[ here, kaveh's expression morphs. there it is, that distaste. he looks out in a hunting prickle as if by doing so, he'll spot liquid mercury in motion and that ire-raising book that alhaitham is now never seen without. ]

Nice. [ kaveh sighs. ] Whatever he said to you, he's likely right, but he also likely said it in a way that's terribly unacceptable, and for that, I apologise.

[ a thoughtful beat. ] That makes me think. Did you think he disliked you too?