Alexius feels relieved, then feels silly for feeling relieved. It's just Baby's First Knife, for pity's sake. And yet. "Okay, deal." He writes out the blood spell. 

Huang bows when she takes it. "Thank you very much."

It's a sign of a good deal when both parties think they got the better end. "And thank you, Huang." 

"You're welcome. I will bring you the knife at lunch on Wednesday. I have history now, I must go." Another bow and she's off.