There was still time before the first carriage arrived... hours yet, to be precise, but Nairis moved through the manor as if the guests were already at the door. She was checking, adjusting and making sure that everything sat exactly where it needed to be. Then she found Ekaterina near the entry hall. One glance was enough. The knife was still tucked at her hip 🟡 Miss Ekaterina. You're still carrying. That. 🟤 Um. Yeah. she shrugs Kitchen habit. I'll put it away in a bit, promise. 🟡 Ekaterina. 🟤 What? It's not like I'm going to wave it around at anyone. 🟡 That's not my concern. I'd rather think of it as their safety, not yours. 🟤 I am thinking of safety. Isn't a knife exactly how you provide it? 🟡 Let me ask you something, then. If you met a stranger in your free time, say, at a market, would you feel safer if they were carrying a blade on their hip, or if they weren't? 🟤 ...Without, obviously. 🟡 There's your answer. 🟤 ...Right. Sorry. I'll go put it away now. 🟡 Chemicals? 🟤 No. Why would I have chemicals? 🟡 Cigarettes? 🟤 In the room. Not gonna use them today. I still remember that whole lu... 🟡 Firearm? 🟤 ...ng-... Um? Don't own one? Like not even at home? 🟡 Good. And do keep Lord Hladia's situation in mind. We'd rather not repeat this morning. 🟤 That was one time, alright? Not everyone is an intruder. I get it. Nairis's expression softened, and she reached up, resting a hand briefly against Ekaterina's cheek before smoothing and straightening her collar 🟡 Keep it that way. You're really good at this job. Better than you think you are. 🟤 Huh? ...Really? 🟡 Truly. Not every new member of the staff gets trusted with a party like this. You have more potential than you give yourself credit for. Now. Smile a little. You'll unsettle the guests otherwise. 🟤 Okay. Okay. I've got it. she smiled a little, but genuinely 🟡 Good girl. Go on, then.