Years of beating had not pounded the stupid out of the young prince. It had taught him to control and hide it more often than not, but as today proved, the stupid was still there, still waiting for an opportunity to poke its head out. The fact that he had pulled so firmly away from his family and had kept no friendships outside of Sato likely had not done anything to help either of them. Kozu needed a way to express his frustrations and pain, and Sato did not have the time or desire to listen to him whine, it put a firm strain on their relationship.
He hesitated the smallest bit as he heard his name, his body attempting to stop out of reaction, his mind demanding he continue to move. He did stop solid when arms wound about his chest, he freezing a moment as he sucked in a quick breath. He swallowed slowly, as he listened to her, he staying quite still before he shifted slightly, attempting to get her to loosen her hold. He took in another breath as he took one small step away from his master.
"...Thank you..." It was said in reply to her promise that she would speak to the masters and his father, though he still tried to keep his back to her. "...She is not so petty," he spoke with a soft sigh, dropping his head forward. "It is why she will make a good ruler." Oh dear, he was sulking over that again, Sato was not going to be amused.