[u]2:30 P.M.[/u]
Blackswan tavern, Rascade city outskirt, Kingdom of Kindeance.



Despite knowing it was just a theatrical cover-up, Jazdia never appreciated it when someone making a jab at her attitude. But she will let it slide this time. She had tired of explaining that attitude was not a mere symbol of who was outranking who, attitude was mutual respect, a sign of trust, and most importantly must go both ways.

So she played along. A small dent to her pride, a minuscule price to keep the surreptitiousness of their task from being compromised. This place was full of curious patrons with some degree of influence over Kindeance's politics and economy. And she reckon three men in front of them were no exception.  

[color=#93FFFF]“Anyway, I certainly hope that I am going to win. I betted a fair deal of money on this game and don’t want to explain to my father why our families coffers have shrunk a bit today. But since you’re here, it is safe to assume that my presence is required at the estate, right?”[/color]

[color=ec008c]"That is correct."[/color] Answered Jazdia, moving aside to escape the noblemen's patronizing stare. Surely she skipped the part where she must call him 'master', but let us be real, that was kinda pushing it. 

Keito announced that this round would be their last for today. And just like in the classic story when the protagonist had the last laugh, he revealed his cards, the strongest set on the table. Thanks to her for not intervening in this rigged card game of theirs, the kitsune had earned himself not only a fortune but also a chance to savor the moments when those noblemen showed myriads of emotions on their faces. 

It was understandable. But it was time to go before their expression changed into collective suspicion and anger. Jazdia certainly did not want to be in the middle of this upcoming bar fight. 

[color=ec008c]"We are leaving."[/color] She insisted. Glared at Keito and his now flat-broke victims, she gave them a mental warning to not 'get involved'. With Chounan and Yvonne behind her, it was not so hard to convince a few people that they mean business, but the entire tavern? Not so much. 

After gaining some respectable distance away from the Black Swan. Jazdia asked them to have a breather in this deserted alley. 

[color=ec008c]"I thought you promised me to lead an honest life."[/color] Jazdia began, feeling perturbed, but masked it with sarcasm. 

Kaito smiled at Jazdia. [color=#93FFFF]“Well, you know what they say, a fox never loses his tricks. I have become more mindful of who I trick. Only dishonest people. That's an improvement, right?”[/color]

But Jazdia wasn't really amused by that lousy excuse. She moved closer and looked him in the eyes.  [color=ec008c]"It's not who you did it to that upsets me, it is what you did. What were you thinking pulling that kind of stratagem when everybody in the entire Rascade is on a tizzy? If you get caught, it won't be just imprisonment this time. I don't think you fancy being labeled as the conspirator after they have you drawn and quartered, do you?"[/color]

The kitsune sighed as his facial expression became more serious. He knew the elf was right. The city was on edge since the assassination attempt and a mischievous mythical being was a perfect scapegoat to draw and quartered in a nice public display. [color=#93FFFF]“Yeah, you’re right. I do prefer myself in one piece. Not the smartest timing.”[/color]

For a moment he looked at Jazdia and contemplated her reason for visiting him. Usually they weren’t social ones and considering she brought two friends it must be something major. [color=#93FFFF]“Your visit has something to do with the assassination attempt on the king, right? Or is there more at play?”[/color]

[color=ec008c]"A bit of both."[/color] answered the elf, now looking at her two other companions. A bit late for a nice introduction, but she did it anyway. [color=ec008c]"Miss Yvonne,  Mister Chounan. This is Keito, one of my... [i]surveyors[/i]. We will enlist him into our merry band of... investigators. Say, Keito. What rumors circulate on the street regarding the assassination, and how far people had gone with their guesswork? [b][i]In vino veritas[/i][/b]. Perhaps some nobles had a slip of tongue here end there after having a few rounds?" [/color]