When he wasn't responded with his usual yes sir, Ree paused and turned to make sure it wasn't the mute boy. Instead he was completely surprised to see the royal disappearing back inside the house. He blinked returning to his chopping. Once he was finished he gathered a hearty pile of wood into his arms and made his way to the basement, to the furnace that controlled all of the heat in the house. While the older kids could maintain it, he was the only one who could start it. He rose from the basement and joined the other in the kitchen. He paused at the door listening to his mother, and a few older girls ushering the little ones on what small reading lessons they could, other children scrambled for the tub getting the hot water while it was fresh. Ree found a dry rag, and cleansed his face of sweat. He reached out taking a slice of bread from the table. “Thank you... for helping.” The words felt strange coming out of his mouth, especially towards Yianni.