[ Does Roland know? To what extent of fatherhood has he explored with his own kid before the call of destiny overtook his whole life, before he took on a crown and a mantle that forced him to carry the weight of the world? Probably not. There's a twitch against his mouth, a crinkle in the corners of his eyes as he realizes he was no authority in what constituted a healthy relationship between father and son growing up. By all means, Roland failed Will the same way Chrom might have failed Inigo by giving up too much of his life instead of staying with his children. But these are thoughts he reserves for his own time; it had no place here, with Inigo asking for all of him. He gives it willingly, making up for sins of another life.

Roland opens his mouth and chews thoughtfully. ]

You're right. That goes for everyone we care about, doesn't it? You always know what to say, pup. [ The nudge of the serving spoon is a playful one, but he means what he says regardless of how Inigo will take it - and if he knows Inigo well enough, Roland anticipates a straight up denial. ] I guess what I'm really trying to tell you is how much I...enjoy spending time with you like this. [ And this isn't an easy admission to make, if it were anyone else. The dusting of color against his cheeks continues to glow against the light of the fire. He's well-practiced with speeches and filibusters, but at opening up, it's always like he has to be careful with what he says. ]

...Can I ask you something? [ He clears his throat, offering him another spoonful of food. At least, he can meet Inigo's eye now, intense as it might be. ]