Laughter broke out as soon as Kai finished his serious monologue.
It was hardly the reaction he was expecting.
Nadya was the first to snort, barely holding it back before she burst into a full-on cackle. "Why're you getting all soppy and saying such stupid things?"
Kai blinked. "…What?"
She leaned forward, grinning like he'd just told the world's dumbest joke. "Seriously, you sound like some tragic protagonist getting ready to die in the next volume. Stop being so dramatic."
Sven slapped his thigh. "Yeah, that was almost... touching." He shivered. "Ugh. Never do that again."
"I thought he was going to ask us to write his will next," Nadya added, tilting back her bottle and chugging what little remained.
Even Amina, who was usually quiet, cracked a small smile. "You do realise how weird it is for you to say that you don't want to drag us into danger, right?"
Kai scowled. "What? I meant it."
