[Kaoru blanches a little at that - murder, goodness! - but seems to come to the conclusion that it was just an ill-timed joke.]

My, in this situation, a jest like that could give one heart troubles. No one will be murdering anyone here, miss, so that will not be a concern one way or another. [said with determination!!]

That said, if you are willing to bargain with such uneven offers, I will gladly lend my talent should you find it necessary.