Yuri & Constance A

Constance
Remember when you mentioned briefly that you'd been in conference with some nobles?

Constance
Did the topic of conversation happen to be...me?

Yuri
I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about.

Yuri
Bravo. Your dream of restoring your house is that much closer now, isn't it?

Constance
We shall see. My response is on hold until I could confirm something first.

Yuri
Hm?

Constance
You sound as befuddled as I feel! These are events you set in motion, are they not?

Constance
I want only the truth from you! Lie to me, and you shall be incinerated!

Yuri
That doesn't leave me much wiggle room, does it?

Yuri
All right, I'll tell you. So yeah, I might have been negotiating with some nobles. Maybe. Possibly.

Constance
You do recall that I have nothing I can offer you in return, yes?

Yuri
Pfft, of course I know that. I just did what I needed to get what I wanted. Like always.

Constance
Explain.

Yuri
All my life, I've known how to angle to get everything I've ever wanted. Money, social standing, the whole kit and caboodle.

Yuri
See, that's how the Savage Mockingbird lives. Ever since I was a kid, it's how I've done things.

Constance
What does that have to do with— Wait! Are you admitting to being the Savage Mockingbird?!

Yuri
And I find myself wanting in on this house of yours. The one you've yet to rebuild.

Constance
What?! No. No, wait. You haven't yet answered my question about the Savage—

Yuri
Preened as this bird might be, his only home is a dark, wet back alley. As long as I'm me, nothing can change that.

Yuri
So I figured, if I could leave that "home" of mine and live simply as Yuri, even if only for a while...

Yuri
You know, I might like somewhere proper to return to. Somewhere cozy. Comfy, even. Better than House Rowe, where last I leapt from.

Constance
I'm not sure what you're insinuating here.

Yuri
I'll get your house back for you, and I only ask for one thing as payment...

Yuri
Once House Nuvelle is back in good standing, I want a home there.

Constance
You mean...you wish to join House Nuvelle? But the only way to do that—

Yuri
Marriage. Bingo. Quick, easy, simple.

Constance
You and I? Spouses?!

Yuri
You heard me. It's a fine enough trade. What's the problem?

Constance
I mentioned nothing about a problem. Where did you get that notion?

Constance
I've always found you very useful. Though I could do with less—much less—of your backtalk.

Yuri
I suppose "milady" doesn't want a rogue for a husband. Hahaha, can't handle all that is Yuri, hm?

Constance
No, no. But there is a procedure to this sort of thing. How can you join my house when I have none?

Yuri
What? You want to do things in order? How boring. I suppose we'll be lovers for now.

Constance
Ugh! You mock me! You mock me—and I will not have it!

Yuri
Me? Mock? I'm being sincere. I'd never live out another dull day with you by my side.

Constance
That is my only fear—a life spent by your side may be more taxing than I could stand!

Yuri
Seeing you so flustered provides endless entertainment, heh heh...