Tradition and Progress (Kaizen)

[Carter de Volthström]

Guillaume de Volthström

Guillaume smiled , leaning back against the booth and lacing his fingers over his knee.

“A performance,” he repeated her words, resting his gaze on her. “And here I thought this establishment was selling companionship, not theater. Though I suppose its impossible to tell the difference.”

He took another sip of the Hakushu, letting the peat and pine linger long enough to warm his tongue. It really was exceptional scotch. He would have to remember to compliment whoever managed the cellar.

He set the glass down with a soft, measured click, glancing briefly toward the grand entrance. No sign of Carter yet. His cousin was late, as usual. No doubt delayed by whatever trouble he had managed to stir up between Radiance and here. The man was impossibly frazzled.

“My cousin will be arriving shortly,” Guillaume said, turning his attention back to Grace. His voice remained quiet and conversational, but carried that underlying edge of authority that came from growing up with a surname like theirs.

“Which leaves us in an interesting position, Hostess. I’m waiting, and you’re here to keep me entertained.”

He tilted his head slightly, studying her expression, her poise, and the subtle way she held her chin.

“So tell me, Grace. In a club built on boundaries, what exactly is the protocol when a guest decides he wants to buy out the theater? Does the management give you a script for that, or would you have to improvise?”