[despite the overwhelming evidence from their recent, baffling interaction viktor is not hotheaded. he has also lived long enough with both chembarons and councilors to know when it's best to duck his head and lie through his teeth, if need be. for all he said before about the man before him being just that, a man and not an untouchable god, he easily remembers what he was capable of with just a touch of his hand. he knows there's a very good reason pal speaks so carefully around him when he is so upfront about everything else.

so yes, an apology would be a good start. he can feel it on the tip of his tongue, bitter and sharp, a pill he knows he needs to swallow but finds it incredibly difficult to do so. of course the trench keeps poking at lancing all the bitterness he learned to bury deep, then puts him in a position to bury it yet again.]

It will not be difficult to refrain, I... do not know what came over me. [he finally admits, because for as much as a ridiculous lie it sounds it is true.

he promised pal though, and that thought at least has him finally burying it all again to glance to his host.] I apologize for my behavior, regardless of what brought it on-

[and before he can finish remina must decide to call him out on that blatant lie by looping them again, back to the start. this time one of the walls has GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME seeping from it and viktor sucks in a breath, followed by an irate sigh.]