[ This, then, is the true precipice. This is giving everything away if he answers. Percival, for all that his emotional intelligence is often that of a rock, isn't stupid. Even he won't be able to miss this, when it's spelled out so blatantly.

But it's something of a relief to put the last puzzle piece in Percival's hand. To give over the key to all of Cain's secrets. He breathes out the answer on a sigh. ]

Yes. If anyone came to care for me too much... I'm all too aware of how reckless I am. When I get hurt, it would only hurt them all the more, if they were close enough to care so much for me.