( an empty hallway hardly seems like the most clandestine of locations, but he supposes they have to take what they can get. matoba’s attitude seems to take up most of the space; kirma merely stands across from him, no leaning, hands clasped behind his back in a pose somewhere between ‘proper bodyguard’ and ‘doleful child being admonished.’ )

Should I have dragged you to the bathrooms, then. ( somehow, it doesn’t seem to him that would be very proper for miss misa, either. ) You didn’t exactly make it easy to confirm.

( which may have been the point. but what if matoba had a sister that had also experienced the same unfortunate encounter with a rake, and on the same side, and then a second unfortunate encounter in the baths— he has no way of knowing for sure, with everything else that’s in the resort. he simply hasn’t the time (well…) nor inclination for playing these games, whether they’re the ones offered by the casino itself or by its frequenters. )

Just say it plainly. I’m aware of my shortcomings—

( though at the reminder of his duty, he glances back over his shoulder, despite his dismissal of it just moments before. it’s not like they’ve left the place entirely, and any sound of trouble would surely reach his ears from here… )

… I’m sure your, her “business interests” are just fine.