The decision has been made. LILITH Japan orders the Outsiders to mobilize to pursue the Imugi.
Given that they are in a foreign country, they are largely dependent on LILITH Korea’s resources. In response to the decision, the Korean branch provides some assistance: the Outsiders are given just enough vehicles to help transport them, essential supplies, and only a few operatives to help guide them. This is the most the Korean branch is able to give, as they must focus on relocating people and restoring peace following the attack.
LILITH announces that the Imugi is currently resting near Gangneung on the east coast and they must move quickly. The effects of Rift poisoning will grow stronger as they approach the source; a sign that they are close to a kaiju. Upon reaching the mountains just outside the city, LILITH informs them that they are right on top of its location.
However, there is no Imugi to be found. After searching the area, Outsiders will discover the source of the trace and the poisoning: eggs. They will find about twelve eggs. When they report their findings, Seokdang will curse. In their rush, they had followed the wrong trace. They didn’t track down an injured and resting Imugi—they tracked down the Imugi’s nest. So where is the Imugi?
Not long after, Outsiders will receive an update on their implants: the Imugi reappeared in Seoul. After seeing the corpse of its mate, it went berserk and attacked the city again. While many of the citizens were evacuated to nearby Incheon and remaining shelters, just as many perished, with the death toll at 168,000 and rising. LILITH’s Korean base is destroyed.
The Imugi was last seen flying north, but the Korean government prohibits the Outsiders from pursuing it again through their territory. By choosing to pursue the kaiju, the Outsiders have abandoned humanity and thus will receive no further support. They are ordered to leave the country immediately.
LILITH Japan will order them to collect as many eggs as possible and continue to the abandoned city of Gangneung, where they will arrange pick up and return to base in Tokyo.
▶ AFTERWORD.
Thanks everyone for participating in our first major Event Decision! We hope you had fun discussing what to do both ICly and OOCly.
After failing to capture the second Imugi and also failing to save a large portion of Seoul's population, characters will be shipped back to Japan. The events of the TDM will springboard from there. Feel free to use this post to thread out any aftermath threads if you would like.
All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards August AC.
[ That's Set — a chaotic blur of contrasts and complexity; at once a careless creature that espouses his simultaneous loathing of humanity with his understanding that he is duty-bound to them, and a man who takes his responsibility and goals seriously. Pursuing them to their end is part of who he is, whether he enjoys any of it, or not.
He figures Ratio for a similar sort of pragmatist, just from their stimulating conversations. Still a mortal at his core, but one who puts value in ensuring he has the information to make the most informed choice. Not the best, nor the worst, but the strongest one based on the available findings.
Maybe he can cut to the heart of the man before him, because they are quite alike in a number of ways. ( And because Set has no patience for himself when at his lowest. )]
I have to believe LILITH is not our enemy, but it is true that we cannot solely rely on them. Nor trust that they alone can make up where we fall short.
[ He won't cut them out entirely, but using the organization more wisely ought to be in order.
As for the second answer, his stern expression softens a little. A rare ray of sunshine amidst a stormy countenance, that is clearly proud. And perhaps relieved. ]
Then, let this wicked god be the one to promise: you have not failed humanity. Losses that are steep will always be felt acutely by those whom share that mortality, but you are not a traitor to humanity, Ratio. And I am here to help you help them.
[ He had expected castigation from the god, who would perhaps see more than Ratio ever could, and see the flaws in his approach. He'd been prepared to argue his choice, because he doesn't regret any of it, despite the outcome. It's not regret that he feels for what has happened.
He simply mourns the lost lives, and wishes the outcome was better.
That he sees where he'd fallen short is just a natural consequence of hindsight. Wishing he was better doesn't change that he was not. But it can change his actions in the future, to reach that 'better' that he wishes to be. That's what both of them are here for now. To work for a better future. ]
I also don't believe they are our enemy. Their trustworthiness as commanders and our support is what has been called into question. I intend to verify to what degree we may rely on them in the future.
[ Yes, he means to interrogate LILITH on their technology to the best of his capabilities. Whether or not they acquiesce to his demands is a different story, but if he cannot get the information he needs, then he'll know for certain that trusting them for anything is out of the question.
The next words strike a chord in him. He knows he has not forsaken humanity, despite what the South Korean government says. Failed, though... failure only occurs once he gives up. He failed Seoul, but he has not given up.
