Hiro had been too focused to notice the noises of amazement, so he did look fairly surprised when Akito stared at him with an admiring gaze. He blinked and looked down at the table for a moment only to look back at the shorter male when he went further to give a compliment. "Really?" His voice was soft, but he had once more held that childish demeanor from before. It was rare he had ever gotten compliments about his magic studies. The servants didn't count, they had to say positive things- or at least felt required to. His father had not interested himself in his studies besides when he injured himself when he was younger. As sweet as his stepmother was, she didn't really take the time to watch either. She was much more interested in other things anyway, like art and music and occasionally taking a trip to the town. 

So, this particular moment made him smile. It was a much happier smile than his normal calm expression. After a few moments, he ran fingers through his hair and looked at the candle. "I didn't think you'd actually like it." [I]'Well be anywhere near interested really. . .'[/I] He pushed the materials to one side of the table and closed the book closest to him and then stood, setting it atop the pile. He took his place back on the floor after he cleaned a bit more and then gave a small shrug. "Most aren't. And by most, I mean the Emperor and Empress. The servants, it's hard to say considering they normally have to be positive I suppose." Hiro caught the mention of magic trying to kill him, but he assumed it meant that Akito had tried it once before. Or someone messed up near him. Not once did he think others would use it in the war, so he thought to ask about it. 

He set his hands in his lap, holding his legs. "Hm, well look at that. We do have something that intrigues us both." He chuckled and with a slightly encouraging voice, he added, "I can show you again if you like. Whenever I'm around here." 

He reached over and poked at the bowl of water. "Unfortunately, those are the only two elements I've accomplished so far. But eventually. Eventually I'll get the others." There was a determination in his voice that trailed off once more. He didn't want the awkward silence to ensue, so he tried to keep the conversation going and appeal to Akito. "The soldiers don't try and use magic against others as a weapon?"