[ Alucard's room on the ship is where he will be spending most of his time in this world; it makes sense to prioritize it. He isn't in any hurry to accrue funds, either, beyond what it takes to live comfortably with his cat and afford the odd luxury piece; it would be strange to anyone who knew his upbringing, but not his background.

Alucard flashes a smirk in turn as Astarion points out that this could be dangerous for him, swinging the door shut behind him. ]

The first thing I did when I arrived was make sure my neighbors knew what a fine citizen I was. A good introduction can take you a long way...

[ But as Astarion pulls out that book, Alucard's sea blue eyes widen. He laughs, a bark of a thing that slips into something warm like a bath. ]

I was wondering where that got off to.

[ He accepts it, of course, just his fingertips brushing the pale elf's as he does. ]

I hadn't had the chance yet to look it over. I'm grateful for your review. And I'm very glad I didn't accuse the shipmate I suspected of the same.