Sashaying her hips as she went, the red-headed devil herself drew more eyes than necessary. Though he knew not what she was up to, knowing Nobunaga, it was better to let her be for now.
Besides, he was indeed enjoying himself. 'Best to relish the quiet until I need to clean up whatever mess she brings.' He smirked to himself before betting even more, much to the chagrin of his opponents.
His little jaunt didn't end there, however. After cleaning out the most hardened gambler on his table that tried to all in as soon as he had, he decided to move to the next game. The same result for his opponents. All wins, nary a loss with bets at the highest stakes possible. Onwards and upwards did he and his wagers continue for the night. Two hours after Nobu left him be, he was sat at a table with one of the most flashily dressed of the bunch. The VIPs amongst VIPs.
Clearly, the Demon Emperor forgot about his own promise to lay low tonight.
Observers, other players, even the staff one and all, played the part of captive audiences as he challenged a self-proclaimed world champion at chess to a match.
"Hoh? Aren't you a little too young to be aiming too high, schoolboy?" Cigar smoke billowed in his face as the gaudy gangster took a puff from the strong Cuban he procured from a box.
"And aren't you yourself sounding a little wary?" Lelouch shot back with a wide smile, not even flinching as the rest of the crowd and the man's posse had. "Surely a champion like yourself would be more than willing to 'educate' my arrogant self, yes?"
"I don't really mind if it's a friendly game," the man said, though his eyes betrayed a hint of his hurt pride. "But you do know this ain't the place for simple 'games', yeah? What're you betting?"
The answer was a box clattering on the table. Its contents? A mix of gambling chips of the highest values possible stacked in neat rows that made everyone's mouth drop to the floor. An exaggeration, but it certainly forced the challenged master to puff his cig a little too hard. Half fell to the floor as wilted ash before he regained his composure.
"Hey now, kiddo! Don't you think it's a little overboard to be cashing in all of your pop's allowance? Just so you know, when I accept a bet, I don't tolerate those who back out in the middle." He said it with as much honey as poison in his voice. Lelouch wasn't fazed. So long as he could get some enjoyment out of it, he didn't care that they misunderstood or underestimated him.
"What a coincidence. I'm the same," he said as he took a seat. "So, all in? Or will you concede that title before the match even begins?"
The thud of a chessboard, as well as a box containing pristine and intricately designed pieces atop the table between them, was the immediate retort. "Hope you don't mind losing, schoolboy! I'd hate for your girlfriend to have to come and console you after."
"Hm. I'd rather you worry about losing face before my wellbeing, sir. Those that bark the loudest suffer more from a taste of defeat."
The tension in the room was high. And, needless to say, Lelouch relished every second of it. The high stakes, the cocky attitudes, the crowd's shock and awe as he delivered measured strike after measured strike, precise and accurate in beating down what had been the crowd's favourite mere minutes earlier. His flair for the theatrics wasn't on the same level as when he first bore the mask of Zero, but the exhilaration certainly came close when it seemed like his victory would earn him the man's immediate ire.
"You cheated!"
"Hoh? Quick to pin the blame on others instead of admitting defeat, eh?" Lelouch leaned back as he watched the product of his win. "I guess this is what it means to be disappointed by yet another loudmouthed buffoon who doesn't know their place!"
"Damn brat! Don't lie to me! I saw you cheat!" Seething and loathing, the mobster he'd challenged had lost all composure. His brow now drenched with sweat and hair squeezed tight with the anger of a thousand demons. "Don't deny it! Not when you look like you're enjoying every second of this farce!"
"A farce, it is. And you are the fool who dared mock my very real talent with your barking." Crossing his legs, Lelouch relaxed as the man continued to lose face in the eyes of the surrounding audience. "Calling yourself a champion to lose under only five minutes… honestly, even my girlfriend could beat you and she's an amateur at this game! Don't tell me someone's ego grew a bit too big for his boots because he was given daddy's money—Oh, maybe that is the case, isn't it—?"
He didn't get to finish. He didn't need to. Not when he'd broken the man's spirit. Not when said the broken man tried to save face by pulling out a gun. Security was quick to put a stop to that though, pinning the defeated man on the ground alongside his posse who all had tried to protect him.
"H-Hey! Let me go! Do you know who my father is—?!"
"The identity of your parents is irrelevant in the eyes of the law." One of the security guards said. "Or do you think it's fine for you to simply ruin others' day with your pretentious privilege?"
Although it wasn't apparent to the crowd that he stated so in a slight daze, Lelouch nodded to the officers and offered them a 'job well done' before bidding his defeated foe with a nod.
It was in the ensuing confusion that he was able to take his leave without anyone noticing. Those that did though, well, they were made to look elsewhere once they made eye contact.
Of course, he came prepared with his Geass at the ready should altercations occur, but it was more for precaution than simple cheating. After all, it wasn't every day he could live a normal life now, wasn't it?
