[ Tatara takes it, because really? Mika isn't wrong. He didn't really think about it. It's just pure luck that it wasn't time to see Malice yet, it was just pure coincidence that he ran into Mika when he did. Independent of things out of his control, he would have offered if he knew.

Despite that though, his expression remains unwavering, unchanging. He only blinks a couple of times—at the word promise, and the word nice. ]

I'm not doing this because I think I'm nice.

[ He doesn't really think he's nice. There's no love in his actions. ]

I offered myself to Malice and you because I'm your sage. My wizards shouldn't be starving. If I can feed them, then I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't. But I'll keep what you tell me in mind.

[ His expression doesn't soften; if anything, it sharpens. ]

Make sure this doesn't happen again, Mika.

[ Yet there's a kindness in his tone, and it's sympathetic. He'd probably forgive Mika if this happened again, despite everything.

But before Mika can say anything, he holds up a finger. ]

Do not promise me. Just do it.