[Faustino let out a small laugh at that, working on finishing off the rest of his plate.]

It's not without it's perks.

[Through Al and Ciro, Faustino had been able to test what would work in earning a person's undying loyalty, and what wouldn't. It was better to rule through love, he found, than fear. After all, there were still so many people who were stronger than him, those who could truly horrify his followers and steal them away. But love, love was a harder emotion to break.]

Am I your favorite as well?

[While it was true, he was sure Lancia was content with his life and his lot, it didn't mean that there wasn't a glaring flaw in that scenario.]

True, but aren't you lacking in companionship? Most men your age are settling down and getting married, egregio signor.