Aidou didn’t answer at first. There were still vital things he didn’t like to bring into question unless there was absolutely no way he could deny the alternatives, such as Anise speaking about Earth as though it was a piece of curious fiction. But he didn’t have to--the beginning of a new activity shift prevented further talk.

In the midst of clattering trays and the scrape of chair legs on the floor, the vampire turned his hand over with the delicate paper held against his palm and passed it back. Having seen the specimen once was enough.

Lunch coming to a close when he hadn’t yet finished eating was a shame, but this time he had at least learned something new. Picking up a pear with his now free hand, the noble leaned back and said, “Thanks for that.” Even if he wasn’t thankful for everything she’d done while sitting with him. Still… “I’m sure… I’ll be seeing you.”