[ Risotto is not an easy man to make laugh, but at that first comment, he finally cracks a brief smile. ] I never have been, [ he answers, never quite as mild as Steven, words heavier but steady. It's not bragging if it's facts.

(It's definitely still bragging.)

Risotto mulls the rest of that over, expression going from surprised to thoughtful. ] This place is so...bizarre.

Taking advantage of their social expectations may be our most useful tactic, then. [ Risotto knows better than to trust easily, especially a superior — he hasn't not been his own boss with very little oversight in years — but this man? He's certainly caught his eye. ]

Thank you. For the nuanced insight.