[Emet-Selch sighs. For all his grumbling, he knows Byleth well enough to know that what he says is true. He likely does find some strange enjoyment from puzzling out the differences between himself and the Emet-Selch of his borrowed memories. Likely incarnations of others as well.]

Well, far be it for me to get in the way of your thinking...

[A small concession whilst he frowns again, sorting out his own puzzle in the form of what it might be that this man considers a "stray". A lost soul in need of his guidance and friendship... Is that not simply an extension of his job description? And what is it about Byleth, Grani, and that hero's soul fragments that they should be included, but others should not?]

I quite fail to see what any of you lot have in common, however. Or whatever it is that you require me, specifically, to do something about.

[Emet-Selch stretches in a slow, exaggerated manner. For a mercy all of the pops and cracks have already been mercifully ironed out, and he shifts to sit upright with his tail draped over his claws and one golden eye focused upon his charge.]

You don't seem "lost" to me. For how could you hope to lead your own students, if so? Questioning, maybe. Seeking further knowledge.

Has this something to do with your unique state of being?

[He won't pry. It's merely an invitation should Byleth wish to talk about it. Just as he chooses not to comment on whether or not Grani is truly a piece of himself, and whether either are deserving of happiness or no. Quite a heavy topic, that.]