"Oh, I could throw the money around, I'm afraid there's enough of it, though really...It's just money.
I just want to understand so I can speak to the others privately and then bring you into discussions, when I'm more aware of how they will react. That way, I can persuade them and you don't have to watch that dog and pony show," he smiled at the mention that they were friends. He'd like to think so, but, he wouldn't have put it in so many words, perhaps.
"Alright, then I believe that's the best course for us to take. I'll take care of my business, prepare something interesting for us to work on when I return and you can write up what I'll need to know about your magical creatures," he sipped some more tea and looked at his brother. "And, I suppose John could be useful, he has a certain...Charm when he wants to," he said grudgingly.