Kaito was so focussed on playing his victims that he did not notice the three people closing in from behind. It was only in the moment that Jazdia put her hand on his head that the kitsune noticed the presence of that elf. Just hearing her voice sends shivers down his spine and for a moment Kaito loses his concentration on his elaborate web of illusions revealing his fluffy fox tail for just a split second. Although the kitsune was sure that the men across the table would not notice, the two friends of Jazdia’s might.

Kaito always felt a certain tension, nervousness when Jazdia was around. Maybe it was because she had the ability to see right through his illusions or maybe it was her piercing gaze that seemed to go right through to the darkest depths of your soul. Seeing those bits of you that you desperately hide far away while convincing yourself that it isn’t there. He couldn’t put his finger on what it was but the Kitsune knew one thing for sure, the elf knew how he felt and she was thoroughly enjoying it.

It took a few seconds before he regained his composure and turned his head towards Jazdia. With a bit of an annoyed look on his face he spoke [color=#93FFFF]“I see you still carry the same attitude towards proper etiquette, miss.... Sparky”[/color] Not that he had expected anything different from her. If Kaito had learned one thing about Jazdia since their first encounter, it was her absolute lack of respect for any form of authority and etiquette. She would even refuse to bow in front of the gods themselves. A character trait that Kaito certainly appreciated. 

[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] Spoke Kaito as he pretended that the elf was some sort of servant of his noble house. He was sure she would understand that he was dragging her into his web of lies and could only hope that Jazdia would play along. 

The three men at the other side of the table were flabbergasted about the exchange. In their perception Kaito was a young nobleman that should have been addressed by a servant with the proper respect. What the elf had shown was utter contempt about etiquette to the point that a proper punishment would be in place. Yet the young master let her get off easy.

The kitsune turned towards his victims again. With Jazdia here, he knew he had to wrap things up quickly. Her visits always meant business and you never knew what was cooking in her head. The pretty elf might intervene if he made her wait too long. Not to mention that she had brought two friends. Must be serious business. [color=#93FFFF]“Gentlemen, my apologies for the interruption. It appears that there is some business that requires my presence. This will be the final round for today. Anyone want to raise their bets?” [/color]

With much anticipation the three men stared at Kaito. All were waiting for the final card to be drawn and placed open on the table. All had strong hands and were confident that they had a good chance of winning. Not to mention there was a good deal of money at stake. The kitsune slowly picked the card from the deck and placed it face down on the table. He quickly looked at the three men who all tensed up. Then Kaito revealed the card.

Lord Baltimore jumped up from his seat and slammed his cards on the table in the most un-lordy fashion possible. “Go beat that!” he shouted in excitement as he revealed the second strongest combination of cards possible in the game. The two others looked at the cards that were revealed on the table and then to their own hands. The excitement drained from their face, making room for frustration. A few annoyed growls could be heard as mister Ridgeway and mister Conway accepted their defeats.  

Lord Baltimore was about to grab the pile of gold coins when he realized that Kaito had not yet revealed his cards. All three men turned their heads towards the kitsune who sat there just silently with a straight face. “no, you’re not going to tell me that you have a royal straight, right?” spoke lord Baltimore. Then Kaito revealed his hand, card by card until a royal straight, the strongest combination of cards was laid out in front of him.