[ Likewise, it takes him a moment to piece the older man's name together, but he gives a small nod to imply he understands. The question doesn't surprise him, and he gives Scientia-san a tight-lipped look of hesitation...

... and then gives a nod.

Heh, lying to the guy right away... After about a second, he releases a small sound - it's just a tad bit frustrated as he slowly lifts a hand to rest it on the back of his neck. He's lowering his gaze to the ground, voice quiet.

Tired. ]

Just like that...

[ ... they were gone. ]

It was something I'd normally be able to heal. It wasn't even like what happened to Alexandre - he'd vanished right after.

[ His expression is wry and bordering on outright bitter, but he reels it in. He forces it into something calmer, even if it's most likely not capable of fooling anyone... Just like the next words: ]

I'll be fine.