Caspar decided to simply ignore the comment that he had a right to be mad. That may have been the general idea for most, that he was entered to some offense. However, he was a monk. Or at least he had been. Patience was a must, and unnecessary anger was out of the question. Any insult was simply placed aside. He wouldn’t really know what to do with a compliment, having been saved from pride by never knowing he had much to take pride in. He couldn’t complain, and wouldn’t even if he could.
However, a frown did work itself unto his face when he had to shake his head about his sister. “Not really. Not any more. Her letters were rare to begin with, and I’m lucky to see anything from her within a year or more. But I trust she’s safe. Certainly better off—” Certainly better off in Germany. He cut himself off there, careful to hold his tongue when he was still unsure of where Dominique’s loyalties were. They were relying on each other to live, but he had given up so much and didn’t want to risk any more. “Well, I simply mean to say that I’m sure she’s doing well. She was always resourceful and clever.”
Though wanting to smile again when Dominique swore that he couldn’t sing, it was hard to get the thought of sister’s off his mind. He knew enough about his in-laws to know that the real Evelyne had passed away due to an unfortunate illness. All his life had led him to normally give his condolences in promises that she was in a better place. Perhaps it was the context of their conversation that had him hesitating to say such a thing. “When I don’t hear from her, I find peace of mind in reminding myself that my sister is capable of taking care of herself. I’m not sure how I would feel if I thought she had left me behind on this world entirely…” He paused, trying to be careful with his words. He used to be reminded of his habit of coming off a bit cold or blunt.
“I’m sorry for your loss,” he finally offered, having been unable to say anything about the matter to Dominique up until the point. Caspar knew it was hard to lose someone, not even comparing how many siblings Dominique had to his one. “This must make it difficult.”