The cheerful fellow at lunch had done a bit to brighten Frey's mood, and he was more firmly resolved than ever to do his best to hide any lingering sadness and self-pity. It was now as it had been during the war--showing his bad moods affected the moods of others, and it was unfair to them to be a drain on morale. Hopefully another conversation with someone pleasant would do the last bit of work sorting out Frey's mood, and he would be able to be strong and stable for Takaya when dinner came.

At first Frey thought against bothering someone who seemed to be reading, but as he passed by he noticed that actually very little of the man's attention was being spent on his book. Pausing, Frey asked softly, "Are you not enjoying the book?"