The smile on his face widens slightly, though Wysteria's confidence doesn't completely dispel his worries. But it doesn't have to. He's content to keep his concerns in check for the moment, rather than burden her with them. She has her approach well in hand. Ellis can do nothing but provide whatever she asks of him. Until they know one way or another, he will have to hold his peace.

The impulse to prolong their linked hands comes and goes so quickly that it manifests in nothing but a brief tightening of his hand on hers before ceding his grasp. Barely noticeable.

"You were to tell me why you were so insistent on paying me back for your book," he reminds, considering the papers on the table before settling his elbows on the table, folding his hands over the scarred wood.