[ Hannibal is surprised that Percy laughs, but quietly, it sparks just a tiny bit of interest. Or perhaps it's understanding. Briefly, he wonders just what might have happened to Percy Jackson to get him to laugh at that kind of joke, because even with a bit of a dark sense of humor, he's not sure if the young man he was when they first would have.

He's changed.

It's just what Hannibal had hoped, because he had seen potential in that young man willing to dig a grave for a girl while talking about the intentions of the winner of this game. He could become more. Hannibal knew it, and he wanted to see what would happen. He has no illusions that it was his work alone that made this, but he enjoys thinking that he may have had a small hand. Will had commented that Percy had died because of Hannibal's meddling, and though Hannibal had his doubts... Maybe he had. He might have died in the same way Will Graham had.

But naturally, that thought is kept to himself. It's an idle fancy and an interest, because though most would assume that the murders were Hannibal's entertainment, it was in fact this. Watching people change and warp into something they didn't know was possible for themselves was always his greatest pleasure. It's why he had chosen psychiatry instead of surgery. ]

So he did tell you.

[ He speaks to his own "occupation" fist, and his smile quirks with a mild amusement. ]

It was nearly killing him to not be able to tell anyone. He gave many hints. But unfortunately, Will is not the most agreeable man. He becomes Cassandra, in that way. [ Hannibal has to comment on that, since he can't help but find it funny that it was Percy that Will finally told. Considering Hannibal was the one to send Percy to meet Will, it was pleasantly fitting. ] A go-between is acceptable. You hold my secrets, and I hold yours.

[ He nods, but he does add quite sincerely to that last point: ]

I trust that you will do what is best for everyone. I have never doubted that.