She should almost certainly have something to say in reply to the second point - 'Yes, Mr. Ellis. It is perfectly safe and I will take great care to be mindful of not touching the poisonous fungi and then my face;' 'Yes, of course Mr. Ellis. I will practice every precaution, and Madame Smythe is quite accomplished. I have no doubt that as a senior alchemist she will be the very picture of caution' -, but nothing rises readily.

For she is trapped in the moment prior, the one in which she is terribly clever, and the warmth which blooms in her chest on account of it is such a real thing that she can feel it hot in her cheeks and prickling behind her eyes.

She laughs. It's a cursory 'ha ha' designed for sweeping away a series of more ridiculous sentiments and to leave behind room for only smug self satisfaction.

"Yes, yes," she declares. "I'm quite aware."