He inhales deeply, and exhales slowly, closing his eyes as he fails to control the tremble in his hands that Set's words elicit. He doesn't need reassurance from someone else, least of all a god. He's always known what he must do; he does not work for anyone's approval. Not since deciding that he no longer desired Nous' gaze. But he can't explain the rush of emotions he feels right now.
It's not the appropriate time for him to become emotional, so he swallows it down and stares down at his papers. He has a job to do now. ]
Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Set. What I cannot accomplish alone, we will be able to accomplish together, and more if we can enlist the aid of other Outsiders.
[ As one of the vocal minority who actively recognized that choosing to pursue the imugi ran the high risk of leaving Seoul unprotected, Set had made his decision with the maximum degree of consequence in mind. The destruction of the city was not a surprise to him, but an inevitability. The speed and degree to which it had been annihilated were the only variables. If the imugi had not returned, the city was just as likely to collapse under a lack of resources, a high death toll and a poor disaster relief program. Not to mention opportunists. ]
I want to know where LILITH's vision cannot reach. Nearly all Outsiders are combat-capable, but some of us have additional abilities that could be used to enhance LILITH's own information-gathering, organizational and management positions. If we are to be used, we should be used in a variety of ways.
[ Being allowed to take the load off of LILITH's core personnel might help. A wider net could be cast by proactive Outsiders, Set thinks. If they're meant to save this world, they should do so to the best of their abilities inside and out of the battles. He is cautious as he reaches his hand down, if only to rest it politely on Ratio's forearm; a brush of fingertips, calm and steadying. There's a lot of respect in Set's eyes, simply because he's witnessed how thoroughly the man before him puts consideration into his efforts. ]
Rebuilding communities. Environmental protections. An overhaul of social and economic programs. LILITH can help there, too. We, as Outsiders, can bring our knowledge to this world. That is what we can do, going forward. And still... you need some breathing room now. Is there anyone who brings you comfort? Whom you can trust to close your eyes around, and be less than your best?
[ This is where Set and Ratio differ. Where Set had seen the inevitability of Seoul's destruction, Ratio had hoped for better. He'd hoped probability would favour them, because better outcomes had a higher chance of occurring. Or so he thought, at least. He had been prepared for Seoul to fall apart on some level, but perhaps foolishly, he hadn't expected LILITH to fail them and allow the Imugi to evade a confrontation. The misplaced trust stung so bitterly.
He flinches—a subtle little thing—when Set places a hand on his forearm, but he does not withdraw from the touch. However, there's tension in his arms and shoulders that hadn't been there before.
They're all good ideas. Set is looking forward, much like himself. If this world is truly to rebuild, then not only did they have to eliminate the kaiju, the world had to rebuild itself, with or without their help. But it would be faster if they helped, certainly. What aid they do give, however, had to be crafted carefully such that the planet's people would continue to function well after all Outsiders have returned home. ]
Agreed. We must offer help in any capacity we can provide, and teach this planet how to rebuild themselves.
[ Set's last questions instantly bring to mind a single person. Aventurine. The answer to both questions was his long-time work partner-turned-lover. However, it was a different story to willingly burden the man with his emotions. He wanted to be the other man's anchor, not the other way around. ]
I... I will be fine. I need only a moment to myself. That is why I've isolated myself here.
Ratio's flinch is definitely subtle. Someone else might miss it, but Set experiences the same type of reaction when people he doesn't know ( or doesn't know well ) make contact with him, and so he sees it. The tension that creeps into the other man is something that, prior to arriving in Neo Tokyo and becoming a member of LILITH, he would have absolutely exploited. Advantages were to be pressed in Kenos, vulnerabilities exploited. Here, there is no reason for it. The Outsiders are in alliance with one another against a foreign enemy, not pitted against one another for the victory of one ideology over another.
There's not much else to say on the topic of moving forward from where they are. He's made it clear he's willing to work with Ratio on that, to put his mind together with the other man's. They needn't go over the nuances now, not when Seoul is still so bright and hot a pain within everyone. ]
— you are soooo stupid.
[ But he says it with a quiet fondness. He's always liked difficult people, after all.
Taking his hand away, he flops them to the sides, palms facing the ceiling as he shakes his head. Faux-exasperated. ]
If you are going to think of humanity, you need to allow yourself to be human. If you isolate yourself, you will lose sight of those little things that make you resonate with your own kind. You will become more like me: solitary and unlovable! Why! Even I once had someone to unburden myself to, so that my injuries could be washed clean. You really have nobody like that?
[ Ratio immediately bristles at the insult. He's not—! He holds his tongue to allow Set to finish, though it's clear by his glare that he does not appreciate being called stupid.
