[He lets out a shuddering breath as Sylvain's finger traces along the mark, but he's determined not to let it distract him from the man's words. Finally Sylvain admits. He raises an eyebrow, keeping his expression neutral-- Sylvain hating himself is par for the course, he only had to be in a room alone with the man for five minutes to figure that out.]

Are you planning to manipulate or coerce me into giving you something I don't intend to? [He asks pointedly, and when Sylvain confirms he doesn't, he interrupts before he can tack on a 'but'.] Then I'm not worried about it. Manipulation and coercion don't happen by accident. [His fingers curl at the base of Sylvain's neck.] Give me some credit, Sylvain. I may not have lived through those years yet, but I'm not completely naive.