"And Sect Leaders are supposed to act like adults from the moment they inherit, even if they're six. Should is nice in theory, reality says something else." He reached out to pat Taiki on his shoulder, letting his hand stay for a moment after.

"Whatever everyone else considers you to be, between you and your king, that's most important. He's old enough he can understand having to wait, right? And if he's this wise, then he knows pressuring you to grow up faster won't end up with a happier, healthier kingdom. Working with you as you learn, that sounds like the better way. He's okay with that, right?"

No magical harsh expectations from a man who'd been a general would be Lan Jingyi's hope, given the militaristic practicality of knowing people come to you young to learn how to die for their country, and then you make sure not to use their lives carelessly before they find their way out, up, or dead.