Asriel wondered about Lyra. She hadn't shown that much interest in her schooling growing up. He'd hoped that would change as she grew older. But her head was always in the clouds, always wanting to follow him instead of focusing on a different life. A better life. But he supposed it was unfair to compare the two girls.
"Brilliant and creative? You'll make it far in this world. Any world." But not his, he left unsaid. Women were still considered second-class. And many others. He nodded, spilling some paint on him by accident as he continued to brush the pain up high. "Big is good too. And yes, no planet, no people. Although, for me, that sounds ideal at times. But I've never been very social."