"Alright, alright," Ern said, conceding somewhat to Daphne's insistence at being fit to work.
Or there could be another line of thought that could say that could say that Ern would use this as a litmus test as to whether she was capable of performing on such a day. Just to assess for reaction time, balance and speed. All of which were necessary to perform well. He could tell if she wasn't up to her usual capabilities.
"Well it's hard to say no when you put it like that. Okay, let's see what you have," Ern said in an invitation to spar. He readied himself her first move--to some extent Justin may be somewhat accurate in his accusations of sexism.