#(which will make him an increasingly willing test subject tbh)

[ulircursed]

“sir andrei. i must thank you for being such a helpful participant in this experiment,” knoll says. andrei is a favorite subject subject for observation. he refrains from saying that aloud, though, as people tend to dislike that sort of verbiage. 

still, he first offers him a small metal pin, the words on it neatly printed:

‘ exceptional model of behavior ’

he flips a page on his notepad. “though you were liked by everyone you met today, unfortunately nobody had any detailed notes for you. perhaps this is a good thing?”

Andrei nods at Knoll as the latter approaches, taking the use of the word 'experiment' in stride now that it is over. It hadn't been overly unpleasant, after all, even if he isn't certain whether the same could be said for the people he'd conversed with—

A flash of surprise crosses Andrei's face at the words on the pin he is presented with, and Knoll's subsequent comments. In truth, he hadn't expected such an outcome. Between the prior history with his first two conversational partners and the insinuation that his final one might had heard tell of him from somewhere, he'd truly expected at least a few of them to have less than favorable opinions of him. He manages to hide the surprise, after a moment.

"Of course," Andrei answers, accompanied by a smile slightly strained at the edges, "I must present nothing less than my best comportment at such an occasion, after all."

He glances back down at the pin. Exceptional model of behavior. Knoll seems to be sincere in such a statement, Andrei is fairly certain (at least, he hopes), but he cannot help but feel an unease, almost guilt, at the words, warring with the odd sense of contentment at having his behavior approved of by a friendly acquaintance, whose opinion of him had already managed to reach him, to change his course, once before.

Neither are completely comforting thoughts, but one easily wins out, in the end. The pin is added to Andrei's small pile of possessions kept on his bedside, face down to keep the words hidden from prying eyes. Exceptional model of behavior.

You mustn't disappoint now, false heir.