[ rip to what this cr could have been if i hadn't been busy and tired for most of the past month!!

to be fair, though, staring and not knowing how to react is a pretty typical response to him. "not terrible" is also about as good as opinions about him ever get, and in this instance, it sort of feels like a silver trophy achievement. so, there's another amused little smile in return... and a nod. ]

I certainly can't fault you for that. I don't much like being at the mercy of any other power myself.

[ which is why he fucking hates this, actually, even if he's usually seemed to be taking it all in stride. but it is what it is, and he likes to think that at least each piece of information he gets here as time goes on is weakening this place's hold on him just a bit.


finally, he dips his head in a slight bow. ]

...Then, until next time! I'll look forward to hearing your findings.

[ and, to a lesser extent, to your putting on a good show tomorrow. ]