No, they pay me to keep their books in delightful order. I gotta put all that 'running a country' experience somewhere, so we can thank them for helping us pay for this loft. Probably all the more reason to make sure we buy some things from them now and then, if you think about it.

[ Or however that works, considering he's not looking at his logic (or rather, 'logic') too closely as he sets his drink and silverware down without missing that attempt at hiding a smile Sylvain's doing in the same way he did. He'll take that since every time he succeeds in making Sylvain do something like that it feels like the tiniest victory of some kind, but one that's no less important.

The same for waving a hand out of complete unconcern for being overwhelming or the risks of adding too many options as he stands up, meaning to head to the kitchen to set the kettle on for some hot water for tea and possibly the chess set since he hadn't gotten to appreciate the beautifully carved pieces as much as he'd wanted to in the rush of emotions. ]

I think there's proof right over on the sideboard you know what you're doing if that's really what you want to protest. Why not have all of what you might want ready in case you need it for your next project? I'm just helping you plan ahead here.