'Normal, huh…' he smirked to himself as he approached the bar. The bartender being none the wiser to his antics or the power of his eyes amicably greeted him as he ordered a glass of their best drink. 'When was the last time I enjoyed living a 'normal life'?'
'Too long' was the answer.
Back in his world, Lelouch hadn't needed money to take care of his sister as, with the backing of the Ashford family, they were already financially stable. In the early days of the Black Knights, his winnings were a quick way to supply his troops whilst keeping things untraceable.
But it was more for the risk that he played. True risk, the trepidation of getting caught… or was it better to call it 'thrill'? Either way, it was a nice distraction then. As was Vegas to him now. But ultimately, it was all for nought. As was in the past and here, this little jaunt of his lacked any real threat that would make Lelouch excited like in the old days. Back then, getting his game on against overconfident nobles was something any normal teenager wouldn't get caught doing. He was quite lucky then, what with Rivalz having his back.
'Ah… Rivalz. Hm… I do miss that dork.' Lelouch couldn't put it in words as he found yet another table running a game he quietly snuck into. Without the blue-haired loudmouth next to him gambling, it felt less satisfying. Having a friend to enjoy the time with… now he was feeling nostalgic. It just wasn't the same as with Nobunaga. 'Not any less worthwhile, but just… different.'
Did it really matter though? In the long run? No. He wasn't so sensitive as to die from loneliness or boredom. This was just killing time, distracting himself from the last few months of corporate talk and shady deals behind the doors. Yet despite wanting a little break, he couldn't bring himself to forget the urge, the delight he found in an actual opponent.
'Can't get the same feeling of dominating my foe when I have nothing worthwhile to gain… Or something too precious to lose…' The mere fact that he found it easy to go all-in was a clue to that fact.
"Excuse me, but do you mind if I take this seat?" a new player entered the game. A man with a polite smile and direct stare crossed Lelouch's gaze. "Was visiting the city and couldn't leave without trying at least one of Vegas' best casinos."
He could see that this person was unusual compared to others. What with the falsity of his expression and the blankness of his gaze. That and the fact that he made small talk whilst all the other players tried their damnedest to win.
Lelouch said nothing and just continued to play. The crowd that had gathered in his previous games soon joined the rest of the growing pack of onlookers, some showing more surprise than envy at a young man no older than a college student humbly winning game after game. Soon enough, the table was just about cleared of other players. All except for the still-smiling man.
"Your bets, gentlemen." The dealer called and they answered.
"Double," was Lelouch's answer.
"Same as my young foe." The smiling man put forward his chips. Lelouch narrowed his eyes, the unnatural smile was getting on his nerves.
'Reminds me of Schneizel to some extent.' His older brother always assumed he was winning, never losing but merely pushing back. Confidence was unwavering so much that it made what would be a hopeful dream into reality. The man's smile was just as fake as that of the second prince yet still different somehow… Lelouch didn't sense any fake bravado or misplaced overconfidence and that was what bothered him more. It was like a mask. One he used to wear himself.
That it was the only expression this man had on, no matter they win or lose, that annoyed Lelouch somewhat.
The two of them continued their betting. The newcomer was good. Really good. The fact that Lelouch was considering cheating had him on edge against this new challenger. Either this smiling redhead was cheating already, or there was something otherworldly involved.
However, this didn't go for too long. For, at last, the faux smile mask's hand had to concede defeat.
"Sorry, sir but it isn't enough." The dealer gave Lelouch's cards an astonished expression before turning to him. "Y-you've won again, sir. Congratulations!"
Lelouch ignored the cheers of the crowd behind him, merely offering his thanks. They'd been rather enthusiastic about him winning so far, nothing wrong with that. But it was the one and only foe that managed to keep up with him for quite some time smiling at him that kept his guard up. Standing up, he addressed the crowd first.
"Well, considering I can't spend this all on my own, how about a round of drinks for everyone?"
The audience went wild. Not that they hadn't been already. But as even the drunkards at the bar already lost in their stupor cheered his way, he took it as a chance to slip away. The commotion was enough to distract the masses from his otherwise unnatural win-streak and thus did the champion of the gambling ring bow out of their limelight.
Lelouch considered playtime over. He returned back to the bar and ordered a refill of his glass. Cold and refreshing, the alcohol that would've sent him into a stupor during his mortal life was simply soothing to his senses.
'Hm, strange. I wonder what's taking Nobu so long.'
Being gone for quite some time, Lelouch might have started to think that something bad might have happened. Then again, it was Oda Nobunaga he was thinking about here. Worst case scenario, the building and the city would be set ablaze by now. That it hadn't must've meant she was doing something less destructive. Likely, she was either planning something to mess with him or had found something of interest.
"That was quite a game, young man." But before he could address that matter, someone else seemed to want to talk. Turning about face, Lelouch's gaze narrowed slightly at the familiar face. "Can I take a seat?"
