267,

Raise your glass and sing a song, what is the meaning of life?

After narrowly escaping death, I have made two new friends.

"So, in order to become famous, for the whole world to know me! I am Cabellus!"

Raising his wine glass, Cabellus exclaimed passionately.

"A chessboard! Carved into pieces that resemble me, marvelous! Marvelous!"

Having become drunk, Cabellus continued to feast and drink with his dwarf friend Mathews.

Cyclone even began to doubt if these two were really celebrating with him.

Under the influence of alcohol, Cabellus shared his idea for a toy, a brilliant method to promote his greatness through a game.

Upon further reflection, Cyclone realized that he shared some similarities with Cabellus. He considered himself lazy. Without mentioning anything else, his biggest dream was to do nothing and lazily live his days.

Of course, it would be even better if he had a few beautiful women by his side, indulging in the pleasures of beauty every day.

The gentleman in front of him, dressed in luxurious clothing, was just like himself. He did not engage in legitimate business and treated his unconventional lifestyle as a serious matter, dedicating his days to playing.

"If you want to promote yourself, why not just paint a self-portrait? You narcissistic maniac," Cyclone said bluntly and impolitely.

But this thoughtless remark left Cabellus dumbfounded.

On the evening of March 12, 502 in the Attersass era.

According to the earliest documentation by the Excitement Guild, it briefly recorded the process by which the founder and first president, Cabellus, came up with this game.

"Because of a friend's remark, I discovered a toy that is more attractive than a chessboard."

At this moment, neither Cyclone nor Mathews understood, they simply went along with it.

Except for Cabellus, who firmly believed that this new idea would surely succeed, and in fact, he did achieve it. A small game that would become the most well-known in later generations was born in that instant.

"What... what did you say!?"

"Huh?"

Cyclone took a bite of meat, not understanding why Cabellus was so nervous.

"Narcissistic maniac?"

"Not that! The previous sentence!"

"...You... why not just paint a self-portrait?"

"That's it! Why didn't I think of something so simple!! Cyclone, my friend, you truly are a genius!"

Drunk, this time Cyclone was truly drunk. But seeing how seriously Cabellus took it, it seemed like something significant was happening.

"I... I will come up with a name! Just... just... let's call it 'Duel'!"

Confused, it seemed that Cabellus was the one who was drunk, not himself.

"Duel? What's that?"

Mathews, who had not been drinking and only focused on eating, suddenly asked.

"A card game!"

Both Cyclone and Mathews were taken aback.

"A card game, versatile and freely combinable. The most important thing is, of course!!! We can draw our own faces on the cards. Even if it is passed down for generations, even hundreds of generations, as long as the descendants have a card with my handsome face on it..."

Speaking excitedly, Cabellus suddenly stopped.

"Let's take action now!"

"Cabellus, I'm fine~ But do you have money to buy manufacturing materials and tools?"

"Well..."

"Didn't you spend all your savings in Allen City?"

Thinking back, Cabellus seemed to have seen Cyclone in Allen City and recognized his heroic identity.

"Pfft! Money is something a poet can conjure up anytime~"

For Cabellus, who was getting more and more absurd, Cyclone chose to eat with Mathews.

"Why so many questions? Hurry up and get ready!"

"Now?"

Mathews was still nibbling on some chicken pieces.

"Now!!!"

"No, please!!!!"

In the end, only thirty minutes passed before Cabellus and Mathews left, although Mathews was forcibly dragged away.

Now, there was only Cyclone left.

The so-called celebration had passed, and Cyclone could only continue to enjoy the feast alone.

And at this moment, someone unexpected appeared before Cyclone.

***