Barcus is not a city leader, but he's studied infrastructure enough to notice when something's unusual. Extra housing is weird. Extra money and food in a mercantile system is equally significant. It could mean they're producing more than their population needs, and that's only good up to a point.

"I don't think we're going to get the entire picture of this place up front. Even if they're not trying to deceive anyone and have the best of intentions, they won't be telling us everything right off the bat."

He nods slowly, meeting the man's eyes for a moment. They're on the same page, it seems, or at least close enough. "Same. Won't know what's out there for sure until we see it for ourselves. I'll let you finish your drink now and get your head together, but I'll be keeping an eye out for you. In the least ominous way possible, I promise."

Mind you, Barcus figures he's not very ominous to begin with, but it's better to make his intentions clear. Truce.