"Be my guest." He met the fake smile with a politely fake one of his own. "But you give me too much credit. You were just as good, almost snatching victory at the last moment. Once may have been a fluke, twice getting the upper hand is competence, but to match my every win with one of your own, I'd say you have great skill. That or a gifted sleight of hands."
The smiling mask let out a short laugh. "Hoho, found me out, have you? Dare I say your wins in the past few hours were not a result of such on your end either?"
"Simple games need not be won through means other than their given rules." Lelouch waved the bartender down to order a drink. "The stakes are too low for me to dirty myself with it."
"Yet your eyes don't deny your willingness to do just that." The stranger waved the bartender as well, taking a seat and implying a lengthier exchange. "I dare say I've found a kindred spirit, no?"
"'A con will always be able to spy a fellow con', is it?"
"Not that neither of us needs to bring the authorities out for it, no? After all, it was your honest victory despite my foul play at the end, friend."
"Indeed." Lelouch concurred with small cheers. "Seeing as how the establishment has yet to be wronged, I see no need to bring it to light." Lelouch had no qualms with the man. He was strange, but there wasn't any ill intent. None that he could sense anyway. Yet that the strange stranger was so unnerving was reason enough to be wary about him. "Still, before calling me your friend, I would like to learn the name of my most discreet yet not-any-less worthy opponent."
"Hm… Apologies on that front, but I cannot identify myself at the moment." The man said quietly, his own drink being downed gently before he continued. "Tonight, I've come by to taste the nightlife of Vegas with a tad hint of anonymity." He turned to grin at Lelouch's way. "Though I'm a former professor, you see, my colleagues and employers aren't exactly the type to approve of me having a little fun whilst on their errands. I'm sure you understand, Mister… er—?"
"If you aren't going to share your identity, then I see no need to share mine. But it's no harm done. It's only fair, and I can understand the need for privacy in your case," Lelouch gave him a small smile before turning back to the bar.
"And here I hoped for a more normal answer. One that entails warning me off or maybe even scolding me for my actions. Honestly, what has the modern generation come to?" The man grimaced jokingly while smirking back. To Lelouch's eyes though, it looked a little too forced. "I feel sorry for your teachers, young man."
'Considering what I've done to my teachers before… well, I guess it's only a given.' The man had no idea how much he, or anyone for that matter, would feel sorry for his actions. Though the inside joke was palpable for the Demon Emperor, he chose not to let the surface his real thoughts. Instead, he offered to buy the man another drink. "You can't even imagine half of it, professor."
"Hmm? You need not call me a professor, child."
"But you seem to enjoy being called one, judging by your smile."
The comment earned Lelouch a light chuckle again. "This expression of mine is… well, you can call it my default mode so to speak." The man paused to taste the new batch of Vegas alcohol. He even went so far as to admire the bar light's refraction on the bourbon's surface. "Mmm, not bad. Can't be compared to the pubs of London, but it's satisfactory."
"From England, are you? Quite the long way to come for a simple errand."
"You could say that. Then again, the British Isles are still a long way from my home. No, originally I'm from the East. Used to work in London, in my old academy. A complicated state of affairs, my life always has been."
"Hmhm. I can imagine. With neither work nor home nearby, I can see why you'd want a chance to cool off here." This piqued Lelouch's interest since it could lead to learning more about man's identity later. "I suppose a little vacation was in order?"
"Oh, indeed. Students always think they already know everything and are often cocky about their nonexistent importance. Fellow teachers used to be a pain in the neck, always judging others, especially foreigners they feared would replace them one way or another." The man's forced expression turned melancholic, but Lelouch couldn't really sense the melancholy. "Wasn't the most liked person there, my old workplace."
"Then this should be a cause to celebrate the fact you no longer work there." Lelouch raised his cup. "Cheers."
The man followed his example. "In truth, I didn't leave of my own choice, but I won't complain. There is something compelling about being on the run."
'On the run?' Lelouch frowned on the choice of words but opted to simply comment with a smirk mired in disbelief. "What? Did you kill someone or what, professor? Or is it that you've gotten yourself into some impossible debts and are now trying to find a way to escape instead of paying it all back?"
"Not something that dramatic, no." He shook his head, red hair gently swaying behind him. "Sometimes being your true self is enough to warrant the negativity of others. The culture where everyone is thinking about how to use you most effectively more often than not alienates others. More so when it is fact that you're just more talented than they are." The professor's smile turned into a sly smirk. "But something tells me you might already know about this, young man."
"Hoh? You refer to me as some sort of genius?"
"Would you not be? Considering your win despite my many attempts at a chance victory, I'd say you're quite gifted. Either that or you're just skilled enough to win it all like a mage!"
The choice of words was definitely off-putting. Had he used 'magician', Lelouch would've let it slide. And yet…
'Should I call on—?' No. He refrained as staying in his hand would be the better option. After all, he wasn't certain if his drinking buddy was merely an eccentric and not a magus.