[ he's doing his best. he was a little crueler, with seras' learning, but time has tempered him slightly: he still wants to see rosalind flourish, but he's gentler about his methods. it helps to have the time for it. ]

It will get easier. Your body is still adjusting, once you ease further into it the hunger will lessen. Then when you're as old as I am, you'll hardly be hungry at all.

[ his eyes narrow, just a little. ]

I don't think it was stupid to expect better of him, but it's disappointing nonetheless. It's a difficult position to be in, not knowing who will react in what way. I'm at the age I don't care any longer, but I know well of times where the difficulty was there.

[ and then: he looks at her a little more cautiously, but eventually nods. ]

You may ask.