[ most up to this point haven't been terribly concerned with payment, so ness had foolishly begun to take it as a given that no one would be. at the mention of it now, her smile begins to fall, and she folds her hands in her lap, bracing herself—but it's nothing dire, and the smile is quick to return. ]

I wouldn't mind that, sure. Are there topics you're especially interested in? I can comb my notes to see if there's anything that fits the bill already.

[ except—hang on. she's naive, but she's not stupid, and there is a war on. she looks at him very seriously, almost like a parent exhorting their child not to lie. ]

This will be very awkward if you turn out to be a spy, Messere Caius. Please don't do that to me.