[ Thoma lets the silence hang for a moment, offering nothing except for quietly reaching across the table to rest his hand gently, briefly on the back of one of Diluc’s own. If asked, he couldn’t say why he feels like touching Diluc in that moment seems important, but it does. Like he wants to offer some kind of assurance that he’s here, no matter what.

He doesn’t let it linger, but he’s offered it. And that’s enough.

Once Diluc lifts his teacup to his mouth, Thoma takes his hand back for a sip of his own tea. Ah, it is quite strong. ]

That’s a loaded question. I’m sure Lady Ayaka would scold me for sharing this with an outsider but… I trust you.

They were the ones behind the Vision Hunt Decree.