He doesn't necessarily agree with Set's logic. There is no need to be human, because he is one, nor does he need to resonate with his own kind. He has always been isolated, if not physically, then emotionally. Solitary and unlovable? If not for Aventurine, he would have agreed that that was his lot, and he'd been perfectly happy with it.
He crosses his arms, looking every bit disgruntled. ]
I don't feel the need to act differently when I have always handled myself this way.
[ He's being childish and stubborn now, and deliberately not mentioning that he does indeed have someone he could theoretically unburden himself with. But it's also true that he has gotten used to handling his burdens alone, and a part of him is unwilling to try something new at this point. ]
And? Just because it is how you have always been, does not mean you cannot do something different.
[ Whether he's actively heckling him or not, Set's still obviously fond of Ratio.
Now, he is actively looking to prod at all those different points that make him "who he is", as if he wants to fit a nail below some loose plate of armor and wrench it free. To pursue him down to the soft, tender points he must have. Because he is human. And humans are capable of change, whereas gods are not. That is the right they were granted, in exchange for their short, mortal lives. ]
Since time immemorial, I handled myself by slaughtering generations of innocents. Were I to say I felt no need to act differently, would you let it lie?
[ once again set proves
he is an inhuman freak who can conflate MASS MURDER with I DONT WANNA TALK ABOUT IT. ]
[ THAT SURE IS A COMPARISON TO MAKE. Gods. Of course they would make such a callous comparison. The loss of lives to an unwillingness to be emotionally vulnerable. Had it been a fellow human he was talking to, he would have instantly berated him for it, but he can tell that it would not have any effect on Set. The disapproval is quite evident on his face though, and his mouth is set in an angry frown. Because Set isn't incorrect, as much as he hates to admit it.
With a sigh, he considers admitting the true reason for his reluctance: that he didn't want to burden his lover with his worries when the man had his own concerns. But he can tell Set will have a retort for that too. Either to find someone else, or trust that his lover could handle it. That his lover would want to support him, just as the scholar did him. ]
A distasteful comparison, but you've made your point.
[ Truthfully, it would be a huge relief to share his worries with someone. With his lover, specifically. He should just handle this as he always has, and worry about his emotions only if he's rejected. ]
...Very well. I will speak to my partner about this.
"The loss of lives to an unwillingness to be emotionally vulnerable," is exactly what led to Set's mass slaughter of humans. Gods operate on a terribly apocalyptic scale, and in his own way — he is alluding to it, for Ratio's own sake. It's a deeply distasteful and disturbing thing to say to a humanist like this man, but it is the most earnestly human comparison Set can make.
Aside from his experiences in love. ]
If nothing else, it will bring the two of you closer. Being able to trust one's closest is important, especially in battle, where a moment's doubt or question could end up with one or both of you dead.
[ And as far as he knows, it's a lot more permanent, under LILITH.
He does reach out a second time, to dutifully pinch Ratio's cheek and grin at him. Like a doting parent plucking at the apples of their teenage child to embarrass them — what a habit for this terrible god to have, then. ]
You do have someone, that is wonderful. Whom is it?
[ There is a part of him that fears how Aventurine will react when he sees that Ratio isn't as steadfast or as perfect as he tries to make himself out to be. That he's full of worries and self-doubt, which he does his best to ignore in his bid to play the arrogant, narcissistic genius people think he is. But he has pried the shields around the gambler to see the lonely, hurting man underneath.
If he were to reciprocate... it would be fine, wouldn't it? If Aventurine could see what he hides and understand him as he truly is... wouldn't that be wonderful?
And... Set is right. They aren't guaranteed safety here. Even if Ratio tries his best to keep himself out of harm's way, and Aventurine has his luck, that does not mean either of them can't be injured, or even perish. Ratio, especially, with his lack of experience in combat... it might only be a matter of time before he suffers a severe injury. Death? That is a distinct possibility too, even if he doesn't want to acknowledge it. ]
You're... correct. I should not let my worries impede me from having a fulfilling relationship with him.
[ Because if he's fated to die in the near future, then he'd rather know that Aventurine understood him and still loved him with all his heart then have unspoken words in between them.
He instantly recoils from the pinch to his cheek and frowns angrily at Set. ]
Don't do that.
My partner is Aventurine. Have you met him? He dresses rather ostentatiously.
[ It's with obvious fondness that he describes Aventurine's outfit. ]
Of course I am correct. I am a married man, after all!
[ god ratio is just getting the FUNNIEST lore tonight ]
I have met Aventurine, yes. What an excellent pair you two must make.
