Ray took the scolding like an obedient child, feeling foolish and embarrassed, partly himself, and partly for Runali, who left soon after her chiding. He didn't think much of Shouta's grip on his sword until once his speech had ended. He saw it was warped, dulled and twisted in parts, and completely unfit for use as anything other than scrap metal. For some reason, Ray's blood began to boil. He was so willing to surrender his blade to the 'tender mercies' of the Rookie Judge before, but why was he upset now? 

Ray was too riled to ponder such things and gulped down his drink and called for another. He tried to sheathe his blade, but it was too twisted and gnarled to fit in the sheath. He roared and slammed it into the table; it bounced off and clattered onto the floor. Ray slumped into a seat and bowed his head, accepting the drink brought to him, waiting for Shouta to bring his Judgment upon him. Instead, all he received was a gracelessly tossed bag of coin and 'advice' to get a new weapon. He looked up at the Rookie Judge with scorn in his eyes, feeling a sensation much like his last night on Lendria.

“Do you know why I follow her?” he abruptly asked. Shouta turned his head in his direction lazily, his drink still dripping from his unwiped chin and onto his shirt. “When she found me, I was a dead man. The fates had conspired against me and I was slated to meet my end with my neck on the headsman's block, though I wouldn't be surprised if they wanted me to dance at the end of a rope for them instead. I had sought out anyone who could help me and they all turned me away, including my own family. So when the guards showed up to arrest me, I had already given up. Captain Runali showed up, fought them off-”

“An' saved yer life,” Shouta drawled exaggeratedly, clearly implying that that wasn't anything special.

 “She gave me hope, you drunken arse!” Ray shouted, standing angrily. Shouta continued to watch him with the same drunken passivity, which only fueled Ray's anger even more. He started talking with the stark clarity drink sometimes offers. “Yes, she saved my life, but I owe her for much more than that. She gave me my life, she gave me hope and she gave me a freedom I never knew existed. That is why I follow her.” He stooped to pick up his sword and bag of money. “Enjoy your drink, sir. I hope you choke on it.” he bowed mockingly and left.