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[stabilimentum]

[A smooth, sedulous voice answers:]

You have reached Claude Faustus, butler to the Earl Alois Trancy. How may I be of service?

Comments

voice; hey bb

[cursestained.livejournal.com]

[Naoya had answered, although his silence might have made it seem otherwise while he listened. He appreciates that Claude has clearly thought through what he's been asked, and Naoya appreciates that. Working with idiots, as easily manipulated as they are, is just more aggravating than he wants. The Shomonkai was bad enough.]

Understood--given the buyout, the reluctance is...understandable. If you wish to...observe what I am making, I wouldn't be offended by the caution. [His voice is smooth, and cool, but there's an undercurrent--one Claude is certainly observant enough to find--of amusement. It isn't a scam or a trick; simply two powerful systems, augmented with Naoya's own way of doing things.

Magically protecting hardware is a pain, and difficult, but well worth the money. He'll spell the hardware first, and if he's asked he'll explain plainly--but he doesn't intend to offer that piece of information.]

The nights are fine for me. Simply be sure to let me know before your arrival. [So he doesn't magic you in the face.]

voice; oh hey

[stabilimentum.livejournal.com]

[Claude isn't interested in being manipulated unless he'll gain something he otherwise wouldn't. Ever the equal opportunist, he has worked alongside the Father's seraphim whenever it's been beneficial to him. Currently, he feels somewhat directionless about what he can do with the knowledge he desires. If Naoya has any good ideas that aren't equivalent to suicide, Claude is prepared to listen.]

When I do have the time for it, I'll appreciate being able to indulge my curiosity. [His sense of caution will be covered by the one or two spiders he leaves behind to observe for him. They aren't going to understand magic, but he'll be able to know if his investment is being used against him. As long as Naoya doesn't fail to deliver, then Claude won't complain about anything extracurricular.]

Tomorrow, then, we are to meet someplace and exchange an introductory $1,800. The governor's funeral ought to be enough of a distraction for most everyone else.

[After consulting a map, Claude suggests some area near to the funeral procession route where crowd noise will prevent them from being overheard. If it's not already obvious, Claude is a very paranoid man when it comes to his personal affairs. He lives in a household full of people who'd love to ruin him, after all.]