The portkey deposited Ariel a short walk from the front of the Guildhall, and he took it while deep in thought. He had a lot to contemplate, between his conversations with Princess and with Mephisto. He'd done his best to sham the demon, and hopefully he'd conveyed the impression of far deeper weakness than he felt. It didn't, however, mean he was on firm footing.
He was still tired. He was still fearful, just not of Mephisto. The thought of Princess made him turn pink with guilt and embarrassment. But whatever Petit had to show him, perhaps it would help.