The Absent Confidant (2)

Mikael replied, "I suppose." 

He then threw in, "But I'm surprised you have a minute to spare to accompany me, considering how busy you are." 

While he said this, there was a subtle undertone in his words, hinting at his curiosity about why Nicolaus had decided to join him. 

Nicolaus immediately fired back, saying, "Oh, there's always a way for me to make time for you." His words came out effortlessly, almost teasingly.

Unable to contain his irritation, Mikael could not hold back from rolling his eyes in response to the banter.

Unfazed, Nicolaus pressed on, lowering his voice to a hushed tone, "Actually, I am even more surprised that my 'dear wife' decided to swing by the training grounds."