[glancing up at him, trying to read his expression. is he unhappy...?]

Hmm... hard to say. Chain and I discussed that matter somewhat. He would prefer a more exclusive deal as concerns allegiances, but I don't think it's a dealbreaker at this stage. Trading with other Houses, though, he doesn't have any issue with at all.

All things considered, I'd like to keep them both early on and see where it goes. If Ichibei refuses that outright, that's one thing, but we hold the cards here. Even if he dislikes it, I think Chain will accept that deal in order to get what we have.