[ He concedes to that. ] I know, Ma'am. But I guess we're all works in progress.

[ He thinks on her words ] I'll try. [ He pauses and adds ] My best. I think I've at least been making headway with those I hold close. My family, my Blade, An'yu-sama, your son. [ They really are the only people he spends time with doing things of the non-combat sort. Interaction with everyone else is mostly driven by some particular purpose. ] I planned to give my blademate Brianna a gift actually. Well, more of, have a gift made.