"When I asked both of them to name a strength of the other, Bede answered frankly, if perhaps grudgingly. Malva, however, framed her response in a manner that included a subtle criticism along with the praise. That sort of tactic is one employed by those who wish to manipulate others' perception, a way of undermining whatever positive things might be said without overtly appearing to do so."

Sion would know. He's a manipulative liar himself, and well aware of that fact, even if he rarely employs such here in Johto.

"This on top of, of course, the fact that Bede has been frank about his past shortcomings and mistakes, while Malva has spoken only of her experience and strengths.

"Of course, it's possible in theory for an exceptionally skilled individual to put up such a seemingly guileless front as Bede presents, but that seems... unlikely, especially if Bede's account of his past is accurate."