[Because Lorenz by no means categorized Hubert under 'most people', but knew that Hubert would likely accept a token if he deemed it useful. The gesture more was for Lorenz's own sake-- so he didn't feel a tinge of guilt over an observed breach in politeness by the act of overlooking someone's birthday.]
But, per your request, you have my word that you will not be given flowers from me on future birthdays. I meant no disrespect for this, truly.
[It a step beyond form and order. Politeness would have dictated a minimum of an impersonal token, such as a notebook to write in; Lorenz had wanted to show that he was starting to understand.
And, if the flowers turned out useful? Then the gesture was worth the effort.]
I truly could not care less. I doubt you could disrespect me if you tried. [There's no bite in his words, for whatever that mattered. If Felix and Sylvain couldn't bother him with their slights, he doubted Lorenz could. Or would even let himself, caught up in whatever game this was as it is.]
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Your token will be accepted—this time. However, it is not a gesture you need repeat. There's no point in celebrating my birthday.
[At least, this time, it's not just because it's Lorenz.]
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[Because Lorenz by no means categorized Hubert under 'most people', but knew that Hubert would likely accept a token if he deemed it useful. The gesture more was for Lorenz's own sake-- so he didn't feel a tinge of guilt over an observed breach in politeness by the act of overlooking someone's birthday.]
But, per your request, you have my word that you will not be given flowers from me on future birthdays. I meant no disrespect for this, truly.
[It a step beyond form and order. Politeness would have dictated a minimum of an impersonal token, such as a notebook to write in; Lorenz had wanted to show that he was starting to understand.
And, if the flowers turned out useful? Then the gesture was worth the effort.]
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[He sighs tiredly.] Will that be all?
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[A raised eyebrow. Whatever strange thing they had going, Lorenz didn't wish to assume anything.]