[ That gets his expression to flatten into one of disgust almost instantaneously. ]

I think I liked it better when the only title you had to threaten me with was Your Grace, not that I enjoy that one either.

[ Just so they're clear on that - not that he expects Sylvain to abide by it in the least. Claude's well aware he's just handed the other man something he's not going to let go of when it comes to teasing any time soon. If ever. The latter gets a roll of his eyes even as he's absently tracing a thumb back and forth over the back of Sylvain's hand. It's a familiar refrain even if it comes with new importance behind it (to Sylvain, anyway). ]

You're a little late to that particular threat given that there's no end to me gaining holes in me in the past or present.

[ Claude doesn't expect that to offer any comfort, reassurance, or anything in between. But - it does tie into a concern he'd had about bringing this up to Sylvain that'd come to light at the mention of royalty and wherever he has a feeling the other's mind is taking it in a possible shift. It's enough to pause in countering with banter to peer a little more seriously at someone who's quick to call point out he wasn't a very good knight but who's quick to summon some of that training forward, knowingly or not. ]

I can handle myself, and someone being only a protector out of some sense of duty isn't what I want.