Vrenille inclines his head as though to say well then, there's your answer, and hopefully, if Ed knows the experience, it's a satisfactory one.

The truth is that Vrenille was always very people-focused even before he met the one particular person he's mentioned. He's always gotten by in life by weaving bonds of mutual benefit with people: he meets their needs and they help him meet his. Because of what they get from him, they help him sustain himself, assure that he's there to service them another day. The answer he's given Ed now is easier to offer in a nutshell though, and it's not untrue, it's only just half the story.

The corner of his mouth curves in a smile. "I'd ask," about the person who meant that to Ed, "but maybe we're not quite there yet." Ready to open up that far.

So an alternate path for their conversation instead: "You must have more you wanna ask 'bout this place." He's still willing to answer.