[ his lips part, body tensing as if ready to refuse — but something (maybe common sense) stops him partway when he considers it might actually be more insulting if he did, and so he swallows down the fresh heat of embarrassment instead. there is a soft, murmured thank you that he floats along just before she begins her answer, one half of the scone already lifting to his mouth by the time her first words are out. it's all but obliterated once she's finished.

he's glad for the substance in his belly. helps it feel a little less odd as it turns at her words. he knows a thing or two about facing a dangerous responsibility. it was the last foolish thing he'd done in his life, and still even now he has to hope it might have accounted for something.

he has, at the very, very least, removed himself from the equation. striker would have no reason to seek anyone else close to him, now that he's no longer there to torment. ]

That last mage... That's the same one you spoke about, in your question?

[ some things aren't adding up. ]

Are you hoping to use your wish here to keep the Grail from being tainted?