[ Useful wasn't really the point of what he was aiming for here, even if it had been at the time. He'd wanted to choose something that would help Sylvain, but it's hard to not feel like there's a world of difference between that and the care put into crafting his favorite tea. Not that it's a competition or anywhere close, nor that it lessens any part of anything, just - there's still plenty in there going unsaid.

Things he'll hold back to himself, even as Sylvain kisses him again and it's impossible to not smile over that and how he moves closer like what little space between them here at the table is still too much. Or the look on the other's face as Claude traces a thumb over a pinkened cheek with care, the only comment he'll offer on that since he'd rather focus on the smile sent his way.

Until he has to scoff, of course. ]

Hey now, don't slander my method of learning strategies! Not only was it good practice, but it paid off in more ways than one including still being sharp enough to give you a good challenge now. [ Maybe also in more ways than one, sort of, but Claude's not going to mention that part aloud. ] But if you're saying you'd like it to be even more of a challenge, well...

[ He could manage that! Claude also knows it's not what Sylvain's saying at all, but that grin rapidly became something he'd gladly do just about anything for to keep it there and shining brightly, and now's no exception. ]