"Noctis was my prince, and is my King. I was sworn to be his shield when I was eight. His family has ruled our nation and served as guardians of a good portion of the world for over a hundred generations, and the Amicitias have always protected them. I can list off the ancestors of mine who have died to prevent such blows from befalling our royals. I can list off those who failed."

His father included. Which had been something quite painful for them both.

"And in his world, he is like you. Dead. This is the peace he gets, the peace I get with him. Reaching for that isn't a bad thing. It isn't evil. It is the one piece of piece we can win for ourselves, Billy. And what's more..."

He takes a deliberate sip of his water to give the moment pause and weight.

"If your father shows up and tries to put a hand on my student for nothing more than being who he is, I'll put him in traction."

Because yes, he will absolutely break both of the kid's father's arms and legs. Won't even hesitate. What Billy's suggesting is wrong. Just wrong.

"You could say that technically, by training under me, you've become a probationary member of the Lucian Royal Guard. And I don't let people lay a hand on my men or women because of that. Pretty sure my King would agree with the decision as well. Noctis isn't a fan of bullies of any variety."