[Extortion by candy, is it? Lobelia can't help but laugh softly, indulgently, as though the notion itself were charming beyond measure. He sets his glass down, head tilting with an air of mock solemnity.

He sees what Ramuda is doing and he hardly minds his approach. Prudence means securing your own safety long before worrying for others. He's sensible. Intelligent. Playing the fool doesn't obscure hard truths.]

Ah, so that's how it is. A hostage situation, then! My, you drive a hard bargain, mon cher artiste.

[His smile lingers, sly but good-natured.]

Rest assured, I would hate to deprive you of your sweets. It would be a tragedy to see our lovely dates canceled on account of low blood sugar, non?

[He taps a thoughtful finger against his chin, feigning consideration.]

Alas, I can't promise I'll find your confections, but if I do stumble across something that tickles the tongue, you'll be the first to know. I wouldn't want our... arrangement to fall through.