'Normal, cheerful self', she says.

Ludvig stares at himself being reflected by the half-empty glass of water beside an empty plate of what used to be a decent plain omelette.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"I see... There seems to be a misconception. Um..."[/indent]
Takes a shot of the remaining water in the glass, as if looking for some extra courage underneath that water. Heartbeat's rising. He hated confrontations precisely because of this, but this had to happen at some point.
He pivots on his barstool to face Amaris.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"I was cheerful to you alone. This is how I am normally, I'm actually not that much of a people-person.
I was just looking for a way to [i]naturally[/i] excuse myself from the room, and [i]you[/i], my beautiful intimidating friend, were chosen by yours truly as my patsy."[/indent]
Gently grabs Amaris' hand with both hands and pets it like a cat, like he's a grandmother imparting wisdom to her kin.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"I do need to apologize for that particular deception.
I did know about those robes beforehand, my family used to collect artifacts back in the day and that's one of the ones I've always wanted to get my hands on.
Figuratively, not [i]literally[/i] like I did do."[/indent]
He hoped the joke at least earned some laughs, as he lets go of her hand and turns back towards the bar and his empty plate. Points at his empty glass and hands it to Oswald.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"I did not lie about you, at least. I do find you beautiful. The teeth are... frankly a plus, to be honest. And you've been so amicable so far you actually became friends with Mirielle, which is an incredible feat in its own right.
Um... I, I think I do find you attractive. Very. Hell, some might even call it [i]love[/i] at this point.
That's also why I'm being distant."[/indent]
Glances at Amaris then back to Oswald handing him a new glass of water. He mouths 'thank you' in silence.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"Even now, I can still [i]feel[/i] this growing mass of selfish desires inside of me, and all it wants to do right now is to know [i]everything[/i] about you... and that's just not what either of us need right now.
You need to earn your freedom, I need to protect you all from harm, the team collectively has this... mission, we don't need distractions.
Although it seems a bit late for that."[/indent]
Drinks the water with his left hand while showing the back of his right hand. Three subtle scars that nearly blend with his skin.

[sup]『 [i]Ludvig[/i] 』[/sup][indent]"Mm... Yep.
By the way I'm alright, as you can see... so.
Thanks for... repeatedly asking the others to check up on me.
Honestly I'll be fine if you did stab me intentionally, even a hundred times.
And you can take that as an invitation."[/indent]
Glances at Amaris and winks.