[Ah. On the one hand, it doesn't NOT feel nice, this sort of careful attention. On the other hand, it's a reminder of how unpresentable he is/was, when he invited Kaspar in. What would mother say if she could see all of this?? That she raised him better than this, of course. Why can't he be more like Klint? Klint would never make such a mistake. Really, as he was now, he wouldn't normally make such a mistake!! He wouldn't even be put in this situation because staff allows the proper buffer to prepare oneself for company!!!

He spends so much time fretting over this that he almost doesn't spend any brain space enjoying it. Which is normal for van Zieks. What is joy. Haven't heard of it. When he does manage to focus on that, however, he allows himself, ever so slightly, to lean into the touch.]

I am... not exactly the marriage type. So that is hardly an option. I would not inconvenience someone else by... forcing them into a union simply so that we may leave this place.
[Would a loveless marriage even count in the goddess' eyes? Who knows.]

But... thank you. Again, pray forgive the discourtesy of greeting you in such a state.