[ He understood well enough that it was the norm in some places. People had various customs and he did not have anything to say on how they differed. There were certainly some where a father’s acceptance was necessary. This was also often the case with royalty. He simply nods. ]

Are you alright? If you need some water, you could have my glass or I could pour you another.[ He wonders if she might have a summer cold. That would explain why she stumbled with her words. Hiccups?

He finishes scribbling in the boxes. He fills other empty boxes with small ticks. The rest of the form was simple and there was no need for further questions. ]

Thank you, that’s all I need. They shouldn’t be much in terms of taxes since you work for the shrine. It would be different if you worked for a store.

[ Just as he finishes, he habitually leans back, the back of the chair rubbing into the mess of salve and peeled skin. He grimaces, muscles tenses, as he quickly curls forward. ]

I shouldn’t have done that…[ Nrgh. ] I hope I haven’t made a mess of your hardwork.