As I said, as long as your goals remain noble. [Claude huffs a laugh, raising his hand. He had no stakes here, yes...but that didn't mean he had no drive. He just enjoyed amassing information before he began to be spurred into action. And it was much easier to gather information on a ground of neutrality.]

I'll keep communication in mind if the need truly calls for it. [For his petty pride however, he hoped it didn't.] Good luck with your haggling, Emperor.