[A soft smile, both sad and understanding crosses Regis' face as he listens to his son's question. Almost before Noctis has finished, Regis is moving toward him, ring return to his finger in a motion so quick and practiced that it would be easy for someone to miss completely. Once he is standing in arm's reach, he rests a hand on Noctis' shoulder, bowing his head some so he can look his son right in the eyes.]

I have faced a similar issue when it comes to the soul of the Founder King and the person who was here with us in the flesh. What I've learned comes down to this simple fact: each of us is an individual entity and should be treated as such. The version of me who rests within your ring has experienced so much more than I have. He is a different man and should be treated as such. He is the father you remember and try not to compare me to since I'm just a young fool at this point.

[Regis lets a small smile pull up his mouth at the joke. Hopefully, it helps keep things from becoming heavier than they already are. Noctis might just crumble under it all at this rate.]

I doubt he could ever be mad at you for you choice. The choices he made all came with consequences I have no doubt he went over in his head a million times. When he took action, he was ready to accept those consequences. That is likely the sadness you feel. He knows he hurt you and wishes there had been some other way, but in the end, there was not. As much as it hurts him, he will accept your choices just as you have had to live with his.