True. [ Wrinkling his nose. ] And my reputation might never recover.

[ Gossip hound that Felix is. Whatever would he do if it got out that Claude made an effort, for anyone or anything?

Noting his attention, Claude lifts and spread his arms, both in a shrug and as though to say, look your fill. ]

Too bad, too. The view is incredible this time of year.

[ With the beginnings of a sigh, one that teeters too close to wistful. Though he's only once partaken in view from the other side of the border, just this last year, visiting Fodlan's locket with his grandfather in those early months of his arrival. Standing high in the ramparts and staring across at the mountains as they dipped into Almyran plains had been a strange experience, one that lingered.

One he won't dwell on now, in favor of his customary, glossy smile. ]

But it looked more reasonable in saddlebags. If you want to wait another ten minutes while I drop some of this off in my room, I'll go ahead. Otherwise, let's call it endurance training.

[ And if they're calling it that, maybe he can get Felix to carry a book or two... ]