Spiro stared at me, visibly more alarmed by that than by sword training.
"Must I do that?"
"Yes. Especially now. That is a privelege of a child."
"But..."
"No buts."
He looked genuinely distressed. I somehow want to lament what the world has come to. It feels justified now to want to either burn it down or possess it.
I sighed, "Consider it as a leadership training."
He paused.
"Leadership?"
"People who cannot name their own condition cannot properly understand the condition of those who follow them."
His expression slowly shifted.
Ah. Good thing that worked. I would use that again.
"Then I will try, Father," he said seriously.
"Good. I know you'll do well."
"Will Father be doing it too?"
Silence.
Abi made a strangled sound. I should really strangle him one of these days so the sound that he makes during these kinds of situations are justified.
