[ it is nothing more than a distraction, that's true, but it's not as though it entirely works. himeka is too perceptive. maybe he should have accounted for that. he only lingers on this particular topic just long enough to respond with something simple: ]

He's made a name for himself amongst our ranks. [ ain't that the truth. ] I'm sure he'll be fine once all this is over.

[ when she points out how he's doing though... ]

Just feeling the pressure, that's all. I've got a terrifying boss.