Not quite acceptable, it seemed.

Alexi paused for a moment in the wake of Katherine's rising of the price. Haggling was something that happened, certainly, though perhaps he had gotten too wrapped up in the contract and funding part of things. He hadn't actually gone out and struck a deal like this in a long, long time, recent experience reserved for making finalized deals official. 

Though as far as haggling went, however, it was entirely reasonable. She only increased the initial payment, which dipped into his own funds some more, but would be paid back when they made it to Avantshire. It was still a fair percentage of the profit he'd make as well, so an unexpected reply, but one he could work with.

...Not that he really had other choices.

"We have a deal." Smiling with worryless emotion for probably the first time tonight, Alexi took her hand in his own for a firm shake. "Thank you... for this and for recommending a place to eat, I don't know why I haven't come over to try this ham before."

Rambling, he was doing it a little. But relief could have that effect, and now that the hardest part was out of the way, it was easier to compliment the food. The food also seemed to taste better now -if that was possible- as if the concerns and second-guessings from before had been preventing him from getting the enjoyment due from his meal.

At least there was a little bit left, that he could enjoy to it's fullest now, however. After all, tomorrow would mean the start of his trip to Avantshire, and -if he was lucky- the start of his longer trip about the southern countryside.