[...]

I am sorry, Choromatsu. I...did not realize you felt that way.

[Where is this coming from, he wonders? Has Choromatsu seriously worried about his future to this extent? Even if his sons never did much, he would not just toss them out to sea to fend for themselves. He would gladly let them stay home in his reef forever, if they wanted.

Or...as long as ever lasted, for all seven of them.

His smile fades a touch.]

I know it is not an excuse, not in the slightest, but...I have lived for so long that ten years passing by feels like only a few moments. But for you...much more has happened in your life than even scratches the surface of mine. I should have brought it up to all of you sooner. I...apologize.