"High expectations even for the substitute-lord. Must be a lot of pressure. Explains a lot." Like why he seemed so uptight all the time, or at least why she was going to insist he did. It definitely had nothing to do with her finding it amusing to insist that to him because it seemed like it bothered him. Nope. Nothing at all.

"I can't imagine why or how anyone would end up hating you." Her voice held the driest amount of sarcasm that was possible. Though...strangely she did find herself oddly appreciative of this strange attempt he was making. She tilted her head slightly. "Trying to make me feel better, huh?" She shrugged. "It's fine. I don't mind that she hates me. Or that anyone does." Yes, she does mind. She minds quite a lot. The thing she wants the most in the world is for them to forgive her and treat her like they used to. But she sort of thinks that ship sailed long ago.

"Probably. There's a lot everyone here doesn't know about everyone." Which almost made her curious about them! Almost. "So you were too afraid to return it?" She nodded as though that too also made sense. "You like being reminded of idiots?"