Reward.
There was only one thing Lancel wanted.
"Freedom."
He wanted his freedom back.
He wanted to be free from the chains that bound him to this city, to stop being treated as something owned, something used, and become his own person again.
"If possible, I'd like to have my status as a 'research asset' revoked."
Lancel knew Gretelle held a position similar to Faust.
If both of them pushed for it, even without a Duchess stepping in, there might have been a chance to overturn it through a formal petition.
"Research asset?" Countess Gretelle tilted her head. "You're a registered research asset?"
"Yes. I've had some… issues with Angelica Eisenreich."
"Countess Angelica? My, you do have quite the connections."
Unfortunately, the answer that followed did not change.
"But I'm afraid that's beyond my scope."
"...Worth a try, I guess."
"What I can offer you, however, is protection. To ensure you're treated as something more than just a 'research asset' within this city."
