[ 'If I say I will come then I will come,' he wants to retort. But he holds his tongue as he steps inside. Silently, he takes the device and reads Azem's and Rhea'li's conversation with a sinking heart. Although Hades has no striking recollection of the concepts Rhea'li is referring to, it's enough to be proof that they were there during the span of time Hermes' Kairos would eventually erase.

His thoughts rapidly turn. He can't deny Rhea'li's account. That would be more suspicious. He can't claim Rhea'li went with someone else because the boy explicitly mentioned travelling with him. So...

He lowers the device, careful to keep his expression neutral as he composes his next words. ]

Ah, I forgot. I brought him there and let him wander amongst the researchers. It has been a long time since I saw Elpis. Can you blame me for wanting some time alone?