"I understand." That's a relief, at least. He's happy to do the things other people won't want to do - or the things that he's good at. An illusion of choice might be better than no choice at all, but that's fine.

He can protect people. Animals and people. He thinks about Fairy, thinks about the dogs he wasn't allowed to have, and something softens.

"I'll do - that." He breathes out. "I've started on the 'chores' we have to do. I... Want to help."