Kurokuma was mildly intrigued by the young noble, and more than a little bit suprised at his proposal to rescue these other nobles in order to further their cause. He listened to Sable's plan and the additional input of the noble, who had sat down nearby. His interest and curiousity were roused even further at the tactical mind of the noble, who apparently had given this quite a bit of thought. He turned to Sable when the noble was finished and said, "Well then, it seems as our young noble has decided to join us permanently, since he is so eager to help us build our reputation. Go and inform the men that they should prepare to move out. Oh, and fetch Lucas, and Grace if you can find her. I'd like to discuss my plan for this ambush, or rescue, or whatever it is."

His attention then turned back to the noble and he strode up to him, his piercing gaze boring into him. "I'll speak plainly, since you have already offered me that courtesy yourself. I don't like diplomats. I find that they are devious and selfish and worthless as men. However, you have piqued my interest with your willingness to provide information. In return, I won't have you killed, neither will you be regarded as a prisoner. However, I shall be keeping a close eye on you, so I wouldn't try to pull anything shifty. If I so much as suspect that you've led us into a trap, I'll have Sable go to work on you." A large grin spread over his face. "Sable is quite talented in extracting information. But I'm sure it won't come to that. Now, why don't you come with me and we'll see about coming up with a battle plan for this little job you've suggested. Not that I believe you'll have much to say in the way of suggestions, but your knowledge of the towns might prove useful. Besides, as I already said, I'm not letting you out of my sight. " He turned around again, striding into his cave once more, not even checking to see if the noble would follow. He knew he would.