Insulting the Fire Lord in front of Ko was never a good idea, he would defend his father and king until the death. Her gentle, dry humor was all it took to snap Ko back to himself. The emotion was gone as quickly as it had appeared, a calm expression returning to his features. "That is just like you, Master." His words came low and level, it sounded quit serious, almost wounded, but Sato was likely to recognize the glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "You would mourn the loss of your time more than the loss of a student or friend."
He settled himself deeper into the pillow with a pleased sigh, rolling his shoulders again as his tired muscles attempted to relax further. "She has little affection for me, but she has talent." He turned his problem student over in his mind, shaking his head. "She dislikes learning from me, but she is learning. I do wonder if she would not do better off with another teacher. I would hate to be the reason she is slow to reach her true potential."