It's okay Soren. What you've missed can't hurt you! Or, well, it can. Probably.

Soren never left Ike's side, but over time... Ranulf didn't either. Perhaps there was growing respect between the two because of that; the more time he spent with both, even he could tell that there were subtle but distinct changes when it came to Soren's behavior. He grew, he matured, his perspectives changed despite the exterior not quite evolving along with it.

But right now, it's like looking into the past. Except not really, because this Soren is also different. Whether in a good way, he can't tell.

"Going on a long adventure, actually. Getting my affairs in order, making sure that there's proper support for the king, visiting old friends... there's always something that needs to get done and if I'm not there to do it, I have to make sure to find someone who won't let them down!"

He's being vague. On purpose. Not lying, but...