[ knowing that it was likely the sequential story of the ruler's demise that caused her tears, bu chonghua tries not to call too much attention to them. the reason why is still the mystery, and he has a thought or two about that; they are difficult to string together and weave to cohesion though, and even more difficult to pull taught enough to not let the details fall through. his attention is on her but it's a diffused sensation, even as he considers the journal she holds before answering. ]

You mean that the sorrow is your own, correct? [ he leans forward on his elbows, folding his fingers loosely between his knees. ] Watching the King be slain elicits an emotional response, but what causes you to cry is something that comes from your own consciousness. Whether it be feelings you have, memories you think of...

[ in a general sense, he means, but he's prone to dissecting the facts of a situation if he's able. he does have an interest in what clues her notes might reveal, but first thing's first. ]

My own experiences here seem to come from memory.

[ one corner of his mouth quirks, modest and critical of himself. ]

I've cried three times in my life, and I thought about all of them. I'm starting to wonder if it might be a diversion tactic.

[ and still he's left with: why? ]