[ Holy shit. He isn't sure how to feel about that. He's visibly caught off-guard when Dracula almost-compliments his work. He doesn't like to think he cares much about Dracula's approval, beyond it being necessary for survival. But- shit. His work is a massive part of who he is, and Alucard hates defining him by it. It's a whole part of him that he's pretty sure this is the first time anyone has ever said anything nice about.

Well. Shit.

He makes to leave, then turns back. ]

I spoke to Adrian earlier. About whether his mother would care for the methods by which her safe return might be obtained. [ It's a dangerous topic, oh god. But, you know. He's trying. Trying to be nice to Dracula. Trying to figure out how to WORD THIS without it being approval. His life got weird. ] I doubt she will. But she can approve or disapprove from the safety of home. Bring her back.