Sylvester didn't react. His breath stayed calm; not even his pupil reacted. He had prepared himself for this question long before he even embarked on this journey.
He quickly answered the man. "I didn't touch a hair on him, your majesty. In fact, we were friends. Yes, we had a rough start, but I slowly realised he was just another boy, shouldering the great burden of getting stronger and inheriting your throne. I saw myself in him—As too many people expect a great many things from me as well, your majesty."
He manipulated the old man's soft spot by drawing parallels between himself and Romel.
