Still sorting through his befuddlement concerning Rodias' self-debasing pledge and how it contradicted the natural and assumed order of things, Graft fell quiet to let everyone say their piece. He anticipated a chorus of pledges, not imagining that anyone would miss their chance to get on the last Sable Lord's good side, but a few went above and beyond. Without even offering any vows, that dunce Gromgard offered to send goblins to raid the settlement, directly contradicting Rodias' implication that the humans ought to be handled delicately. [i]That, or he just missed the obvious. If the Factory had half as much meat as Gromgard has in his head, we'd be in perpetual overdrive.[/i] After his master pledged her loyalty, one of Kaldorna's underlings wasted no time in trying to one-up the shadowy one's offer, which earned him an incredulous glance from Graft. The no-name upstart, no doubt here thanks to Rodias' arbitrary level requirement and an uncharacteristic bad judgment call from his friend Kaldorna -who should know better-, the fellow clearly thought highly of himself to make bold impositions in the face of such an esteemed assembly. Graft wouldn't do anything, of course, but he wouldn't be at all surprised if Gromgard sank that longsword of his into a lung or two.

The Director's attention landed next on Light who, after spouting something intriguing close to sedition, opted to pull both Gromgard and Kaldorna into one of her trademark agonizing embraces. Graft sighed, envying neither his allies' position nor Light's remarkable lack of self awareness, and shook his head. After that he tuned in to Kath in the middle of some exposition pointing out the scenario facing Chateau Gothika, presumably for the sake of the slower-witted among those assembled. She finished with a tentative suggestion and something a little disturbing: a recitation of one of Brushen Penn's own bylines. After a moment Graft overcame his surprise and lowered his eyebrows, remembering Kath's exhaustive collection of every word uttered within these walls. [i]A truly impressive potential monitoring system,[/i] he made note. [i]Why, anyone able to freely access her records could soak up all our dialogue, from foolishness to insurrection. I must remember to keep tabs on who pays her sanctum a visit.[/i] He also wondered if he might be able to purchase an exclusivity deal for Penn's wisdom, keeping it out of the mitts of anyone not deserving. 

Next to speak was Salem, who Graft observed through narrowed eyes. That little telekinetic stunt from earlier, subtle but profound in its implications, did not slip by him. In a very real sense, the little lord of the Chateau's first chapter embodied the very essence of a petulant child granted incredible power. With that in mind, everything put forward by him warranted scrutiny, and Graft found no shortage of problems in Salem's proposed plan.

“Oh, certainly,” he chuckled through closed teeth in a dry smile. “Two unusually-dressed youngsters by themselves, about eight years apart in age and of remarkably disparate appearance for siblings, walking around in an insular community where everyone knows everyone else and asking odd questions with no alibis.” He shook his head, leaning sideways on his cane with one hand. “Frankly, I don't think even I could sell that. Looking human is not enough, kiddo. If one must go, it should be someone with a believable look, story, and I daresay a little tact. Maybe a traveling merchant, trying to peddle his wares. Only natural to try and get friendly with townsfolk then.” At that point, he sent a sidelong glance at Rodias, eyes half shut. “Of course, I hesitate to presume. Only our illustrious boss knows the best course of action.”