Yussa's vote of confidence fills Caleb's chest with a swell of pride and brings a bashful smile to his lips. He glances down, pretending to focus solely on food prep. "I hope that you are right," he says, softer. "We will try, regardless."

Perhaps it should not have taken him this long to realize that he has earned Yussa's respect not only as a wizard, but as a man carving his own path. The way Yussa regards him today is not so much different from usual, but there does seem to be some quiet, satisfied pleasure in his gaze that Caleb thinks means that he has impressed him. He has seen fit to voice his approval in so many ways Caleb is not used to hearing. He is terrible at simply accepting these sentiments, but they do make him happy. Yussa's good opinion means much.

"Precisely, ja." He meets the other wizard's eye again with a wry look of his own. "Technically, I work for the Assembly. I do not get a pass on attending just because I am also working to undermine it. Thankfully I am invited to fewer events as a mere professor than an archmage."