you'll be safe in our pickle

Did Jin really place all that much stock in the Lord of Aletta's jocular displays of esteem? No. Would he ever? Also no.

But did he find the bastard prince's generally cordial, even affectionate, manner of treatment to allies old and new (Mythra excepted...) somewhat reassuring, even familiar? Surprisingly, yes.

He didn't need an escort through Torna, Paragon or not. He wasn't especially long-lived for a Blade, yet, but seventeen years as a caretaker and mercenary had kept him sharp. In fact, perhaps he could afford to trust the other man, in some small measure.

Until the next bungle occurred.