"Are you mad?" Ina's voice was strained.
"Sometimes, yeah. Honestly? Yes. I'm working on it. And it is because I'm working on it that I wish to take Peppermint with me. I'm not really asking, though."
"Try, try to take Peppermint forcibly." Ina took very deliberate steps towards Kier. Her eyes were wide with rage. "I will serve you with fries and cheese sauce."
Kier's smile grew wide with pride and satisfaction. "Made you say it."
"What?"
"Made you say you're gonna eat me."
Medes started chuckling. Then Peppermint laughed sincerely, which got the owl to do it openly as well. As their laughter died, Medes explained the joke to Mina. Ina blushed and looked down with embarrassment. Kier kneeled in front of her to look her in the eyes.
"I'm really not asking you," he said. "I'm begging you."