[With his experience Diluc's moves can be predicted if one knows the kinds of plays he is using. Elzer is the only one who is able to consistently beat him, possibly through years of watching the young man growing up.

He lets out a soft chuff of almost-laughter at Ayato's indignation.]

I don't know if I would call it a requirement... though it feels that way at times. [Another sip of tea, then he lightly puts the cup aside for the moment.]

It's certainly easy enough to avoid it altogether if you have a mind to. Most of the time. [Diluc does grimace faintly at that and he looks up at Ayato with an almost apologetic expression, as if realising that he may have nearly ventured into being misleading.] Sometimes it's simply in the air and there's really nothing else for it. I find it less mentally taxing to just... accept that it will occasionally run away with you.