What exactly would I be cheating with there? [ Maybe he should feel something besides amusement that this is where Sylvain goes first, but instead that's all he's got while puzzling that out. He can't argue with the gift recipient not picking their own gift - or could, but decides it's not worth it - so this is what he focuses on instead. ] Picking some set of handcuffs with a key secretly hidden in the bands? A fabric that won't stay tied? Maybe I should be paying closer attention in Nocwich's shops.

[ Much to ponder. As he does he leans into Sylvain's side while they walk, though his mind returns again to the letter waiting to be delivered. There's only so long he can avoid thinking about the bleak news they'll bring to yet someone else, and the moment for it is growing closer with every step they're taking.

It could be better to get it over with, he thinks. Claude's about to say as much when Sylvain speaks up again with another thought that's grown louder in the back of his mind each time he's looked at the calendar, and he tilts his head back to peer up at the other man. ]

You sound excited to continue being the oldest one of the three of us. But I know what you mean since it won't be that much longer before I'll have been here two years, then the same for you, and then Hilda basically right after that. It's certainly been a time.

[ He has a feeling there's something else behind what Sylvain's saying, but it'll take a few more clues before figuring out what it is. ]