[ He scowls though it is not directed at Lad, but toward whoever among Sylaise's own was enforcing such rules. Though part of him wonders if he had pressured Lad, pushed him too far.

He rests a hand on Lad's shoulder though it was to rub his thumb along him than to hold the man in place. ]

You did nothing wrong, [ he says firmly. ] You deserve to have a say in the completion of your tasks as any other or do they truly think they can control what you do when the door closes?