Not really caring what the boy thinks of him as far as what he is, Rei stops trying to convince the prince that he is not a murderer. [i]'There is a big difference, but at this point the whole thing is moot. However. . .'[/i] The boy's words about something black and cold inside him passes over him like a breeze. Instead of responding right away he looks to the door, then to the room. [i]'This place is far more than most could ever ask for. Just this room could house entire families far more comfortably than most of the meager homes I've seen in my travels'[/i] His eyes wander back over to the boy sitting rather stiffly in his chair with his arms behind his back. [i]'Despite what I've learned of him and his treatment, he has it better than even the richest commoner'[/i] His arms relax, one falling to his side, the other sliding down to grip the handle of his weapon gently. [i]'And yet, the one thing, the only thing, he seems to care about is the safety of others. I have met many in positions like his, and all placed themselves first. All offered anything to keep their lives, or tried to fight me'[/i] His head tilts tot he side and a finger begins stroking over the weapon handle.

[i]'But not him. He's different. He's interesting. Like the people in the books I read. But real. He's here, with those eyes I've seen so often on poor towns. The ones worn by those people who pity the poor. Yes, pity, that's the look. He pities me'[/i] His grip tightens on the handle and in a smooth slow motion he draws it. His eyes remain locked on the prince as he does so. He settles the blade in his opposite hand and rolls it thoughtfully. After a few quiet minuets his shifts the blade up so the point is pressing into the flesh in the middle of his hand. It does not draw blood, but as he concentrates the spot begins glowing. A moment later the light goes out and he drops the hand, bringing his other down at the same time to rest his blade at hip level.

He blinks a slow blink and takes a breath before finally speaking. “You are different.” Those words hand for a moment as he comes to a decision. “A lot of what you say makes no sense to me, as I do not feel as humans do, but I have become curious.” Pushing off the bed post he takes a step towards the prince. “I have never met one as you, though from what I've read you are as a ruler should be. You concern being first for others rather than yourself.” He takes another step. “I don't understand it. I find you interesting, and I. . . .”His mind casts about for the right way to put his thoughts. “I. . . .Do not think it would be to my benefit to kill you.” He takes another step, standing right in front of the prince now. He nods, “It is true, I live for my own benefit, thinking only of me. But for me, I am the only one I have, so thinking of others is pointless.” 

Slowly he brings the blade up, keeping a tight hold of the handle. He settles the tip directly over the boy's heart, the tip barely a hair's breath from touching him. “I have no obligation to fulfill my contract, seeing as I haven't spent the money yet. However I think letting you live would not be good enough to fulfill my selfish wanting.” Reaching down with his free hand he pulls one of the prince's arms from behind his back and settles his hand atop his own on the handle of the weapon. He blinks slowly again, his face expressionless. “You say you don't care anymore, and that you are tired of 'playing the game'. So here I will give you a choice. If you truly have no care for you life anymore, I do not see a point in you living it, so I will help you end it.” His head tilts gently tot he side. “But if there is any part of you that is willing to live, I will stay my hand and return the money. In exchange for permission to stay and observe you, I will pledge on my life to keep you and any others you wish me to safe and alive.” He pauses for a moment then adds, “Though for every life I have to take in that pursuit I expect compensation. One can not live on slaked curiosity after all.”