Lupin The Third: The Beast of Lykanisches

Chapter 6

After dancing and hors d'oeuvres, a grand banquet followed. Ruby managed to avoid a private dance with Aderlass, but their gracious host had not forgotten. In fact, he really seemed to have really taken a shine to her, for as he sat at the head of the long, long table, he placed her on his right-hand side – a gesture which greatly unnerved Ruby.

To Aderlass' left sat famous model, Gloria Andilet. And to Ruby's, right, sat Goemon. Several times, Ruby surreptitiously searched the table for the alleged Matthieu DuPont, but he must have been at the farthest reach, for she did not see him; though sometimes she thought she heard boisterous exclamations in a French accent from somewhere at the far end of the table. Meanwhile, Goemon kept a close, watchful eye on Ruby. He knew being seated so close to Aderlass would only serve to perturb her. He was determined to help Ruby stay brave, even as she sat at their enemy's right hand.

Why was he so interested in her? This was a question that constantly plagued Ruby's mind as she sat next to Aderlass. Could it be he saw through her little disguise? Or was he truly just that smitten with 'Gabriella Ishikawa?' Ruby very much hoped it was the latter, though even that was unsettling in itself. Ruby allowed her mind wander, which perhaps was a touch dangerous, as she really ought to be vigilant and on her guard at all times.

"Frau Ishikawa, do tell me... What do you think of my humble home so far?"

Ruby was so lost in thought that when Aderlass addressed her as 'Frau Ishikawa,' she almost didn't respond until Goemon squeezed her hand under the table.

"O-Oh." Ruby turned her gaze to Aderlass and smiled bashfully. "Sorry. As you can see, I was rather lost in the brilliance of this place. And I think it's a tad disingenuous to refer to it as 'humble,' Herr Aderlass. I think you should certainly dispense of the modesty," she teased. "Everything about this place is absolutely brag-worthy. It's amazing. Truly."

But on the inside...

'I hate this. I REALLY want to leave...'

Ruby's words brought an amused smile to Aderlass' face. He even laughed. Apparently, she really tickled him. "Well, I appreciate your candor, Gabriella, my dear. So be it. After our meal, I do so hope I can impress you further by showing you so much more."

"Herr Aderlass," said Goemon, rising from his chair as though to make a toast. Ruby gaped at him in disbelief. What was he doing? "It is we who are humbled to be permitted to visit such a magnificent home. Truly, you are a kind and gracious host. I believe I speak for everyone here when I say that we are..."

Goemon closed his eyes for but a moment, seeming to steel himself for what he had to do. Just as quickly, his eyes opened and his face positively lit up with a smile; one that Ruby never would've thought she'd see on the stoic samurai.

"... so excited to be a part of this momentous occasion!"

Ruby realized, then, that Goemon was trying to take some of Aderlass' attention off of her by drawing attention to himself instead. Nevertheless, she recoiled a little at his unusual exuberance.

'Wow, Goe. Academy Award-worthy performance.' But secretly, Ruby hoped she never had to see him perform like that again. Something about it was just way too... unsettling.

A small bead of nervous sweat trickling down the side of Goemon's head. Oh, what a performance he was made to put on! He was stepping so far out of his comfort zone just to do such a thing. And that was exactly why his undercover moments were so few and far between.

But regardless of his personal discomfort, it worked. The whole table applauded Aderlass and Ruby reluctantly joined in, still feeling horribly overwhelmed and disgusted that this man should receive anything as complimentary as applause. But she had to play along.