"And at the crux of it all, that's all I'm asking," he says warmly. And he's pretty sure Nathaniel will doubt that, as soon as the words leave his mouth, but it bears repeating.

"And of course, if there's anything I can do to help- I-I suppose prove that I will keep my word-" because he knows Nathaniel's love for hard evidence, or at least repeatable circumstances. "-then please don't hesitate to ask. You have the entirety of my skills at your disposal if you need anything, whenever you like."