“I.... prefer hand-to-hand,” she replied honestly. “However, due to some of my... limitations...” such as her relative lack of strength, “I feel a bladed weapon would serve me well at this time. I do not like swords,” she admitted. Although Theo was making her more comfortable with her short sword, and it was good to know how to use one, swordwork wasn’t something she intended to pursue after her class exam. “I have had... some small amount of training with claws. They are as close to fighting weaponless as I have yet found. If you are willing...” No way to know if and when Lady Marcos would be available again, and every time Juliette went to see her was a risk, but a councilor... “I would be grateful if you would be willing to continue to instruct me in their use next Tuesday,” she finished.
A bold request - she was making so many bold moves today - but, she hoped, not an unreasonable one.
The container still sat, covered, on his desk, testament to another uncharacteristically bold move. “Shall I... leave you to your lunch?” she asked, trying desperately to mask the awkwardness she felt with this question. But although she had reheated the food, it would not remain warm for long, and there were few things less satisfying than cold pasta. “I do not wish to detain you.”