Takahrio smiled in the wake of Galina's mirth, lips widening all the more as that lilting, singsong voice continued to laugh all the more. This, just now, sitting at a low table with a cup of sake and good company, was [i]nice[/i]. For a moment, the Japanese spy was back at the Winchester house once more, talking with the charming woman from Russia who had just happened to appear at his side.

Finally. He had managed to find that moment once more... so that he could now close the door.

His smile waned to one more polite as Galina's mirth died, hand raising the cup to conceal his lips as she began to speak. Only a simple nod waved away her apology, a welcome but unnecessary gesture. She had nothing to apologize for, in truth. The slights she had committed had long been forgiven, only the final, clinging memories left to now be brushed away. No, there was no need to wring an apology from Galina, no reason to take revenge or prove a point.

Now, everything was purely, strictly professional.

"Good advice. My hope he has learned some, already." Takahiro lowered his cup to the table once more, gaze settling easily on the Russian spy across from him. Slowly, his lips curled, until what bared his teeth was more grin than smile. "But advice, not for Goemon, is it? Think I am gloating, yes?"

Leaning back slightly, Takahiro spread his arms in an inviting gesture to accompany his next words, something dangerous glinting in his eye.

"If wrong, correct... but please, speak candid. We have some time, any more you wish say?"