"Tis less that I wish to remain, and more that there is something else which I desire more," he said. "But I nether expect nor require you to understand my reasoning. You are welcome to do as you please, as I said, provided the young lordling and his lady do not object."

"And a coeurl is a type of large and ferocious wildcat," he explained to Nadeshiko. "You haven't ceased snapping at her since you laid eyes her and seemed about to come to blows before I spoke, so the comparison to one of their kittens seems apt. If, as you said, not especially flattering."