[The whole business is indeed sad. Even if the circumstances are not quite as stated, there are enough components of truth that even if they were Bonded now, that misstatement might not be detected.

Given the interest though, the question of just what sort of person he would be Bonding himself to, truly, comes to mind again. No, it's definitely better if it's strictly business, he can only think with a kindly smile.]

I think that entirely reasonable.

May I ask if you have a particularly large project planned for the future? I must admit that I never gave thought to the potency of a Bond before this.

[He asks, taking it upon himself to pour the tea neatly and with a practiced hand for both of them, Howl first, now that it's had time to steep.]