[This is going -- extremely badly. Kratos shouldn't have let it escalate in the first place; hadn't his sisters always taught him that it's part of his responsibility to avoid things like this escalating before they become a problem?

[He exhales deliberately, and inhales again, more slowly.]

Forgive me. That was -- unworthy.

[But Kratos isn't sure what else he can say while having to look Yuan in the face, and know that this time he, Kratos, had been the cause of that hard expression and those fire-spitting eyes. So he turns, picking up the knife again so at least his hands are busy chopping while he finds an answer. When he does, it's low and even.]

To be a knight -- is as much about will and mentality as it is about the trappings of rank and armour. It's a way of life, not an occupation. The knight's creed is built to be applicable in all situations, no matter what. It's built to bind us to the ideals of Tethe'alla which we strive to meet even in war. I've told you a line from it before.

[Right before Yuan had walked out in a miff.]

I don't serve Sylvarant. I will never serve Sylvarant. But to serve Yuan Ka-Fai in bondage is not outside the bounds of my oath. I can live with that. I cannot live with betraying my creed to forget my country, even if it would make me better off. I couldn't bear that burden.