"It must be nice living in a country where everyone wants children to grow up knowing those things." If he's bitter he's doing a great job of hiding it.

"I guess it's probably better than not. Not really fair to the kids any other way, not having a proper start on life."

Hearing it described in terms of fairness makes everything look different.

"There might be a way to force parents to pay for any benefits they get from their children. I don't know, though, they usually offer room and board, it might not always come out in the kids' favor..."

"I don't know. It's just... I guess, moral to raise your kids in a way you think will give them a head start on life? Some people won't, or don't think about it that way, but it sounds like a thing."

"I guess it would be moral, wouldn't it? Do they teach classes about morality in schools?"

Shrug. "Not specifically I think? You get a lot of morality from, like, school rules. Sharing is caring."

Their progress across the wide courtyard and up the stairs is stopped by a very tall Zora. "Hey, Sidon! I found Valanda! The guy who made that shield I showed you!"

"Hello! That's great! I wanted to meet him! Nice to meet you! Link said a lot about you! Your name is Valanda, am I pronouncing it right?"

"Yes, that's right. I'm glad to meet you, too. I might be able to reinforce your dam if you'd like."

"That's a kind offer! It's definitely not up to me though. And we might have to take them down or alter them or want to engrave more art on them eventually! I think everyone would appreciate it if you did that to some of our historical records, though. We can ask the priests about it tomorrow! Not today, I think they're mostly already asleep." Prince Sidon's voice is fast and filled with lots of enthusiasm.

Would a moral person do the historical records for free? Valanda's not sure. He's sure a moral person would do the dam for free. Well, he can just let Link give him cues.

"I expect to still be here tomorrow and can talk with your priests then."

What are priests? Valanda has no idea but he suspects a moral person would know, so he's not going to let on that he doesn't. He glances uncertainly at Link.

"...You can totally charge them for doing historical records, Valanda. Priests are... Interpreters of Hylia's teachings? Well, sort of."

"Oh, yes, of course we'd reward you for preserving priceless historical treasures if you want a reward! Anything reasonable we can do, just name it."

"I'm interested in learning about how societies in Hyrule form moral governments for the good of all and protect their vulnerable citizens. I'll preserve your records in exchange for a book on the subject or a couple of hours with a qualified tutor."

"Well, we don't tend to use books as much - we're always swimming, and waterproof paper is super expensive! But our priests are probably the best-qualified to teach morality around. Though I've never thought about formally qualifying that before. We can do that tomorrow!"

"That sounds good to me. I'm planning to stay here as long as Link does. Is that all right with you?"

"Of course! I'm happy to have one of Link's friends as a guest. Do you think you're going to help with the Divine Beast? You don't need to. It'll be very dangerous, after all."

"We can probably handle that hunk of corrupted junk. To be honest your skills aren't really good for fast-paced fighting, Val."

"I've never fought. I think I'll just stay here and do any enchantments you need while Link fights. Thank you for your welcome, I'll see you tomorrow about records." He glances at Link in case there's anything else he needs to do or say.

"Yeah, I guess everyone's pretty much done for the day. We thought about seeing the king, but got our questiones answered by you just fine, Prince Sidon. Goodnight!"

She leads them back to the room. 

"I can bug someone about getting another room if you like. I'm fine with not though."

"I'm willing to share but I don't want to impose on you."

Shrug. "It's less hassle. And cheaper." Link finds this funny for some reason.

Valanda keeps to himself what he thinks of hosts who expect their guests to share space. In fact, maybe they can't do better. They've been under attack and he doesn't really understand what constraints people are under when they're at war.

"What's so funny?"

"I mean, the king is not actually paying for my room? I didn't really want him to. Not quite right when I don't need it, I dunno. And you're all money money price price about everything, that's what's funny."

"I pay for necessities. I wouldn't live with a roommate or starve myself just because it would be cheaper. ...Is it common to have to have roommates here?"

"It's not that common, but folks do it. Especially families - and soldiery, wanderer, or adventurer types like us."