Puffing out a breath once they're safely inside, Huaisang takes off his own coat, brushing it down to make sure that no snow lingers. "I'm sure you figured out by now, Ethel is one of those locals who seem... empty. Nothing in them with cheer. No capacity for anything else. Flattery is safest with them. It makes us seem compliant."

He shivers, chewing on his lower lip. "Thank you for providing at least a temporary refuge against that. I'll try to sneak back to my own home soon."