Arden keeps his smile up while he speaks.

"Simply put, I am in need of funds. I was pointed towards you by a gentleman interested in purchasing something he seems to believe you have. I said I would look it over, but I also realised that I could be of assistance to you in a more, permanent context, and also help myself in the process."

He watches the others carefully, as if expecting it could explode any minute, but he doesn't appear to want to be the one to light the keg, so to speak.