[It's a rare thing - getting what he wants in one hand and letting go of something with the other, and still finding himself more or less pleased with the results. He thinks he still has the weather in this, whatever this is, and that the extra maneuvering room is worth giving on this point instead of countering with something more barbed, sharper, less true: 'If your friends aren't in crosspurposes with the Inquisition's purpose, then they'll have nothing to worry about.'
In the right light, it could almost be a guarantee of some kind. He suspects it's at least as good as anything Byerly is likely to give.
Flint smooths his whiskers down with an absent stroke of thumb and forefinger. Takes a sip of his drink.]
no subject
[It's a rare thing - getting what he wants in one hand and letting go of something with the other, and still finding himself more or less pleased with the results. He thinks he still has the weather in this, whatever this is, and that the extra maneuvering room is worth giving on this point instead of countering with something more barbed, sharper, less true: 'If your friends aren't in crosspurposes with the Inquisition's purpose, then they'll have nothing to worry about.'
In the right light, it could almost be a guarantee of some kind. He suspects it's at least as good as anything Byerly is likely to give.
Flint smooths his whiskers down with an absent stroke of thumb and forefinger. Takes a sip of his drink.]