"Let's talk about this rationally." Ignis surveyed the damage before him, nose wrinkled at the smell permeating the air. "I know what you're trying to accomplish, and I appreciate that you put forth so much effort even after repeated failure."
Noctis had his arms folded over his chest in a clearly defensive stance. "I figured if I read up on it, I could at least get the basics down."
What had he read that lead to this as a result? "Some things, it seems, are simply not meant to be, and I believe that this is squarely on that list." His eyes watered from the smoke in the air, acrid and thick. "Unquestionably so."
"You said I should learn, so I tried to learn. Now you're telling me that I can't do it?" Noctis was getting angry, probably frustrated with himself, certainly frustrated with Ignis for going back on his earlier lectures.
"No, no, I do understand why you did it," Ignis assured, trying to keep the situation from escalating any further. This was already disaster level, as far as he could assess, "and I have no one to blame but myself for pushing you into a position where you felt this was necessary." He was afraid to touch anything, unable to identify half of it.
Noctis's threw his hands into the air angrily. "First you lecture me on how I'm not taking my job seriously, and that I'll never be a competent leader if I don't 'strive for personal success' and now you're telling me it was a mistake?"
"Well of course, you should always be striving to improve yourself, Noct." How much would all this cost the Crown, Ignis wondered. "Not only does that benefit you personally, but makes you a better leader in the long run. I just think that, perhaps, some things are better left being delegated to others. This chief among them."
"So what, I'll never be self sufficient is what you're saying?" The question was a challenge, one that Ignis was trying not to take. "I can do this, I'll get better."
Ignis shook his head, surveying the damage. This time it was so bad he feared it may have spread to the larger structure. "It's just wanton destruction at this point. As if your first attempts were not brutal enough, there's nothing but charred shells of unidentifiable metal and what I can only assume used to be something alive." The walls would have to be repainted at the very least, the smoke had stained them black in places. Had Noctis put out the fire himself? He must have.
"It's just cooking." Noctis looked pointedly away from what used to be the kitchen. "Sure, I'll never be as good as you, but I should be able to make something simple. Everyone does it. Maybe I just need to start with sandwiches or something."
"No need for that, I am saying your efforts are appreciated, really they are. Just, let's leave well enough alone." He would have to arrange for another apartment while this one was repaired, and apologize to the neighbors for the damage and the construction that would have to be done. "You have your strengths, and I do believe that you will make a fine king, but let me handle your meals from now on?"
"Fine, whatever." Noctis agreed, "Then handle it, I already ruined dinner."
"More than just dinner, certainly." Ignis said to himself, once again marveling at the level of destruction Noctis had inflicted on every pot, pan, and utensil he owned.
Noctis shot him a glare. "What was that?"
"I was just saying that it might be best to eat out this evening." Ignis covered, "Why don't you grab your jacket, and I'll make a few phone calls." He needed some fresh air, and something for the headache he could feel building behind his eyes.