[ He notices three things all at once once her little display is over, and they sound off in the back of his mind in this order:

One -- The little girl before him is hiding something.
Two -- She is also in possession of what seems to be a great many pseudo-filial bonds.
Three -- She would be the perfect candidate for his latest experiment.

He smiles, faking a gentle laugh. ]

I envy that conviction. Truly, I do.