[ Sturmhond nods. It's no more than he expected: logical reasoning, the kind that he always associates with Barnaby. He's not the kind of man who acts on his feelings, not without due consideration first. In fact, Sturmhond thinks that's part of his problem where Kotetsu is concerned; he's logical, but he won't take the risks that his feelings require. That's the major difference between the two of them, he thinks. ]

Yes, you do. I don't believe that you would let your feelings come between you, and the rest of your world. If that is what others doubt, then I think they're wrong.

My question is why it bothers you so much. If you know this about yourself already, why are we having this conversation? Why did it make you so angry?

[ Or is it the case that Barnaby doubts himself more than he'll admit? It's possible. ]