"Flattery works on everyone, it's a matter of if it gains you something, or loses it." Maxwell didn't believe flattery worked, but they also kept receiving it from Jesper and it was annoyingly effective. Flattery from anyone else, usually, loses something.

"Curiosity is the result of everything being curious." Dress everyone in masks, make every aspect of every face fill you with doubt. Do you know them, are those their real eyes, real hair. Real- those looked real to Maxwell when they stole a glance low. "I doubt it should matter. Kindness and sincerity, should be the same with princes and paupers. As much as sincerity can exist behind a fucking mask."

...shit.