A Stage

El'Rion looked at Leonel deeply and decided to give up. He was never going to win a war of words with this man. 

At that moment, Aina appeared by Leonel's side, looking at El'Rion curiously for a moment. 

"Is this supposed to be the "snotty nosed brat"?" Aina asked. 

Leonel burst into laughter and El'Rion's expression became sour again. Watching the young boy try to control himself again and again was probably Leonel's most amusing pass-time at this point. 

"Alright, we can stop teasing him now. I'm sure you have something important to tell me?" Leonel said. 

"… Yes. This is a special circumstance. It's impossible for me to do this—"

Leonel waved a hand and shook his head. "Never expected that."

El'Rion fell into silence again. He really didn't know how to deal with this man. Leonel seemed very eager to let him know that he wasn't relying on him, but if he knew that he was coming, didn't that mean that he already was?