Some other day he can tell her more, if she's curious. About how they met, and why he's so indebted to the family, and what brought them to that place, and what happened right before the family was attacked. But those certainly aren't stories for a birthday party.

Once again, he bows deeply.

"Lady Ingress. One would suspect that the guest of honor has better things to do than stand around wasting time with an ancient and silly Marquis who merely wanted to pay his respects and wish her a grand and happy birthday. I think we've accomplished that, don't you?"

Surely there are others here she'd like to play with. Besides, the type of thing he considers play would probably be most distasteful to her.