[ His lips thin, and his grip around his glass grows tighter, but Cree ultimately holds his tongue. The criticism isn't unfair. He won't dispute it. ]

It was never my intention they die. [ He pauses to take a sip from his own glass, then lowers it with a somber smile. ] We did not reevaluate our plans to account for simple refugees having abilities that surpass our own. A foolish mistake of great cost, yes. However, all of them had been wronged by the figureheads your companions have found employment in, and all of them would have done anything to return the favor. I don't regret providing them that chance, and I will not regret moving forward.

I don't intend to sacrifice a garden to uproot weeds, Takasugi. But I will not let them grow to overtake it.