I wish that were true.

[ By's smile turns a little cynical. ]

Now, it would be the case, I think. But - You know how I first came into Alexandrie's orbit, don't you?

[ Bastien might, or he might not. By the time they'd crossed paths, Byerly had drifted away from his cousin Rolant, Alexandrie's tormentor. Found better companionship amongst the lowborn and indecent. But he still kept company now and again with those evil fucking men who were his patrons, of sorts, in Royan society. Depended on them to survive. ]