[It's a tiny reaction, but Claude is going out of his way to gauge Hubert's reaction to him here, and he's highly observant in any case. He notes the surprise, and wonders at it a little. It might just be seeing a familiar face in this world, of course...but at the same time, Claude doubts it. Hubert isn't fumbling with the new technology that the Gear comprises; he seems to have gained some sort of understanding of pokéballs already; he's already in the midst of training his starter, and has a grasp of its capabilities and intelligence. In other words, Hubert took the time to orient himself to this world, probably did some research and reconnaissance. And even if no one had mentioned people just randomly turn up here to him in all that, surely Hubert's own arrival would suggest to him that it might happen to other people...so why the shock?

He sets it aside for now; not enough data, and gods know asking Hubert for insight will almost certainly get him stonewalled. He'll just keep his eyes peeled for further hints.] Okay, so maybe a very carefully trained pegasi could stand having a male rider. But are you asking me to believe that rider would be you? No offense, but that doesn't really seem to fit your style. [His eyes are glittering with amusement. Honestly, the thought of Lord Grimdark himself, Hubert the sinister, sitting on top of a pretty white pegasus is a source of entertainment all on its own.] Oh, but let me guess - you'd make sure to get one of the rare black ones, right?

[He tilts his head at Hubert's remark.] Oh? Don't tell me you missed me once I left. [Because, of course, for Claude, that's what had happened. He'd handed the Alliance over to Dimitri and headed back to Almyra. Naturally news would have reached Edelgard and Hubert sooner or later.]