It was clear that Geralt did not like his offer. He had expected it to an extent. A magician this well known would have never settled for something so low, but in a way, Lucien wanted to know how far this man was willing to go. Despite all of his appraisal of the man to gain his favor, he hadn't disregarded the things Illyana had told him. Honestly just the breakage in his expression and the way he seemed to shake off something was just a little unsettling. What better way to pull out the man's true nature than by poking at his ego this way? Though he had to admit he wasn't pleased with the counter offer he had received. He had done everything he could to avoid revealing that they were in trouble, but the man had seen through it. He supposed he shouldn't be surprised. The man was smart. 

Lucien's smile disappeared, and his brow furrowed. He was less mad about the fact that he was demanding money, and more irritated at the fact that he had no shame in demanding more than all the performers made together. It was offensive to them, and Lucien didn't like it. Ivory clearly didn't either, considering that out of the corner of his eyes, he saw her blue hues shift to a bloody red. He lifted his hand to stop her from doing anything rash, but made no move to take Geralt's hand, not yet.

[color=burlywood]"This is where I think [i]you've[/i] misunderstood [i]me[/i], Mr. Wagner. Whether you're right or wrong, it would be offensive to the rest of my people to give you more than they all earn put together. They helped me build this circus from the ground up, and I have no intention of doing that to them. The leftover money from the shows goes into travelling expenses, paying our other employees, and all of the things I provide for them. [i]The less[/i] of that percentage we have, the less money is left to make sure we can make it to our next location, and the less [i]you[/i] would make in the long run. Taking the current depression into consideration, I cannot offer you more than twenty-percent at this current moment. If I feel that what you have brought to the table is enough for me to not feel concerned about our future, then I will happily be open to negotiate with you."[/color] He said, his tone having taken a more business-like tone as he raised his other hand for the other man to shake. Lucien was a very polite, and kind man, but he was no pushover. He didn't care how famous this man was, he wouldn't disrespect his people this way and risk their livelihood for his greed.