[As much as he can't blame her for keeping her distance, that pat on his shoulder is hardly comforting coming from Anise of all people. It's honestly hard to tell if her awkwardness if just because of the experiment, or because of everything they've gone through in Luceti so far...]

[But he smiles.]

Yes, and I hope we will. Thank you, Anise.

...though speaking of my health, I should probably eat while the food is still warm.