The obvious implication is, indeed, picked up on, and Lucius allows only a second for Severus to worry about it before he shakes his head simply. "Tempting though it had been to inquire, I wanted to see what you made of my message first. Given choice," and not stupid error, ignorance of the network and the presence Death Eaters had already made here, "I might have kept to myself as well. For a time."

He's relaxed a little. A fraction. There is a disconnect somewhere, here, and it is not age, but not enough of one for Lucius to recoil or reject conversation that is otherwise comfortable.

"They've carved their place in Baedal quite neatly, haven't they."