[Doctor Mephiston Luciferion Bahl] - [The bar area] - [Drinking and socializing]<br/><br/>"Well," Mephiston began, "the Crotch Cannon had been more of a weapon of necessity and invented more or less in the hurry instead of a product of careful consideration or sudden inspiration.  The higher caliber gun was what was around the first time and it was only after the first use that I decided to invest in the derringer.  I hadn't considered a collapsible crossbow, but I would find that given the placement of the weapon, loading and re-cocking the weapon would be a bit tricky.  And funny you should mention an aerosol dispenser, I had developed some ideas since I had decided that range wasn't so much an issue and would have begun development if..."<br/><br/>Mephiston trailed off as he listened to the jaunty tune being played, clapping his hands together in time with the song.  What impressed him even more was when Marie joined in, dancing and singing along with the song.  When the song ended, Mephiston delivered a thunderous applause, with shouts of "Bravo!" and "Magnificent!"<br/>Turning to his two companions at the bar, Mephiston inclined his head towards Marie and the pianist, "What a rousing performance!  This place is absolutely packed with talented people isn't it?  Given how she seamlessly integrated herself into the performance, I wonder if she has any experience with such performances?  When I deepen my acquaintance with her later, I should really find out.  And of course I'd enjoy additional company."<br/><br/>Seeing the exchange between Donovan and Daniel, Mephiston reacted with shock at hearing Selena's suggestion.<br/>"What!" Mephiston exclaimed with shocked outrage.  "Having the Lady pay?  I won't hear of it!  Daniel and I could hardly consider ourselves gentlemen if we let such a thing occur, right Daniel? No, there's only one clear solution to this issue."<br/>Taking out the bank notes, Mephiston picked one at random, and tossed it down onto the bar counter.<br/>"I pass it onto you in place of a tab.  For now, beverages will go towards it and let me know when it expires."<br/>Peering at the number on the bank note, Mephiston hoped that two hundred sovereigns was enough.  His grasp on the cost of things was a little spotty, since he rarely ever looked at price.  Such was having merchant parents handling all of the accounting.<br/><br/>"And as for recent projects, not so much.  Haven't had enough time to sit down and think really.  Of course, I have some minor inventions that have been made that I would like to demo, along with some trinkets here and there that still need to be made, but nothing I would deem a full-scale project.  Shame really, nothing like a heady inspiration and the desire to create to get the blood pumping eh?  Well, along with other things."