Ephrim closes his eyes. A year. A year of darkness. Well.

"You've seen much, Kuai Liang." It's a formality, but it's as sincerely meant, as much as Ephrim means anything he's said.

A pause. Ephrim opens his eyes after a moment, but doesn't make eye contact. "A title only means as much as the prestige that comes with it." It may feel like more than a few extra words, but that's all it is. He thinks for a moment. Perhaps that came off as a touch harsh. "Titles are heavy things, hard to put away completely. I understand."