[u]2:10 P.M.[/u]

Rascade city outskirt, Kingdom of Kindeance.

Once a bustling hub of commerce, this town was now rarely seen by outsiders. The rumor of imminent war and their recent policy to tighten their border control had made most people steer clear. No longer merchant flocks and the ship docks in their street and harbor, causing the economy to stall considerably. People didn't seem to be troubled by it, however. Maybe because the lockdown was just announced five days ago and a dent in the kingdom's economy was barely felt.

With the help of the swordmaster Chounan guiding them through the city maze and alleys, the trio finally arrived at the... less sophisticated part of the city. A ghetto if you may, but don't let the average citizen hear you saying that. Those Nouveau Riche would gasp in horror before telling you that you are an imbecile and there was no such thing in this prosperous city. The others, however, would nod to that notion and blame that on the influx of immigrants from their neighbor Meche who then formed their own destitute community, giving a stain on the face of their great city.

With discrimination and prejudice becoming more rampant these days, who could really blame them?

Their destination was a very busy middle-class tavern named The Black Swan. Which, based on Jazdia's analytic mind, had positioned itself cleverly on the market. As long as they have thirst and coin, everyone was welcomed, from nobles to paupers, immigrants, travelers, and natives alike. And while this gave a sense of inclusivity, it systematically encourage its patrons to flaunt their wealth for everyone to see. Really, it was not showing off if you couldn't rub it in someone’s face, and this tavern facilitated you to go wild with your petty ego. 

Still, it was a tavern. Information circulates as much as coins and drinks. Coins lure all kinds of people including those with dishonest hearts and scheming minds who sedulously taking the advantage of the addling nature of liquors, which needless to say didn't mix very well with one's financial acumen. 

Sauntering through its main hall, Jazdia fixed her sight on a room with decorated walls located on a slightly elevated floor. The so-called VIP area, reserved exclusively for those with a more prominent background they even had a well-dressed bouncer guarding the entrance.

The bouncer, to their surprise, immediately welcomed them upon seeing the expensive (and gaudy) armor Chounan was wearing.

Jazdia didn't even need her power to find what she was looking for. The table in the middle of the room was so loud it attracted the attention of the other patrons. There were four men, three gentlemen were obviously nobles, and the person who was shuffling the cards was an ancient being wearing heavy illusion makeup from head to toe to make himself look like a whimsical noble boy in his late teens. As the coins piled up and another round began, the noblemen watched with sneer and anticipation.

Jazdia approached the table. A foul game was at play and the victim would be these three seemingly obnoxious aristocratic gentlemen. She was rather undecided if she should intervene. 

Placing her hand between two invisible fox ears, the elf decided that she just need some fluff to ruffle. Whatever happened next was up to chance... as any gambling should.  

[color=ec008c][i]"Are ya winning, son?"[/i][/color]