At their near-derisive commentary, the Fool only lifts his chin in subtle defiance, as though to say what of it? But already the Igheeri have wandered off, and at last some of the tension begins to ebb from the Fool's frame.

"...I don't know why they didn't listen."

"A common character flaw among grown-ups, I am afraid. We all believe we know everything already, including what is best for others." He sighs heavily and turns to look down at the child clinging to his waist. So this was what X was like as a child; he smiles in a conspiratorial fashion. "I hope you won't hold it against us."

He crouches down to be on X's level and folds his arms across his knees. "I'm going to ask you something you may find strange," he tells him, studying his features. Then, gesturing to himself, "Do you know who I am?"