Focus on his work came easily to Souta.  Liking one's job was a quintessential aspect of a fulfilling life, and a good smith could find satisfaction in even the repetitive and uninteresting elements of his calling.  At this moment, however, focus came at a premium.  Souta 's battle to keep from showing interest in the beauteous newcomer was not growing any easier.  She made no further comment, though, and after a few moments he was able to set into the routine of unbuilding, cleaning, and rebuilding as efficiently as if he were a machine himself.

For a time Lily watched in silence, ignored but intrigued.  Eventually she opened her mouth to speak again, and from her lips issued a question meant to cut to the heart of the matter.  Souta would have liked to pretend that he didn't hear anything, but again, he couldn't afford to be truly discourteous to an unknown being who could be capable of disemboweling him on the spot for all he knew.  Instead, he lent her a begrudging ear.  He could not bring himself to be convinced by her line about not being her to toy or manipulate; why else would she flaunting herself so efficaciously?  Before he could reply, she gave herself a quick look before making what Souta interpreted as a dissatisfied noise, and let slip that she was someone he knew in an unfamiliar form.  In short order, Lily introduced herself, and Souta made the connection.  

During the mission, he'd seen her transform her appearance, but from prior experience he'd assumed it to be a sort of 'heat up' mode used to go berserk.  Instead, it seemed she could completely alter her form.  A pang of jealousy replaced his trepidation.  Of course she had shapeshifting in addition to firepower and weapons mastery.  [i]Being born a half-decent demon must be like winning the lottery.[/i]  He allowed himself to look at Lily, though making sure to stay attuned to her face and its modest expression, which did not mesh well with the showiness that the rest of her embodied.  Now that he knew that this intruder was someone he'd be continuing to work with, he didn't want to come off as some perverted brute.  Using a respectful, sincere tone, he answered, [color=teal]”Oh, Lily.  I'm sorry, I'm sure you know why I didn't recognize you.  Your effort during the mission was commendable.  I don't have anything against you.  It's just that I don't trust strangers, or those who look like strangers.  That's just the way I am.”[/color]  With any luck, his attempt to play his dismissive, prickly attitude off as a character trait rather than the safest and easiest option when in doubt -or to make him feel better about his current situation- would convince her.  He set aside his brush, interlocking his fingers and resting them on the anvil.  As if reacting to his somewhat more relaxed mood, his veil of water ebbed away.  A politely optimistic look settled over his features—the same face he put on to talk to his superiors at Regalia and Gilgamesh.  [color=teal]”I would be glad to answer any questions you may have.”[/color]