[Loki hums non-committally. It’s not that he doesn’t want to, or even that he’s worried about the House might do, but he’s starting to be concerned with how many people he’s dragging into this. It does sound as though this Esikko is already in for a pound himself, but every once in a while, Loki starts to revert back to his old ways of trying to do everything alone.

He’s even less sure about starting a team. Reasonably he knows that Hiyori is right, that it’s a good idea, but Loki in any kind of leadership position does not typically go well.]

You may tell him I would like to talk to him. I can speak with Baizhu myself. You are such a natural leader though. I could see it with how you got the Magic Showcase together, and you do seem to have all the contacts. Perhaps it would be easier for you to get everyone together?

[There, that sounds perfectly reasonable. Loki wouldn’t want Hiyori to think he’s afraid or lacking confidences, but as it turns out, this place will grind anyone down eventually. He does look a little relieved when Hiyori mentions the Red Cardinal though.]

Yes, that would be the perfect excuse. The House will not suspect if we simply all get together for that reason. And it would be easier to speak with everyone at the same time.