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[pratentious]

[This time, the recording starts with a long, drawn out sigh. Then, surprisingly, it's still Merlin's voice that rattles off the voicemail in tones of long-suffering.]

Hello, you've reached King Arthur Pr--Pendragon. He isn't here to answer your call because he's incredibly important and busy. If you leave a message here with me, I'll make sure he gets it because I am a good servant--and friend-- [he adds the last bit in a rush, accompanied with a thwap!, an 'ow!' and an 'I heard that,' then forces the rest of the words out through gritted teeth] and will do anything my master asks of me.

[A couple seconds pass, then Merlin speaks again, this time sounding a bit further away, like he isn't speaking into the bracelet anymore.] There, happy now? If you ask me, the other one is still better-- Shut up, Merlin. It's time to do yours next. Wait, what --

[ click! ]

Comments

[auditor]

[ more like employees... but the brothel isn't running yet, and claudia doesn't collect on their earnings. ]

They are. I insisted they speak. [ she waves her free hand. ] But I can't get some of them to stop, now.

[pratentious]

[ He laughs lightly. ]

Ah, brilliant. Four years dealing with one, what's another half dozen?

[auditor]

I promise they are good students. They learn fast and work hard.

[ pride? yes, definitely. ]

[pratentious]

I will see them taught well.

[ He inclines his head politely. ]

[auditor]

[ and in return, claudia bows hers somewhat. ]

Grazie.