"And here I thought that, of the two of us, you were the expert in loss." It's most definitely a jab at Haein's expense, but it's a moderate response, as though it's a rejoinder to a familiar joke. Ephrim will keep walking, past Haein if it comes down to it. Ephrim hadn't meant for him to hear that, but he doesn't mind it this time.

Is the child curious? Ephrim has no qualms against leaving him in suspense. Nothing this little fool has shown him so far has proven him worthy of anything but criticism, much less his thoughts. "I've taken leave of my senses as much as you have, I suppose," Ephrim says instead, then continues along his way. He is quite wet. Standing next to the bonfire would be nice.