[ It doesn't surprise him to see Byleth has figured it out before the work is complete -- the guy has always had a sharp eye, after all -- but to catch that hand covering up a smile does. The teasing and joking around may be something that comes naturally to him, but if that's the kind of effect he can cause, then Shez will just have to take notes and keep it in mind for whenever they're faced with hardships again. There's nothing he values more than seeing a smile upon a friend's face-- and maybe Byleth's most of all, just from how rare it is.

He would be lying if he said it wasn't especially valuable now, too. Having witnessed the state his friend had been in post rebirth, felt his distress like it was his very own, and the strain all of that had forced on their relationship... it's just such a relief, to see him in higher spirits. ]

So cool you can't even contain your excitement, huh? [ Meaning: can't wait until he's finished, but it's all said in good fun. ] But here, let's give that brain of yours a good challenge!

[ Once the final lines connect and the stylized 'S' is fully formed, Shez presses the flat tip of the dagger down on the wooden surface, covering up the left half of the initial he's just carved. ]

If we were to draw a solid line down the middle and add a couple of dashes to this half of the letter... What do you think? Can you see it?

[ Whatever "it" means, it's gotta be super duper high middle school level cool, right?! ]