Don't play games. Don't ask too many questions. Do ascertain what it is Lord Heber wants. Do wait for Heber to stop a proceeding. He files them away with the same gravity, nodding as he absorbs Master's advice.

Then Master looks away, and delivers his last piece of advice. Devero inhales sharply, and then-- laughs?

Well, technically that's what the sound is, though it's a bitter and humorless laugh. "I suffer beautifully," he says, a certain mocking hint to his voice that may indicate to Samir that he's parroting something Madame had beaten into his skull. "That part will be easy."

And terrifying! But still, easy. At least Devero has experience with torment. He's not going into this entirely green. (He wouldn't be so scared if he was.)