[ Someone as severe as Ratio, being offset by the eccentricity of Aventurine is perfect. As the god of war, Set had been married to the god of peace, and the two of them had tempered and enhanced one another in many ways, for many years; thinking of Nephthys now brings with it a unique pain, deep and misery-laden, but a pain that is born of the fact that he had loved her so, so much. Her betrayal, their loss... well, he would not say he is so selfless as to never wish it on anyone else, but it is a thing he'd rather not see anyone go through if they have the ability to prevent it. ]
He and I spoke when I first arrived, when I sought to prove to him that I was worthy of investing in me — and second, during the fight with the imugi in Busan. We assisted one another for an attack, and confirmed a partnership afterwards. I suppose that means I have both of you to work with now!
[ That shouldn't be surprising but it is. Ratio takes a moment to stare in surprise, but quickly reins in his expression, which would not have shown had he not been so fatigued.
An excellent pair... his blushes slightly and averts his gaze. Their relationship is still so new, and he isn't used to people commenting on it. ]
I... thank you.
[ Back home, he would probably end up hearing more derogatory things said about their relationship once it's revealed, if only because of the public's perception of Aventurine. His position as a Stoneheart, and him being the last surviving member of the Avgins. It will no doubt rankle on Ratio, so to hear approval is—well, he has never cared for the approval of others, and the gossip he will no doubt be subject to back home would never dissuade him from being with Aventurine, but—
It's nice. ]
I see. Your cooperation with me will no doubt further reassure him that his investment was wise.
[ Both of them have a good eye for talent, so it's not a surprise that Aventurine saw something of worth in Set. ]
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synflux2024-08-22 04:03 am
no subject
He figures Ratio for a similar sort of pragmatist, just from their stimulating conversations. Still a mortal at his core, but one who puts value in ensuring he has the information to make the most informed choice. Not the best, nor the worst, but the strongest one based on the available findings.
Maybe he can cut to the heart of the man before him, because they are quite alike in a number of ways. ( And because Set has no patience for himself when at his lowest. )]
I have to believe LILITH is not our enemy, but it is true that we cannot solely rely on them. Nor trust that they alone can make up where we fall short.
[ He won't cut them out entirely, but using the organization more wisely ought to be in order.
As for the second answer, his stern expression softens a little. A rare ray of sunshine amidst a stormy countenance, that is clearly proud. And perhaps relieved. ]
Then, let this wicked god be the one to promise: you have not failed humanity. Losses that are steep will always be felt acutely by those whom share that mortality, but you are not a traitor to humanity, Ratio. And I am here to help you help them.
no subject
He simply mourns the lost lives, and wishes the outcome was better.
That he sees where he'd fallen short is just a natural consequence of hindsight. Wishing he was better doesn't change that he was not. But it can change his actions in the future, to reach that 'better' that he wishes to be. That's what both of them are here for now. To work for a better future. ]
I also don't believe they are our enemy. Their trustworthiness as commanders and our support is what has been called into question. I intend to verify to what degree we may rely on them in the future.
[ Yes, he means to interrogate LILITH on their technology to the best of his capabilities. Whether or not they acquiesce to his demands is a different story, but if he cannot get the information he needs, then he'll know for certain that trusting them for anything is out of the question.
The next words strike a chord in him. He knows he has not forsaken humanity, despite what the South Korean government says. Failed, though... failure only occurs once he gives up. He failed Seoul, but he has not given up.
He inhales deeply, and exhales slowly, closing his eyes as he fails to control the tremble in his hands that Set's words elicit. He doesn't need reassurance from someone else, least of all a god. He's always known what he must do; he does not work for anyone's approval. Not since deciding that he no longer desired Nous' gaze. But he can't explain the rush of emotions he feels right now.
It's not the appropriate time for him to become emotional, so he swallows it down and stares down at his papers. He has a job to do now. ]
Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Set. What I cannot accomplish alone, we will be able to accomplish together, and more if we can enlist the aid of other Outsiders.
no subject
I want to know where LILITH's vision cannot reach. Nearly all Outsiders are combat-capable, but some of us have additional abilities that could be used to enhance LILITH's own information-gathering, organizational and management positions. If we are to be used, we should be used in a variety of ways.
