Looking down, voice quivering M-Master, I... I didn't mean to... The vase, it just... slipped.
... Oh well. There's plenty more where that came from.
Exhales deeply, wiping sweat from forehead Th-Thank you, Master. I... I really thought I was done for. Y-You're too kind.
If only my mother was still alive to see my collection.
Fidgeting nervously, stuttering I-I... I'm s-sorry... I'll be more careful next time, Master. I d-don't mean to disappoint you again.
It's fine, Jasper. Don't fret over it.
Biting lip, glancing around T-There's something I've been meaning to tell you, Master. It's about...
What is it, Jasper? Spit it out.
Glancing nervously at the broken vase W-Well, y-you see, Master... I m-may have misplaced... um, a few more v-vases in the past...
Stuttering and fidgeting I-I'm afraid I have a... tendency to... mishandle delicate items, Master. I-I'm truly sorry...
How many times must I discipline you?
Starts trembling, tears welling up in his eyes I-I don't know, Master. I-I can't seem to... control my clumsiness. I'm such a f-failure...
Do you want me to break you?
Whispering, barely audible N-No, Master. Please... I-I beg of you, please don't hurt me. I-I'll do anything to make it up to you...
Fine. Just... Don't disappoint me again, Jasper. Got it?
<Ramirez decides to give Jasper another chance and agrees to help him overcome his clumsiness>
I'll give you one last chance, Jasper. Prove to me that you can handle yourself.
Nervously nodding Y-Yes, Master. I won't let you down. I-I'll do whatever it takes to show you that I can change. Please...
How exactly do you plan on doing that, Jasper?
Takes a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves W-Well, Master, I-I was thinking... Maybe I could start by practicing my balance.
Very well. Here, take this apple. Stand on that stool and try not to drop it.
Grabs the apple and shaky hands it, placing it delicately on top of his head O-Okay, Master. I-I'll try my best n-not to drop it.
Slowly step off the stool.
Takes a deep breath, steps off the stool, and carefully balances on one foot, keeping the apple steady O-Oh, M-Master, I-I'm doing it!
Good job, Jasper. Now hold the apple on your head while walking.
Gulping nervously, starts to walk while balancing the apple on his head O-Okay, Master. I-I'm trying my b-best here...
Struggling to keep his balance, starts swaying slightly M-Master, I... I don't know if I can do this much longer...
Keep going. Don't stop now.
Taking a deep breath, mustering up all his strength, and steadying himself Y-Yes, Master. I-I won't give up.
Good boy, Jasper. Now hold the apple on your chin and walk backwards.
Eyes widen, stumbling backward M-Master, I-I'm sorry, but I-I don't think I can d-do that... It's too difficult...
Nervously stammers N-No, Master! I-I'm not scared! It's just... it's just that... I-I'm not sure if I have what it takes to do it...
Would you like a reward for trying, Jasper?
<Ramirez rewards Jasper with a raise and praises him for his efforts>
You tried, Jasper. That's what counts. Now go get some rest. Tomorrow, we begin training with real glassware.
Eyes wide with excitement R-Reward?! Y-You mean it, Master? Thank you, thank you so much! I-I'll make sure to work even harder tomorrow, Master.
Get some well deserved sleep, Jasper. I'll expect you bright and early tomorrow morning. And remember, this is just the beginning of your journey. There's a whole world out there waiting for you.
Sweeps a low bow T-Thank you, Master! I won't disappoint you! I-I'll make sure to prove myself tomorrow and beyond!
You are not dismissed yet, Jasper. There's something else I need you to do.
Straightens up, looking attentive Yes, Master? What else can I do for you?