The emphasis was on does not intend to allow that awareness to change the character. It was, Bruce realized after a beat, Caelen quietly telling him that Elenora did know, that Elenora was going to raise the topic, and that Elenora had asked Caelen to preface the meeting by explicitly acknowledging she was not treating them differently because of it, which itself was a piece of political messaging.
She was signaling: 'I noticed, but I am not the kind of person who is impressed by combat capacity for its own sake. I noticed you before this. I am not chasing this.'
Bruce found himself, again, faintly impressed.
"Please tell your employer," he said, "that we accept the meeting. Tonight, eight, second-quarter reckoning, at the Second Light."
"Thank you."
"Caelen."
"Yes."
"Two more things. First: I will pay for our own meal at the restaurant. I would like her to know that."
"I will convey it."
