[That's always something he's admired about Aether, the fact that he can ponder his knight's reasons and logic behind what he does and get it spot on when he considers it, whether he realizes how right he is or not. Not a lot of people have the skill to perceive him like that, making Childe appreciate it all the more. Because it's both, he wants his way and he doesn't want to see Aether unhappy in a marriage he doesn't want.

He is, after all, in love with his prince- a skill in self-awareness that would have made life a little easier for him if he lacked it. But who said life was easy, and that he wanted it to be so?

He turns to Aether as he's addressed, giving him a sly smile as he answers.]

I'll admit there's a certain allure to causing a commotion that stirs within me. After all, a dish without spices really isn't much of a dish at all, even if it still fulfills life's basic needs.

[He shrugs, still pleased with himself that he even got away with that little stunt back there.]