[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/OEh1rTU.png[/img][color=9AF781][h1]Lord Leo Smithwood[/h1]
Time: Evening
Location: Masquerade Ball: Damien Estate
Interactions: Charlotte [@Princess], Fritz [@JJ Doe], Mr.V : Slipper Appreciator [@samreaper], Cassius [@PapaOso]
Daily Misfortune: An annoyingly high-pitched voice and random fits of laughter.
Predictable Costume: [url=https://i.imgur.com/tLePxA5.jpg]Leo the Lion[/url][/color][/center]
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[color=CBCBCB][color=B8FC03]“The same hallowed sanctuary that was recently infiltrated and ransacked by riff-raff? I can only assume security is not a high priority for your father.”[/color] Leo snapped at Cassius. The bastard’s sarcastic tone was entirely inappropriate for the severity of the situation, it only added to a festering annoyance with the conduct of the Damien family. 

Then there was Fritz, not only smiling like a dolt at Cassius’s interruption but exchanging pleasantries with the bastard while a treasured family heirloom was either missing or in the, likely filthy, hands of a thief. There was no time for nonsense here, [i]when did he last see it[/i] - in his pocket - was that not obvious! [color=B8FC03]“Gold, with Varian Pines and a stag adorning its case. A sidewinder, well kept and unscratched. It was last in this pocket,”[/color] Leo placed his right hand over his left pocket, as his left hand gestured to a button on his vest, [color=B8FC03]“Chain now, gone as well.’[/color] 

At least Charlotte understood the gravity of the situation. [color=9AF781][i]And why was Cassius [color=green]leering[/color] at her? Had Calbert Damien stooped to using his bastard to harass Charlotte in his stead? And oh what the lessers wouldn’t do to claw their way up.[/i][/color] 

[color=B8FC03]“Personal? Ill-will?”[/color] Leo repeated the claim with evident shock. [color=B8FC03]“I am well liked and would not associate with thieves.”[/color] Leo replied genuinely, but it was an unfortunate stroke of luck that following those words he erupted into another giggle fit. The timing could not have been worse, it was ridiculously unhinged, and his sides stung. The lion's mane shook but the mask, thankfully, hid how well his face now matched his vest. Leo cleared his throat and ignored the strange interruption he had caused. 

[color=B8FC03]“Security is far too lax, they have allowed the unsavory sort in.”[/color] The only person he could think of, with any ill will, was Count Damien himself. An enemy of Charlotte’s was his as well, but the Count certainly did not go around pilfering pockets, he was far more nefarious than that. 

What mattered more here, that Cassius left this interaction knowing full well that he held contempt for the Damien family, or that his watch was found and the thief dealt with? The answer was blatantly obvious for Leo. 

[color=B8FC03]“Apologies, Cassius, the watch belongs to my father, his before his, for many years, [i]irreplaceable[/i].”[/color] He paused, thankful that the mask hid the annoyed look in his eyes before adding, [color=B8FC03]“An excellent showing at the archery contest the other day, by the way.”[/color] A small compliment, only marginally better than forcing out an apology to a bastard. The lion mask dipped slightly, a respectful nod, but not a bow. 

[color=B8FC03]“I have observed several people seemly searching for missing items as well. Might be wise to not allow anyone to leave until my wat- all missing items, are returned and accounted for and the thief apprehended. I’m sure your family would prefer this not to become an embarrassing scandal if handled poorly. Somewhere here is a scourge in need of a few years in a dungeon.”[/color] He suggested and hoped the dungeons of Soren lived up to their terrible reputation. 

Leo’s head swiveled to search the crowd for flashes of orange. At least it was an easy color to spot. [color=B8FC03]“I believe we saw Shehzadi Nahir with a woman in orange. One of you should speak with her.”[/color] He suggested to Charlotte. Not even for his most valued treasure would he risk a laughter fit directly into the face of royalty. [/color]