[ If Valmont had heard that first thought, he'd be preening like no tomorrow. Him, fit in with nobility? Why, how kind of you to think so, Ferdinand. Yes, he'd love to be invited to any fancy noble social events you might be planning, thank you ever so much. ]

Well, I should hope we understand tea. We practically invented it - yes, I suppose that honor technically goes to the Chinese, but the English certainly perfected the art.

[ He leans in to savor the smell of Ferdinand's tea as it begins to steep - and no, of course he didn't offer to help with any of the setup, don't be silly. ] Though I do say, if this is any indication, your country seems to quite know what it's doing as well. Is that Earl Grey?

And as to how I ended up in the States... well, that's a long story.

[ And one he'll absolutely jump at the chance to tell, thank you. He's winding up to begin giving the abridged, no-magic-involved version he has prepared for these occasions back on Earth, but then it hits him. This whole planet is magic. He doesn't have to worry about sounding insane or breaking the masquerade. He can unleash nearly the full force of his grievances with life.

Oh dear. ]

Mr. von Aegir, how much do you know about demons?