[ 'Mr. Cyrus.' He knows full well that this is just Gray being her usual polite self, but he's still not sure how he feels about Gray being such an obedient little lackey for that guy. His consideration comes simmering through the connection for a moment, just a touch wary, before Gen opts to drop the issue for now; his little talk with Cyrus means he's willing to cooperate with Merdian in the short term, at least. ]

S'not like I can't do it without you. I can handle it fine on my own if you're gonna be taking a while. [ That feels important to say first because he's not so weak as to need her help??? ] Just figured you could use the opportunity if you were still looking for jobs.

[ (Also he's a huge tsundere so he'll never say it, but he wouldn't mind having her company out there.) ]

And mine's not for that guy. Nothing to do with Meridian. It's for a blacksmith -- something personal.