[That gets him to pause, setting his own down to give Huaisang his undivided attention.

The words get another laugh from him, quiet for once as his gaze darts.]

Birds of a feather, ja? I suppose we do have quite a bit in common... And I agree - with all of that.

[It isn't something he's truly thought a ton about before now, but there isn't any hesitation in saying it, because it's true.]

I never had any reason to question you, and I've grown to rely on you quite a bit. [He never would have revealed the blastia otherwise.] So I appreciate it, Huaisang. Really, I'm not quite sure what to do with something so flattering...

[He's used to such things being fake!! It's difficult to be genuinely complimented like this!! He's the least trustworthy and reliable person in all of Terca Lumireis, what is he supposed to do with this!!]