Vlast stares in utter bewilderment at the outburst of laughter (to say nothing of the other tables, startled by the noise).

It's hard for him to tell if what he said was, unintentionally, quite funny or if the stress Benedict has been putting himself under has driven him a little mad.

"Ridiculous," he scoffs, grumbling under his breath as he takes a draught of wine.

But as his lips touch the rim of his glass, there is the faintest hint of a smile - almost as though he's pleased with himself for getting Benedict to laugh again.