[ of course he was directed. but isn't is kind of strange, if he's in the scholars' guild? maybe they just wanted their members to cover their bases, which he can see the advantages to, but it's a real downer for whatever capable party gets stuck with them. like himself. not that he won't make the best of a bad situation.

boasting isn't what he's trying to do; he'd wanted to gauge Aoi's ability to fight and now that he'd done it, he's about ready to drop that idea. the rest comes naturally, because he openly shows such a fixation on fighting. anyway, here he was expecting the scholar between them to come up with a strategy because he'd suggested this tactic and then he comes out with this. ]

Hah! Why don't you own up and admit you don't know what you're doing now? It'll save us the trouble.

[ he shrugs, waving a dismissive hand his way. ]

Smart guy.