As Doreen explained, Erik could only nod slowly and smile. He understood what she was saying completely. Sure, he had received plenty of support from his siblings, but it was Peter's very existence that gave him strength when his wife died. First and foremost, he chose to be strong for his son.
As Doreen turned around, her chest discretely more visible, her cinnabar hair fluttering in the wind, Erik couldn't help it. He stopped, for just a moment, to simply admire a beautiful woman, her counter question remaining just an echo in his mind. Before his reverie would become obvious, he straightened his back a little and leaned back on the railing, looking at the island's dome. "Indeed, they are similar. Although right after Peter, I also care about everyone in the Republic. It's how I was raised." - he didn't realise it instantly, but his statement referred to Doreen and Ben just as much. As this afterthought came to him, he smiled silently.
A few meters away, the boys started running one after the other while laughing loudly, probably playing some kind of catch game. If he didn't know the railings were more than sturdy, Erik would've probably stopped the two. His trust in Crayterian workmanship halted any reaction from him though.
