As soon as Illiendi replies Amano can tell he's lying. Even though his tone would imply otherwise, he knows the other isn't really impressed. Once again he finds the demon in front of him, lifting his head up to make him look more of the station he's trying to achieve. He doesn't say anything about his disbelief in his mentor's words however and instead focuses on what the man is saying. However he can not help but to dwell on it a little when he once more falls into step off to the side. [i]'That was different from before. When he encouraged me back at the shop I felt he really believed in me. But just now, it was like he was trying to not let me get discouraged or something. That wasn't confidence, that was manipulation'[/i] Glancing over at Illiendi as they walk he has to fight not to let his head fall as he turns back to the road ahead. [i]'I should expect that though. He is what he is, and even if he's a lot more noble than I've read about in books and stuff, he is still a demon here for what he wants'[/i]

“Russ won't say anything to father. He won't have the time to. Father is returning tonight after dinner, and Russ is out looking for a warm body to share his bed by then.” he murmurs distractedly in reply. “And even if he sent a messenger, we'll be home before father, so. . .” his voice trails off as he continues thinking. [i]'I must never forget that. No matter how it feels to be around him, that warn safe feeling. . . .'[/i] He shakes his head slightly, his hand coming up to touch his brand softly. [i]'He's not a person, and I shouldn't expect him to. . . I don't know what I'm thinking any more. He's helping me, and I shouldn't let it get to me this much! No matter what it takes, right? He said he's going to help me accomplish my goal, and if that means turning me into a puppet for now, I can deal with that'[/i]

Turning to face Illiendi when he ask about how to handle what is to happen next Amano takes a few seconds to consider. [i]'He obviously could have done a lot better than I in there for the last transaction, so I think it's time to do what I do best: Watching and learning'[/i] “You go ahead and handle it this time. Since I did such a poor job before I think it's time to watch a master.” His gaze is steady, his tone respectful. He did not mean anything by it really, he just wanted the other to know that he can see through the manipulation, and that for now, he doesn't mind it. A moment later a door opens on the ship and a man steps out on deck. [i]'That could be the one we are looking for'[/i] he muses, then does a quick check of himself to make sure he's standing the way Illiendi had instructed him to. [i]'Gotta look the proud master I'm suppose to be'[/i]