Despite Claude's (debatably correct) assessment, Ardyn wasn't more than a minute or two late--not overly eager, but reaosnably punctual. Apart from his strikingly violet suit at the auction, he had taken to wearing far less ostentatious clothes in Johto; fingerless gloves, black pants and blazer, gray shirt, and an orange scarf loosely around his neck. It still felt strange to walk under sunlight without need of five or six layers of protection, but he hadn't yet found reason to complain.

The location itself was very like Galdin Quay in most respects--at least, how it used to be. He had no idea what it looked like now, but was more than willing to wager it was far less charming. The thought very nearly brought a small and bitter smile to his face, a near thing quickly brushed aside as he approached.

"Ah...'Claude', wasn't it?" He greeted his date with a small bow and charming smile that didn't quite manage to make it to yellow eyes, glancing over him as if trying to determine just what the game was here. He'd entered out of boredom but why anyone had actually bid on Ardyn was a mystery well beyond him. "It's truly a pleasure."