Well, if they hadn't known before what could have done it, now the Tailor could know with real confidence it was their own stupid tongue that had done the job. What an excellent job all around, full marks.

They had the decency to at least not stumble over their own tongue, to not try to forcibly self correct. It would only make the humiliation worse, really. But the student was certain of the color rising to their cheeks despite all attempts to stop the reaction, even as they kept eye contact. They still hadn't broken eye contact.

"I suppose I can't imagine one so exceptional would make such a basic error. That's the sort of thing a student with no experience or self-control would do." An idiot like them, that was to say. "I'd like to have even half the level of control you must have to not be so foolish. I imagine there's only so much lenience for that kind of thing here. Besides the dousing."

(In other words? I'm sorry I'm an idiot, I'll not do it again.)

Something in their jaw tightened, and they forced themself to break the eye contact despite the instinct still screaming they were being hunted. If they attempted contrition and meekness, would it make any difference? In any case, they had work to do.