CCXVI. Smile To The Fullest

"Please be sure to tell me."

Liszt sat down beside Tani.

From upstairs came the intermittent shouting and cursing of Shadi and Rein, extremely noisy, obviously losing. They had gambled too much; it was likely all 300 Golden Dragons would be gone tonight.

But the thought of money sealed away in the cellar, providing a safety net, encouraged continued reckless gambling, continuing to scatter wealth among the likes of Fen and other crafty oldies.

"The official word is that it's an unsubstantiated rumor, I've only heard whispers myself, unsure of their truth. When I got back, I found out it really had happened, and with people we know."

Tani turned her head, looking meaningfully at Liszt.

Liszt's gaze darted away, thinking if he said he was married, then Tani's heart would surely be set in concrete. He had to find a middle ground.

But this was a small matter.