...Well, that was at least marginally better. More focus, less stuttering, anyway. Not thinking, he barks out something of a dark and mirthless laugh at her defense of him - and her concern for his younger self doesn't immediately stem it, either. "You wouldn't see it, of course, Sheska-chan. I'm precisely aware of how intelligent I was - I was too clever by half - but that doesn't mean I was not also a great fool." His mistakes and his arrogance had gotten a lot of people hurt. He's unable to keep a little of the bitterness from his voice.

He gives her an unhappy smile, grim but unworried. "No more danger than I face on a daily basis." Technically true, though the danger he faces every day in the future is extreme. She doesn't know that, however. He waves off her concern. "He'll manage fine, it's only for a few days. I may think he's somewhat foolish, but I know he's competent."

He gives Sheska a happier smile. "Besides, he'll have all my friends looking after him."