She doesn't have to tell him; he's dealt with it all his life, not least at Shujin—whore's son, bastard child—and his eyes shadow along with hers. "He meant well. It was all what might be considered tactical background. Then again"—and he sighs—"gossip does spread in small communities.

"And that's the problem, isn't it? Things may be different. Or they may be the same. Am I being given a map, or a minefield?" Or both. He gives the filter a couple of taps.