Satoru did not grow up on fairy tales. He grew up on barely sanitized history lessons masked as children 's tales. His life 's path was already settled when he opened his eyes, and these tales were just another tool to prepare Satoru for the world that he would one day hold in his hands. It was a delicate balance, trying to instill some kind of purpose into Satoru whilst also disillusioning him to his future life.

They would weave him stories. The ones that they try the hardest to instill in him are the ones of his predecessors.

They 'd reflect on the past, and then they 'd say with a well-practiced tongue,

That is where he failed, Young Master. That is where you will succeed.

There is a certainty in the way they talk, as though warning about something can prevent it from happening.