To Shen Qingqiu's eyes, Valdis's countenance appears stern, but not unkind. Like a solid rock, he feels his emotions breaking against her and gradually, beginning to calm.

"...You're right, of course," he sniffles, drying his face with the edge of his sleeve. "It's just, when I think of the people I left behind...my parents, my little sister...I bet Mortanne would send me back if I asked, don't you? That sounds like the kind of thing within her power. It's just..."

His breath hitches again, a new set of tears falling from his eyes. "I don't think that's what I want. Isn't that awful?"