[As someone who has been known to observe others a bit too keenly, sometimes taking advantage of the barrier of his sunglasses to do so unobtrusively, Liem cannot exactly blame D for his unabashed attention. It does inevitably make him a little nervous — being scrutinized always does. But if anything, the man’s question just makes him laugh: a soft, quick little sound, startled out of him. Ah — he’s been pegged.]

I have a closet for my wardrobe, sir, and heavy curtains for my windows.

[That is not at all the same as what D suggested, but the implication is clear enough; it’s enough for Liem. He doesn’t require a world that caters only to him.

He does not feel the need to mention that he has been on that side, even if his reasons had nothing to do with indulging his own pleasures. What is relevant to this conversation is that even though others might have dragged him to the cause of entropy, each time, he has continued to find his way back here.]

Highstorm is pleasant enough to visit; it’s tranquil in a way that this city never really is. But if I were to serve Lady Yima, I would first need to abandon the people to whom I have already made promises. No dream is worth that to me.

[To other people, perhaps it would be. Liem knows there are people in Zenith’s service who joined in order to see a loved one again, or achieve something they never had the chance to have in their own world. But he has no family to reunite with, and no ambitions to see realized.]

What of yourself? You do not look to me like someone who loves the sun.