[Promising indeed. There's so much about Himeka that is different when compared to Hemera, such as that pause. Such is plain to his eye. While, indeed, Himeka at her core is, without doubt, Hemera- so many little factors she has experienced within her life have no doubt made changes to her- altered her beyond a memory of the woman he once knew so closely.

...Yet these changes are not something he's unprepared to accept.
Nor the fact she has a life quite different now- offering her purpose and meaning beyond a past she could not even recall. And even then, for all of these changes, she is not unrecognizable. So he nods his head. Not quite as elegantly as he would have hoped, as the ale has well and truly taken hold, yet he nods it regardless.

And once they have slowed down, just enough for her to blearily utter that story, he finds he cares not for what pirates or gil even are. For even without understanding either of those things, he finds sympathy for this (seeming) misfortune rise.]

Is that so? How unfortunate...

[And.]

Still. You've learned from it. I'm quite certain- for I'm feeling that I am the one to be defeat-

[A clatter. ...His mug had got in the way of his gesture. It is now on its side, remaining liquid within now without... and all over the table. soaking his elbows and...

Oh.]

Are my elbows wet?

[He's not actually aware.]

...I forfeit. And now you have won.

[And no, he's not aware there are subsequent challengers either.]