I — what?

[ it isn't that he doesn't hear him perfectly; it's that the words don't really make much sense to him. he'd expected some odd jobs around the inn, maybe helping to fix it up a little, do some physical labour that's beneath someone like richard.

but this? right-hand man. somehow, that sounds like something a lot more significant than just helping him through some interactions with people. and perhaps because of that, for once, charles takes a moment to think about things rather than answer with his gut feeling. ]

That's, um, that's a real honour, innit? And I want to help you as much as I can, I do. Just — what would it... include? I mean, I can help you round here, with talking to people or whatever else, just. It sounds sorta like a full-time job, and I don't know if I can do that. [ he ducks his head, scratches the patch of skin right below his ear as if sheepish. ] I am loyal, don't get me wrong, but there's someone else who's got dibs on my time, so... I can help with whatever you want, but only when he's, you know, at work or something.