's Eve, January 1 New Year's first day festival, again parties and feasts continuing until January 5.

The words enjoyed the year-end atmosphere very grandly.

Well anyway cold so nothing else to do.

In other countries originally participating in various religious events during this period general, but in London long ago degenerated into a period of just playing eating and drinking.

In the mid-17th century Puritan Revolution Oliver Cromwell banned various religious events and festivals in Britain, and that Christmas also the same.

The ban measures all canceled hundreds of years later entering the Victorian era, but the original purpose religious tradition all cut so natural.

Anyway London citizens counted only this time wrapping up the year, and even planned in advance how to play well.

In such a situation the new plaything suddenly released at bookstores and general stores completely attracted the gazes of people passing the streets.

"I-finally I bought this! Kiyahho!"

A man at the bookstore holding a large envelope jumped out and did tap dance then stepped on ice and slipped.

But quickly got up and danced again and disappeared to the other side of the alley.

Lawrence Brighton, the manor manager of Windsor Castle, surprised at this unfamiliar scene seeing for the first time in life and stopped the steps.

He came up to London after a long time and was about to give year-end greetings to the person he serves.

The master how busy, after visiting the manor in autumn not visited even once.

So his role as the person in charge to give oral reports that the manor operating well without any problems.

But a bit reluctant to enter empty-handed, thought of dropping by the bookstore and buying even a simple gift.

But now the bookstore so crowded couldn't step one foot.

No, even the words crowded insufficient.

Literally the line circling the building and not even visible degree.

Lawrence wondered what on earth happened and tilted the head and approached the line side.

And discovered one gentleman looking the most serious among them and took off the bowler hat worn on the head and sent a greeting.

"There, excuse me... by any chance peanut butter new product released there? No, what reason everyone lining up on such a cold day...?"

The man heard the words and looked at Lawrence, and twitched the mouth corner.

That like... the eyes of a veteran who discovered a poker beginner.

"You, seem not knowing well? By any chance heard of ES Game?"

"...ES Game?"

Lawrence bewildered. Never read such a word even in the newspaper delivered to the manor.

"Oh dear, you seem not a London person! Eyes seeing the rumor for the first time! Come here. By any chance know a person called 'Jean-Paul Durand'?"

"J-Jean-Paul Durand?!"

Lawrence momentarily heart sank.

Because the name of the respected master he serves exactly 'Jean-Paul Durand'.

Of course he also well knew the master's activities.

Every time rumors that the master did something the servants of Windsor Castle side more stirred than the manor.

Created the Department of Food Innovation, received the Grand Cross, invested as baronet, and even received the chairman position at the Board of Trade something don't know! Moreover even leading the important event next year 'cooking exposition'!

But couldn't say such talk here now.

That is because as the master's fame grows, naturally careful with behavior so as not to disgrace the name value the basic etiquette of a subordinate.

Lawrence maintained composure and answered.

"The name a bit, seem heard..."

"Then talk fast! That tremendously fun board game that person made first released in London today! Didn't do newspaper ads and released suddenly, but can't avoid our Durandists' eyes! Hahaha! Everyone waiting only for that!"

"Uh, hmm, uh... Thank you for informing."

"Wait, not only that! There's a reason we longed for the ES Game so much!"

The man suddenly caught his breath, then started praising the board game very passionately.

"Look, this game not simple play but art! Perfect harmony of strategy and luck! Tension-filled card play, and the thrill of gaining and losing titles! And...!"

Lawrence gradually shrank more. Didn't know what to reply and barely cut the words.

"T-thank you! Now sufficient! Fun, seems a fun game!"

"Right? Right?! Body itchy and excited?! Heheha!"

Lawrence didn't want to be involved more and decided to quickly cut the words and leave the seat. But the man's crazy voice continued flying to the back of his head.

"If wanting to play the game go to any nearby pub! Because our Durandists all decided to gather there! Hehehaha!"

Lawrence instinctively flinched. A feeling of spine chilling.

So... just avoiding pubs today, right?

Originally thought of dropping by the pub to briefly warm the cold body, but somehow seemed have to change the destination to a coffee house.

He hurried the steps and not walking much suddenly looked back.

People curious why people lining up continuously hooked and entering and the waiting line gradually lengthening.

On earth what is ES Game?!

His master, somehow seemed caused something tremendous again.

Like that with questions and asking the way and difficultly found the coffee house.

But there also never a safe evacuation place.

A place that normally should be very quiet, and full of gentlemanly etiquette and politeness, today noisy like some marketplace.

"What, activated the ‘King's Banquet’ effect again? Does that even make sense!"

"Simple. I put out ‘Brie Cheese’ and ‘Truffle Oil’ in the same round! Written on this round's match card that His Majesty prefers this combination the most!"

"That's cheating! That can only use once per round according to the rulebook... Uh, wait, real?!"

Gentlemen in neat suits gathered at each table and passionately arguing while moving small cards and pieces on a large board.

Originally that subject should be Britain's politics, or Europe's power relations, or some noble's gossip.

At least the coffee house Lawrence visited last year so.

“Good, this time add ‘Foie Gras’ and ‘Tomato Confit’ to my sandwich and raise the score! Moreover use the ‘King's Request’ card and double the score!”

“Foie Gras? Puhaha! But there activate the ‘Sardine Pie’ card effect once more! Compatibility exactly opposite, so nullification!"

"How is that nullification?! Not even written in the rulebook that doesn't match with sardine... Ah, wait a moment. This combination has deduction?! Cancel, will cancel! Step back!"

Loud voices, heated arguments, sounds calling each other traitors, and London gentlemen trying to grab collars over board game content.

Lawrence couldn't understand this situation at all.

That exactly the ES Game they lined up and tried to buy.

On earth, what did his master do in London.

“Look! I messed up your sandwich with ‘Court Conspiracy’, but succeeded ‘King's Banquet’ and this round will receive promotion to my duke title!”

“You duke! Don't bluff. Will submit a petition to His Majesty with the special card I have!”

“Petition? Was there such a card?”

“Of course. ‘King's Verdict’ card! His Majesty can directly step forward and discard your sandwich!”

“What?! That's too much?!”

"Because the rule?! What Sir Durand allowed!"

Moreover glancing the board game topic seeming having promotion function, people immersing while acting on their own as if really gaining and losing titles.

Already that reaction transcended common sense. Don't hesitate and quickly flee...

A polite voice came from behind him who was hesitating.

“By any chance, if recruiting a team to play ES Game will you join together? Exactly one person short to play fun. Betting also. The winner buys all coffee and snacks.”

Lawrence turned and saw, an elderly gentleman boasting a rich mustache politely sending a greeting to him.

And behind him about three sturdy men blocking the entrance and kindly gesturing toward him sending signals to come here.

Lawrence couldn't get the timing to flee, and ultimately shoulders grabbed by them and dragged to an empty table.

And two hours later—

Lawrence completely immersed in the game ultimately unconsciously shouted the same as others.

“If not seizing the count title here this round ends! Interfere that guy's solo! Interfere! Have to bring a French formal chef using the ‘Smuggling’ card! There, everyone listening?!”

That exactly the ES Game.