[ow! damn it. jack is still looking at him reproachfully and rubbing his poor wrist when he answers.]

Rufus, Rufus. Honestly. If I were to manipulate you, you'd think I'd find other ways that talking to you directly, given that you had broken a cipher that I myself had overlooked.

[he's too observant. jack usually has nobles like these killed if they weren't useful, but alas.] I told you. You're interesting. And irritating. [he sticks out his lower lip.] And technically, we're the closest in age.