[Several long minutes pass same as the others. In cold silence, with his attention focused upon his sleeves, fingers fixing his cuffs before fingering his hair. His inescapable nervous habit employed to hide emotions he has no trouble demonstrating.

He speaks with a cold, resignated tone. It is not as if he is unused to being misunderstood and overlooked.]

There is no need to plead my understanding, Hendrik. You already have it.

[His words break off as he has to swallow his anger.]

I am honestly disappointed you simply cannot offer me the same.