[He just laughs at that, bright and clear, and waves a hand like it isn't a big deal. IT'S FINE. It's all fine!! He is balancing constantly on the edge of a blade and he is fine.]

Hah, well! Not unexpected, at least. I don't think anyone was surprised, despite your insistence that things would be different. I'm expecting things to go terribly! But hopefully the ending will be better.