Their eyes finally met, and Estil could have sworn that surprise and guilt briefly crossed his aquamarine blue eyes before turning icy cold like it usually is. A thin line formed his lips as he made her way towards her. Estil, on the other hand, kept her face blank like she practiced everyday for years that not a shred of emotion is traceable.

"Greetings, Lady Lumierre," he made a small bow, "If you won't mind I'd like to take our conversation elsewhere with no ears around."

Estil made a quick observation around the vast hall and knew no one had heard the man when he greeted her. Nodding her head in agreement, she met her eyes briefly with Azul and made a gesture. He immediately understood what she meant and he moved accordingly. They took a small turn and stopped at a spot where it was less crowded and the conversation they will have will most probably remain unheard by the people.

"How has the lady been?"

Estil felt a tiny contempt rising from her chest but she steered it back down as a small smile played across her lips. She removed the hood of her cloak and met his cool eyes. "The lady is no more, Sir Ueno of Carsus, and of all people, you should know that." Her reply was void of any emotion and so was her eyes.

Ueno smiled, wearing the same smile and expression as her. "I stand corrected. I was surprised to have seen Az leading you inside here. Since when did you two started to get close?"

Estil found the question irrelevant, so she simply shrugged her shoulders and replied, "I just owe the guy a favor today."
He nodded at the ambiguity of her answer, and probably thought not to pursue the subject anymore.

"I came here today looking for you."

Now she was sure that surprise registered his aquamarine eyes, eyes that allow anyone who would peep inside to be reminded what the colors of the ocean is. It was such a beautiful contrast with his long and glorious white hair and the silver armour he always gear himself with. She can't help but think how opposite Az and Ueno are, Ueno being the White Knight and Az being the Black Knight of the kingdom.

"For what reasons would that be?" He was still speaking formally to her, probably setting a wall between them and that bugged her a little.

"You probably have an inkling as to the reason."

Estil can't tell whether his face turned dark or it went even more blank than it usually is. But she knew he didn't like it one bit.

"I will not participate in the game, I'm sorry," was his firm response along with the same small smile.

"Will it hurt your reputation to aid the family you took down yourself?" She matched his smile and icy cold expression.

"No. But I have no interest in joining the game. Because there will be no gain for me there."

True. He does not need fame for he was already famous; given the fact that he was from the Lower Kingdom in addition to his incredible skills and tremendous talents, that and he was also good-looking that ladies would disregard his origins and would flock themselves around his presence. Status and wealth will probably be unimportant for him as well for he had been long rewarded with land and treasures for his countless feat in protecting the empire from dangerous monsters running rampant during winter. What else would he need, indeed?

But there is one thing, if Estil was not at all mistaken, that Ueno of Carsus wants to be his and his alone. However, should she ever speak it aloud and find her words to be untrue, she might get accused of slander and meet her death instantly. The thought made her heart throb and it felt painful, but her face revealed nothing. Estil needs to be careful, particularly with her words.

"Will there really be nothing to be gained? What of your heart's deepest desire which the Kingdom does not approve of, perhaps?"

Still, the cold smile. "I know nothing of what you are speaking about. And my heart does not desire anything."

'I stepped on a landmine,' she thought as she observed how his eyes turned even more cold. Yet, Estil finds the courage to smile once more.

"Perhaps you can aid me get everything back after taking everything away from me?"

"I know you did not come here to blame things on me. I know you better than that, or do I?" With an unfaltering gaze, he continued, "I apologize, but there will be no reason for me to join the game and I'm afraid my decision shall remain unchanged. Ask someone else to aid you instead."

'There is no getting into this man.' Estil felt a little discouraged but kept her composure intact. "I thank you for your time. But maybe you might change your mind somehow, so please give it some time to think, I beg you. I'll be back again tomorrow."

Estil made a little curtsy, then gave him a smile which might appear bland and forced before putting her hood back on and exited from his view. Just as she took the path towards the exit among the crowd, she felt a presence just beside her, and seeing the bearer of the black armor Estil shook her head.

"I guess it didn't turn out well." Az said.
Estil sighed in response. "So you were watching. I told you to leave."
"Should I file a leave from the border and join you instead?" he mocked, letting out a chuckle.
Estil rolled her eyes, "Leave the capital, will you?"
"Can't even humor you now, mi Estella?"
She snorted, and quickened her pace to get out of the Square.

Ueno watched the retreating figure with a blank expression on his face. He never thought he'd see that figure again, not after what he did seven years ago. However, he wished to have nothing to do with the woman or to anyone related to the fallen House of Lumierre. And he plans to remain disconnected to those people in the future as well.

'But look just how much she's grown.' Fearless, bold, cold, and calculating. He never imagined back then that the carefree, bright, and enthusiastic young child would turn out that way. He could still see her cold and empty eyes, and the sight of her lifeless smile bore into his thoughts. He couldn't help but wonder what kind of life she's led now that they reside in the Gray Area, a far cry from the old life they used to have when they were still residing in the Gold Street.

When the figure was finally out of his sight, he let out a sigh.

"What was that sigh for?" a gentle voice from behind asked.

Ueno turned his head and was greeted by the slender figure that speaks of softness and elegance, and the smile painted on his face was soft and as gentle as his voice; it was like the first flower budding in the spring after a lengthy period of a harsh winter. It was refreshing and flattering at the same time.

Ueno smiled back, soft and gentle and sincere. "Rubius." He called, his voice was mellow and soft. "Whatever brings a flower in this den packed with wild animals?"

Rubius laughed, his melodious laughter was like a bell ringing in spring. Ueno's smile widened even more.

"Your metaphor has not improved at all. Shall I arrange a tutor from the Royal Family for you?" Rubius chidded, but laughing just the same. He walked towards Ueno and his white robe embroidered with gold and precious stones seemed to float around him, giving him an ethereal appearance. When they were standing close enough, Rubius placed his left hand on Ueno's arm. His eyes followed the movement of his hand and stared at his long fingers studded with rings embedded with various gems like diamonds, emeralds, and tanzanite. But one thing caught his eye the most. It was the golden ring resting on one of his fingers-- a ring embedded with Ruby the size of a coin, complimenting the color of his pretty eyes which were of similar color. That ring also signifies his status in the Castle and in the Kingdom. It commands anyone to respect him as the Queen's Male Concubine.

"Ueno, dear," he said, his melodious voice waking him in his reverie. "I have a wish."
Ueno took his bejeweled hand and kissed them, bestowing his utmost respect.

"Anything. Pray tell me, my Lord, and thus humble Knight shall obey."
Rubius smiled as he leaned forward and whispered, "Join and win the game for me, Ueno. Will you do that?"

Ueno raised his eyes and met his, the set of Ruby colored eyes penetrating his soul, "Of course," was his reply.