The last sentiment is as clear as if it had been spoken aloud, and it is close thing that keeps him from laughing. Instead, his lips thin and he makes a concerted effort to frown.

'Men like you are the salt of the earth. Without you and men like you, this society you speak of, the one you are outside of, looking in, this society -- would crumble to dust. For want of a nail, a kingdom was lost.'

His hand turns the cup back and forth, and there is something distant in his expression.

'It would be a great loss, if you had no sons.'