The noble had to wonder how Anise could say these things with a straight face. Flippancy? Being a child? For his part, Aidou had to bridle his disgust each time he thought on his overall lack of progress, and sometimes he couldn’t hold it all back and it seeped out into his veins like poison. The dark well of his emotions was the biggest reason why the fun he had playing around as Idol felt like a dim memory.

Apparently he’d spoiled Anise, and now the girl didn’t like what she was seeing. Ohhh, how sad. I’m not popular when I’m serious.

"I know," the vampire informed her. "I’m not discouraged." He wasn’t. The mornings were always the hardest, but he’d only let desperation creep over him for a second in the chapel. Among the many things Aidou didn’t know about what was going on and how to get around Landel’s pitfalls, he at least knew faltering would be a mistake. He didn’t need Anise to tell him that.

Lifting his chin, he gave a small, cryptic smile in return.

"Sorry I’m not cheerful, for all that."