Shouting! Sudden shouting of the vagrant, Stephan, jolted the beastman's ears back up to attention. [color=bc8dbf]"Ah-I..."[/color] they tried to start, immediately overwhelmed by the man's approach, causing them to drop the vegetables on the table as they took a few steps back. His words were confusing before it suddenly sank in that Stephan was attempting to insult him, causing a tiny sting to rise on his cheeks as the comments hit their mark. Kaeci struggled to stay composed, not entirely used to or expecting being mocked for things he could not help. Their eyes went to Stephan's hands reaching to his belt, to his blade, the words dying out as his legs wobbled and he stumbled over his own appendages. Kaeci tumbled onto the mat that had been laid out under the established shading awning, scrambling quickly to his feet and hiding behind Alm as they stepped between the two, still clutching the knife.

The beastman hadn't even noticed how his hands held onto Alm's attire until they turned to face him. With the grip broken, Kaeci took a step back as not to give the impression that he was pressuring the man with his reliance. Being spoken to so forwardly by Alm made the beastman freeze while they were cautioned about Stephan's demeanor.
[color=bc8dbf]"Ye-"[/color] Kaeci began, his eyes quickly looking down, away from Alm's before continuing, [color=bc8dbf]"-Yes..."[/color]
A palpable moment filled the gap as Kaeci was unsure what to say; his beaten-in intuition screamed at him to call Alm 'Master' or 'Sir' or anything, but that was a different time that would be grossly inappropriate to dredge back up. He felt the direction and the faint scolding behind the words of caution and understood them, wholly.
Stephan was not his friend. Stephan doesn't have friends. Stephan is alone in his own world for good reason.
The thought made Kaeci tremble a little bit as he approached the table once more to continue his work on dinner, eyes locked on the man walking away. This is not how it should be, and he only hoped that he hadn't caused a scene for the rest of his associates.
Unfortunately, this worry became reality as Olivia then approached to order Alm to cut rations. 'Everyone involved', in Kaeci's mind included himself and he did his best not to show a reaction to the unfairness of the situation by occupying his hands and eyes with the work. [color=bc8dbf]"I-I apologize for my instigation, Ma'am,"[/color] he began, feeling it was worth expressing his take on the sudden bout, [color=bc8dbf]"Vee should not be bettink on such tactless uncertainties. Iz immoral."[/color]