"Pah! You speak as if I've never been in charge of the well-being of others! My child, I've been the court mage for nearly three generations of kings, my counsel directing the entire nation to a golden age. And even in exile, I extended my protection to all the others unjustly trapped in a zone of wild and unpredictable environs! I am no stranger to acting as protector and shepherd."

He takes a nibble from the ice cream and rolls it around in his mouth, letting it melt against his tongue. "I was the rightful king of Mobius because of my capabilities, you know. I think that speaks volumes, doesn't it? And I all but secured my place on the throne. And yes, all of this thanks to magic. Fancy that."