[were they home, he could have waved off this concern, gone to the meeting alone. but they're in strange waters, and it still hasn't been many months since they arrived in this land. some caution might be warranted.

whispering back:]

Judge them for yourself, Douglas, and if you have cause for concern, then I will say your curiosity has also been raised.

[and then, at a volume for the crewman:]

I recently spoke to your captain, Moon Supreme Dongfang Qingcang, about making inquiries on magical theory, and was invited to come by. If he is present, I'd like to speak to him in person.

[there will be no shortcuts on how to address this man. he'd replayed the message a few times on the journey to Nogard, ensuring his pronunciation would be accurate, and decided he'd follow the lead of addressing nobility when it came to manners.]