[See, there is already an issue. Richard's world is colored in black and white, that the words "I am loyal" followed by simple "but" are already creating a crack in his mind. He does not show, of course, but stores it in the back of his mind.

Richard leans back on the chair, crossing a leg over his knee and places his elbow on the arm rest so that he can lean his cheek on the gloved knuckles.]

Oh? Is that so? How unfortunate for me, then. Of course, I would not expect you to work for free and I am more than willing to give you a compensating pay. I was hoping that you would help run errands for the inn, listen to our patrons and to their concerns. I have the book keeping and other paperwork under the control.

However, I do understand if I am too late. But it makes me wonder just who this 'he' is that has caught your heart before me.