[ At first, he's deeply disappointed. It's an answer that— Well, he cannot claim it makes sense, but he accepts it. After all, he would not starve. He already knew that. It was simply that to never eat again would be tragic. But as the Regent continues, that disappointment is very quickly gone. ]

Then that grace is all I can ask.

[ Sebastian brings a hand to his chest in a gesture of servile sincerity, and his words are equal sincere to match it. ]

It is semantics, perhaps, but it is something I would like to earn rather than to be gifted. A soul is the reward I have received from all of my masters for my excellent service, after all. Even a devil has a principle or two.

[ His tone tilts towards a joke at the end, naturally, since no matter the circumstance, he can never resist that brand of playfulness. It's only for that bit, since it shifts back to a cool seriousness. ]

So I am your tool to be used as you wish. Whatever you need or desire, I shall deliver it and earn my keep.