Better than hopeless despair, at least. Hershel smiled and let his hand drop, his expression with it when Clive was brought up.

"Yes... he and Aoi were certainly close." This was so rough, god damn. Maybe he'd try talking to Clive again after he woke up, maybe Clive would listen now. He shook his head. "I'm worried about his mental state, he's... been having a very rough time. and if he doesn't make it to nine BP by the end of these rooms...}