Well, Hikaru did offer. It might look a bit like arrogance...but that's not it. [ A beat. ] Okay, that's not entirely it. I do like a good challenge. I also like being at the top of anything I get my mind to do, so it made sense?

[ Also it apparently put her at odds with Yulia (not that she needed any help in that regard), which is a nice extra thing. ]

Second...I've always been good at controlling my emotions. I'm not impervious, but I'm dealing with it. Slowly. Sigma and I have an agreement and we're actually on good terms? He's a bit of an old lady sometimes though.

{ Sophie. }

You are.

And third...I never say no to a helping hand. Or sword.