[Paul knows that taking on the burden of consequence is not an easy thing. It's one of the lessons his father sought to teach him, reinforced by all his tutors, even the one who led him this far. Great power, as God said, comes with great responsibility.

But he still flinches, a little, when Palamedes talks about leaving. It's a minor crumple, shoulders curling in only slightly, and he disciplines himself back to calm almost as it happens. The accusation is a fair one - especially considering who he's been listening to, lately.]

No. I don't think it's poignant. [He says, quietly.] That's good, though. You should keep that.

[He puts the mochi back into the box; he doesn't feel like eating, with the hard, hot ball of guilt in his throat.]

I meant it's not your fault. If anyone failed me, it wasn't you. You warned me. I should have listened. [He shakes his head, swallowing.] But that's- wallowing. It doesn't matter.

But I wanted you to know.