[ Had the statement been left to sit a moment longer, the nuance of Byleth's response would have been very different. His tone would've been firmer, for one. As if he were hoping his insistence would somehow convince Dimitri or make up for his earlier hesitation. Peculiarly, his approach beyond that would've been more reserved. He would've only dared to take one more step, two at most, out of respect for his companion's space.

Thanks to the way the blond shifts and opens himself up, that isn't quite as necessary here. Soft footfalls precede his voice, as well as a hand he lightly touches to Dimitri's knee as he kneels. ]

It isn't a waste. [ There's a gentleness to Byleth's voice, now. One that makes its way to his features for only a scant few seconds before muted sorrow settles back in.

Before continuing, he pulls his hand away and focuses on his assessments. "Bad" feels too much like an understatement, just as the word "mild" had earlier. The bright red surrounding the cut, the slightly swollen flesh, and the length itself all point to an injury that needs more care than its received. ]

If the infection spreads, it might. [ Should he try and take Dimitri's temperature?

... No, not yet. He'll save it for when he comes back. ] I'll need to gather some supplies to take care of this. Will you wait for me?