[The shape of Kanda's thoughts remain, of course, unknown to him, and as such he can't explain that there's a measure of pride in belonging to someone with a reputation such as hers, someone of such high standing. That she'd been assigned as his primary Handler still seems an honour he doesn't - now - believe he deserves, no matter how she might treat him. And beyond all that lies the conditioning in him, the way it's been branded down into his bones to give those who own him his complete and perfect devotion. A hard thing to break, and in truth it's never occurred to him to try.

But the conversation doesn't stray in that direction, and as such Giovanni shrugs in turn. Smiles his serrated smile.]

That's how the system works, isn't it? Someone always needs to be placed above the rest, someone always needs to be bottom dog. It's the natural order of things.

[He tilts his head, just a little, in that odd canine way of his.]

Not that I blame them for wanting to assert themselves, given the way humans work. But in the wake of volatile acts they can only expect to be met with volatility in return. All that free will you lot are imbued with-- it seems, to me, a burden.