Hermione's brain was also working at lightning speed.
You must find a reason that sounds reasonable but doesn't expose your ulterior motives.
"Because... the essential oils in the spa room smell too strong! All sorts of scents mixed together, you'll definitely smell weird when you come back!" Hermione finally came up with a reason.
Moreover, feeling she had found the key point, her tone became more assertive. "The strange smell will make it impossible for me to concentrate on my reading! Yes, that's it! So you're not allowed to go!"
"Oh—so that's what Miss Granger was worried about? Afraid I'd be bothered by the strange smell and pollute your idyllic, scholarly haven?" Draco walked back to the sofa.
He then leaned down, bracing himself on the hanging baskets on either side of her, trapping her between himself and the sofa, and pulled her closer. " Miss Granger, are you really not jealous?"
"I didn't!" Hermione immediately retorted, her voice rising as her face flushed. "Don't flatter yourself!"
"Who, who would be jealous? I just don't like strange smells! Believe it or not!" she said angrily.
To avoid giving herself away, she used the book to shield herself again, attempting to use the pages to block Draco's overly intense gaze.
"Alright, alright, whatever Miss Granger says. So what am I supposed to do? Your man's really bored right now..."
"As long as you don't go to the spa... go do whatever you want." Hermione peeked out from the top of the book and glanced at him.
Seeing that Draco was no longer so determined to go, she felt a sense of relief and a sweet feeling welled up inside her.
Anyway... just remember to come back early.
Hearing the words of advice filled with dependence and concern, Draco felt a warm glow in his heart. "Okay, as you wish. I'll go for a walk on the deck. You stay here and read your book; rest when you're tired."
"Okay!" Hermione replied obediently.
Upon hearing this Draco stood up, casually ruffled her hair, and then leisurely walked away from the suite.
Hermione watched his departing figure until the door closed gently, then slowly withdrew her gaze.
Draco's presence seemed to linger in the air, and the book in my hand suddenly seemed to carry a different meaning.
These moments are peaceful, warm, and filled with small joys and mutual affection—they are truly wonderful!
Thinking about it, a gentle smile curved her lips, and then she turned her attention back to the pages of the book in her hands.
Only the state of mind is different now!
Draco wandered aimlessly.
As I passed through the rest area, a low murmur drifted out from the crack in the half-open door to the smoking room next door.
"Going to the casino for a couple of rounds tonight? I heard you made some big bets at baccarat last night, huh? You must have made a fortune."
"I had good luck yesterday, I won a small amount."
"Shall we try our luck again today?"
"Sure, there's a big fish in Texas Hold'em tonight..."
Draco slowed his pace.
Without making a sound, he turned his head slightly towards the smoking room, his gaze lazily sweeping over. Through the crack in the door, he saw three middle-aged men sitting around a small round table, cigar smoke swirling around them, one of them gesturing animatedly.
"... The guy in the next booth who plays blackjack went all in last night, betting five thousand pounds and tripling his winnings."
"Oh, really?"
Why would I lie to you? I saw it with my own eyes.
casino?
"That sounds interesting," Draco thought, a thought flashing through his mind.
Let's go experience the game of probability and the testing ground of human nature, and while we're at it... hmm, maybe even indulge in a bit of gambling fever?
With that thought in mind, he calmly continued walking forward until he encountered a waiter wiping the railings.
"Excuse me," Draco stopped and asked, "Which deck is the casino on? What time does it open?"
"The casino is located on the fifth deck of the ship," the waiter immediately stopped what he was doing and replied respectfully, "It's open from 2 PM to 4 AM. Would you like me to show you the way?"
"No need, I'll go take a look myself."
Draco waved his hand and turned to leave.
After leaving, he didn't go straight to the fifth floor. Instead, he found a secluded corner, made sure no one was around and there were no security cameras pointing at him, then took out his wand from his suit pocket.
Then, before waving the wand across his cheek, he cast a clever combination of Transfiguration Spell and Confundus Charm on himself.
Within seconds, his platinum blonde hair turned a deep, jet-black, with the ends slightly curled naturally.
Then, the facial contours became more defined, the bridge of the nose seemed higher, and the jawline also changed slightly.
Even his eyes turned a deep brownish-black.
His entire demeanor changed from its original noble elegance to a different kind of handsome, with a touch of mystery and sharpness.
She then adjusted her voice, making it slightly lower and husky to match her new appearance.
Finally, Draco checked his suit. It fit perfectly, met the casino's dress code, and didn't look out of place despite the change in his appearance.
"Good evening," Draco tried to speak.
After confirming that there were no problems, Draco leisurely took the elevator to the fifth floor of the ship.
The casino entrance was much more discreet than Draco had imagined.
There were no neon lights, no flashy signs, only a dark wooden door with two security guards in black suits standing on either side, looking serious and wearing communicators. The atmosphere was completely different from the relaxed seaside resort style outside.
One of the security guards politely reached out and stopped him. "Good afternoon, sir. Please show me your passport or ship card. We need to verify your age and passenger identity."
Draco remained calm and made a gesture as if to take something out of his suit pocket. However, what he pulled out was not a passport, but a thin ebony stick that looked like an ornament.
It was actually his wand, but its appearance was misrepresented.
As the security guards' attention was drawn, Draco silently slid half of his wand out of his inner pocket, braced it against the two guards, and silently cast Confundus Charm.
The security guard, who had been sharp-eyed just a moment ago, suddenly became unfocused for a moment before quickly refocusing.
The way they looked at Draco was completely different now.
The other party seemed like a VIP who didn't need further verification.
"Sir, have a pleasant time." The doorman withdrew his hand, stepped aside, and bowed slightly, his tone unusually polite.
After nodding to him, Draco calmly put the "Ebony Stick" back into his inner pocket and walked through the heavy door.
The moment I stepped inside, a completely different aura wafted over me.
The air conditioning is on full blast here.
The sweltering heat of the sea was kept out; standing inside felt like being in a cool valley in Yunnan, comfortable and pleasant.
The casino has no windows, blocking out sunlight, and is illuminated entirely by a giant crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling and countless recessed spotlights, creating a magnificent and opulent atmosphere.
The lighting, however, was carefully designed to be soft and not glaring.