odd conditions were required in order to coax ren into discussions as heated as they were now. despite calm disposition, and even, level tone there was a smouldering intensity slipping through the cracks. they had a penchant for passive aggressive pleasantries, at least when it came to their passions, or their patience running out. this side of ren, at the very least, was somewhat snarkier, humorous, more playful than their ordinarily monotone diction. ‘ i don’t know. i see sudden focus on her capacity for empathy in regards to this instalment jarring. ’ they took a small sip of tea. ‘ i still feel like each of her actions in previous novels have been out of necessity, and not a choice she could have made. the author painting them in that light this time doesn’t make the protagonist seem like a better person to me. ’ @duolity + plot call.