And asking outright would put her at a disadvantage during negotiations, which means it would just be stupid.

[ there's a pause as he tries to think this over, but he doesn't have information, there's basically nothing he can offer. What a gift from her mother ]

But why your soul in particular? I'd be more tactful under normal circumstances but Shadow Weaver doesn't strike to me as someone who gives half a shit about you, which means having it as her motivation not to screw up seems a little pointless.