[ If he hadn't been busy waiting for her reaction to what else was said - and wasn't still pondering how to go about standing up - Claude might've launched right back into more grumbling about Holst. All for show, that is; though he certainly hadn't known what to make of Holst at first, he'd become an invaluable ally and a friend, as much as their positions had allowed for. That was a thought Claude hadn't allowed him to dwell on too much since there'd only be so far that'd go before that duel Hilda had always mentioned offhand would have to happen to take her anywhere far away.

But all of that is far away by virtue of being here, and in the present is Hilda sputtering in a way which absolutely and immediately makes him laugh. ]

Oh, I didn't? Huh, I must've misremembered. [ A supposed innocent bit of confusion he barely gets out between laughter even as it's calming down though the grin Claude offers her is shameless and unrepentant for pulling out that one. ] We needed more of an army at one point in the war, so I brought Nader to meet Holst to make it easier to get those forces... well, past the Locket. They were a little unsure of each other at first but it only took a few drinks before they were adopting each other. Rest assured you had much the same reaction upon finding out then as you do now.

[ The smile he gives her now is all fondness despite the fluster of that particular time and now where she's looking at him, and after debating about his next (physical) move Claude pushes himself up to kneeling with one skate against the ice how it should be. Now it's just a matter of bracing himself to stand from here. Probably. ]

I suppose now's the time to mention you also know Nader as Nardel, my supposed retainer for House Riegan. I needed someone there I could trust after my grandfather died, and so he came.