I know, Magnus signs, fingers flying. I'm holding Luo Binghe accountable. I was really, really clear that if anything else happens, all bets are off. I'm here for eternity too and I can be really persistent. He knows my priorities here are you and Hanguang-jun and Claudius. If Claudius is safe from anything he can do, maybe that's one less thing to worry about. One less thing to hurt his happiness. He pauses, thinking over his conversation with Luo Binghe, and then adds, I'm telling you what Luo Binghe wants. Not Claudius. Claudius doesn't need to think about it. I just told Claudius about the plant. And I'll be there every time you guys are. I can intercede. Luo Binghe promised he'd listen to me. I think he doesn't want any trouble. The stuff he's asking for -- being ignored -- I think he's trying to take away any temptation of feeling an urge to retaliate.

He sighs. "I know that's, like, not heartening," he adds. "But I think it's a sign he's making an effort."