"Even if I did not cause this in its entirety I was still partly responsible," he insisted, gesturing vaguely to nothing in particular.

"Moreover, I did break my promise. I do it constantly. I worry you. I cause you grief and pain. I hurt you in ways I cannot help. Is it not better to break my promise once than to do it again and again, dishonoring my vow and disgracing myself before you and your brother?" Seimei asked, the strain of his confusion and frustration coloring his words.

"I do not know what to do, Kaoru," he whispered, his face distraught, dampness glittering on his lashes as he struggled, willing himself not to further disgrace himself by weeping. "I just...want to be good to you. Now I question my every motivation and cannot see myself as anything but a dangerous burden."