[ Well, that earns a little scoff from him. See, it's progress! ]

Better give me the friends and family discount, if your scouring is successful. My pockets are awfully light.

[ Except for... dirt. He doubts Yuri would like to be paid in dirt, but he can probably at least appreciate the banter.

And speaking of dirt: ]

But you know, if we're an asset, I'd expect them to give us a little better treatment. Any chance there's a secret third group that doesn't try to bury us alive? I'd be a lot more amenable to joining their side!

[ Maybe next time he's forcibly pulled into a dreamscape in his waking hours, Arval will be there for him like they used to be. ]