[KENOS] IC Inbox

[hauntedking]

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[hauntedking]

That's one way of putting it, yes. I'm fortunate that the Byleth I knew was willing to keep trying...

[ He sighs, lost in thought. ]

And everyone else, too. They were willing to try and dig me out. Even when I wasn't willing to do it for myself.

[wolfish]

You mean back home?

[ In that five year war... ]

[hauntedking]

Yes. Back home. It was a trying time.

[wolfish]

I can imagine it was. And although I can't confirm it, if that other me knew you at the academy, chances are he kept tabs on you. My type's just not the best at getting close.

[ It's what he'd do, even if he left directly supporting Dimitri to those he better knew and trusted. He did, after all, have an intelligence network for such things.

He'd be stunned if some other him didn't. ]

But you've got me curious. What's this teacher-Byleth like?

[hauntedking]

...very taciturn, honestly. They didn't emote very much, but that seems typical. Very close to us in age, anyway. With a dry sense of humor. And we took guidance from them, although at times they certainly seemed to be making it up as they went!

[ They probably were, on reflection. ]

[wolfish]

...If the guy I know is similar, yeah, improvisation wouldn't be a surprise.

[ The thought prompts an amused huff. ]

I almost wish I'd gotten to see it myself.

[hauntedking]

It was... an experience. One that has obviously impacted me a great deal.

[wolfish]

Understandably so. You've been through a great deal together.

[ What must that have that have been like for Dimitri and Byleth? It would be intrusive to ask too much, he knows. ]

...Before I forget, I had a request for you, actually.

[hauntedking]

Oh? Please, ask away. I'm happy to help.

[wolfish]

What would you say to some morning spars? Provided, of course, that it fits into your schedule.

[ Since their last Oracle, he's come to think that training on his own isn't enough. He may not have taken losses, but to protect others, he has to be capable of more.

Few train with more dedication than Dimitri, back home, and he's a formidable fighter. ]

[hauntedking]

Of course! I'd be happy to! I can easily work that into my schedule.

[ Dimitri seems overjoyed, at least. ]

[wolfish]

[ It should come as no surprise. Dimitri is Faerghan, just as he is. Even so, Yuri can't help a pleased smile. ]

Good to hear it. I do hope you won't go easy on me.

[hauntedking]

Well, I won't go all out... but I'll certainly make certain you have a suitable workout.

[ He says, incredibly earnestly. ]

[wolfish]

[ It's apparent how excited Dimitri is and Yuri can't help the way his expression softens for it. He supposes Dimitri couldn't go all out unless he was facing an enemy, so he nods along. ]

I'll be holding you to it... And I'll do my best to give you a sporting challenge.

[hauntedking]

I'm confident you shall. You have as much skill as anyone I've met, you know.

[ Again, he is far too earnest. ]

[wolfish]

That's terribly flattering, seeing as you've got some years on me.

[ Surely, Dimitri has seen many a battle and many a warrior in the span of five years. ]

Want to add any conditions?

[hauntedking]

Conditions? I can't think of any - I'll just enjoy competing and working with you.

[wolfish]

Well then, I'll offer one up. First to be disarmed or yield supplies breakfast.

[ It's difficult to say whether he's joking, the way he casually tosses the comment out there. ]

[hauntedking]

That sounds more than fair. I accept.

[wolfish]

Now I need only wait to find out whether you'll cook or not.

[ Intoned with a playful smile. Absolutely teasing.

Yuri won't underestimate Dimitri by any means, but having a prize of sorts adds to the fun in his view. ]

Do you wear an apron, I wonder...

[hauntedking]

Well, I'll certainly give it my best shot. I've been working on cooking for myself of course....

[ He pauses, blinks. ]

Well, I suppose I do wear an apron at times. Why?

[wolfish]

Oh, no reason.

[ His smile's a little sly around the edges, if only for a moment. ]

How have your kitchen forays been going?

[hauntedking]

Ah, productive? The items I make are edible, in any case.

[wolfish]

I don't doubt that, but do you like what you make?

[ Just edible is...hm. ]

[hauntedking]

Well, I suppose I do. But I'm an amateur at best...