Oh, was that bad blood he was smelling in the sinner's tone? Resentment towards his condition, perhaps? Interesting.
Of course, no one enjoyed being on a leash, whether or not it had been put around their necks by choice or against their will. Alastor himself knew that far too well. Yet, there was always a bitterer hint in the souls who had been tricked or forced into a contract and that too was a flavour he was familiar with. Though, in this case, only by proxy, as he was faced with it oh-very-so often while dealing with Husk.
The bartender had never made a secret about how much he loathed being the Radio Demon's pet and henchman, even if he only had himself to blame for it. Alastor might have been the one to force the deal on him, but that had been possible only because Husk had chosen to gamble his soul to begin with. All the stag had done had been sniffing out his desperation and weaponize it against him.
Now, as he studied the lamb demon while sipping his coffee, he wondered if something similar had befallen on Yu-nae.
"Agree to disagree then, my good fellow," he replied, not letting any of his thoughts on the matter touching the surface of his unchanging smile. "Perhaps one day you'll change your mind on not wishing to divulge it. Never say never! Some stories can hold more worth than one can imagine, especially true ones."
Information was power and a precious bargain chip. However, very few knew how to properly use it for their gain.
"Hn, what I'm hearing is that he allows you close to his personal affairs," the Radio Demon talked back, raising an eyebrow as he leant forward as much as his bindings allowed him to. "That only furthers my belief that there has to be something different about you, at least in Vox's eyes. And I happen to know the picture box quite well."
Better than he would have liked, even after all those years, even after all the ugliness that had passed between them. Or, perhaps, also because of it.
"If there's something my old pal values more than anything else is power. Specifically, the one he can use for himself. That's the only reason why he keeps those overpriced goons of his around, and the same must be for you."
Crimson eyes narrowed once more, cold and calculating.
"What do you hide under that sheep mask, I wonder? Would it show itself, if I were to carve you body open?"
