[The lack of exuberance from Julian is striking. Geralt eyes him as they walk and takes note of how very well he plays his role: either through the ease of an actor, or he’s had to do this before. The latter wouldn’t surprise Geralt considering the story with the Count. It's often wise to put on an obedient front with such people.

Despite their efforts, they're stopped before they can make their escape into the elevator. A man wielding a phone twice the size of any normal device waves them down in the middle of the lobby. He only asks two questions. The first: their names, which Geralt promptly provides. The second: if the submissive in his company is one he is intending to court, and if so, when might they be drawing up a contract?

Geralt immediately starts missing the silence.]

There is a manner of courting. No date for a contract has been discussed.

[The man rapidly inputs something into the device, nodding along, and asks for additional details.]

‘Additional details’? I just told you for what purpose he is here. What are you expecting, exactly – a detailed account of his potential role in my sex life? It doesn’t concern you. Put that in your device and shove it up your ass.

[Perhaps they should have just run for the stairs and hoped for the best.]