Just as "Big News," who had rushed over through the night after hearing the news, was pestering Shining without a shred of an Underworld Emperor's dignity-
"-Good morning~! Lord Shining, everyone in Kessoku Band~!"
At the sound of Baccarat's voice, Morgans's entire bird face creased into a frown.
"Oh my~ My deepest apologies, Lord Morgans. I never expected to encounter you here~"
Baccarat brushed back her long, flame-red hair, her emerald eyes curving into crescents to complement her professional smile.
"-Lady Baccarat, there's no need to be so distant. I am a VIP guest here too, after all~"
As Morgans turned, he met Baccarat head-on with the polished smile of someone who could make friends with anyone.
"Oh, my! My sincerest apologies for giving you that impression, esteemed News King. You visit so rarely that I merely felt honored to encounter you so early today."
...Neither of their smiles reached their eyes.
The other five Underworld Emperors dealt in smuggling, loan sharking, warehousing, organ trafficking, and the Pleasure District, respectively, and had all sorts of connections with Gran Tesoro.
But when it came to news, Gold City offered almost nothing big enough to interest Morgans. He rarely visited, indeed.
"Baccarat, you're not going to accompany us the entire day again, are you?"
Shining interrupted their verbal duel.
Normally, even as a VIP hostess, Baccarat's duties should have ended once they checked in.
...Granted, "Sephiroth" had controlled a Bondrewd unit to "conspire" with Tesoro about their upcoming plans.
But Baccarat coming back again had not been part of those plans... Apparently, Tesoro still had a few ideas of his own.
"That's right~ Because, Lord Shining~ You're spe~cial~!"
Baccarat answered brightly.
Shining felt the number of people kicking him under the table rise from two to three.
"..."
Morgans was also "sending