[ Being allowed to take the load off of LILITH's core personnel might help. A wider net could be cast by proactive Outsiders, Set thinks. If they're meant to save this world, they should do so to the best of their abilities inside and out of the battles. He is cautious as he reaches his hand down, if only to rest it politely on Ratio's forearm; a brush of fingertips, calm and steadying. There's a lot of respect in Set's eyes, simply because he's witnessed how thoroughly the man before him puts consideration into his efforts. ]
Rebuilding communities. Environmental protections. An overhaul of social and economic programs. LILITH can help there, too. We, as Outsiders, can bring our knowledge to this world. That is what we can do, going forward. And still... you need some breathing room now. Is there anyone who brings you comfort? Whom you can trust to close your eyes around, and be less than your best?
no subject
He flinches—a subtle little thing—when Set places a hand on his forearm, but he does not withdraw from the touch. However, there's tension in his arms and shoulders that hadn't been there before.
They're all good ideas. Set is looking forward, much like himself. If this world is truly to rebuild, then not only did they have to eliminate the kaiju, the world had to rebuild itself, with or without their help. But it would be faster if they helped, certainly. What aid they do give, however, had to be crafted carefully such that the planet's people would continue to function well after all Outsiders have returned home. ]
Agreed. We must offer help in any capacity we can provide, and teach this planet how to rebuild themselves.
[ Set's last questions instantly bring to mind a single person. Aventurine. The answer to both questions was his long-time work partner-turned-lover. However, it was a different story to willingly burden the man with his emotions. He wanted to be the other man's anchor, not the other way around. ]
I... I will be fine. I need only a moment to myself. That is why I've isolated myself here.
no subject
Ratio's flinch is definitely subtle. Someone else might miss it, but Set experiences the same type of reaction when people he doesn't know ( or doesn't know well ) make contact with him, and so he sees it. The tension that creeps into the other man is something that, prior to arriving in Neo Tokyo and becoming a member of LILITH, he would have absolutely exploited. Advantages were to be pressed in Kenos, vulnerabilities exploited. Here, there is no reason for it. The Outsiders are in alliance with one another against a foreign enemy, not pitted against one another for the victory of one ideology over another.
There's not much else to say on the topic of moving forward from where they are. He's made it clear he's willing to work with Ratio on that, to put his mind together with the other man's. They needn't go over the nuances now, not when Seoul is still so bright and hot a pain within everyone. ]
— you are soooo stupid.
[ But he says it with a quiet fondness. He's always liked difficult people, after all.
Taking his hand away, he flops them to the sides, palms facing the ceiling as he shakes his head. Faux-exasperated. ]
If you are going to think of humanity, you need to allow yourself to be human. If you isolate yourself, you will lose sight of those little things that make you resonate with your own kind. You will become more like me: solitary and unlovable! Why! Even I once had someone to unburden myself to, so that my injuries could be washed clean. You really have nobody like that?
no subject
He doesn't necessarily agree with Set's logic. There is no need to be human, because he is one, nor does he need to resonate with his own kind. He has always been isolated, if not physically, then emotionally. Solitary and unlovable? If not for Aventurine, he would have agreed that that was his lot, and he'd been perfectly happy with it.
He crosses his arms, looking every bit disgruntled. ]
I don't feel the need to act differently when I have always handled myself this way.
[ He's being childish and stubborn now, and deliberately not mentioning that he does indeed have someone he could theoretically unburden himself with. But it's also true that he has gotten used to handling his burdens alone, and a part of him is unwilling to try something new at this point. ]
ratio im sorry
[ Whether he's actively heckling him or not, Set's still obviously fond of Ratio.
Now, he is actively looking to prod at all those different points that make him "who he is", as if he wants to fit a nail below some loose plate of armor and wrench it free. To pursue him down to the soft, tender points he must have. Because he is human. And humans are capable of change, whereas gods are not. That is the right they were granted, in exchange for their short, mortal lives. ]
Since time immemorial, I handled myself by slaughtering generations of innocents. Were I to say I felt no need to act differently, would you let it lie?
[ once again set proves
he is an inhuman freak who can conflate MASS MURDER with I DONT WANNA TALK ABOUT IT. ]
it's okay.... he needs this
With a sigh, he considers admitting the true reason for his reluctance: that he didn't want to burden his lover with his worries when the man had his own concerns. But he can tell Set will have a retort for that too. Either to find someone else, or trust that his lover could handle it. That his lover would want to support him, just as the scholar did him. ]
A distasteful comparison, but you've made your point.
[ Truthfully, it would be a huge relief to share his worries with someone. With his lover, specifically. He should just handle this as he always has, and worry about his emotions only if he's rejected. ]
...Very well. I will speak to my partner about this.
no subject
"The loss of lives to an unwillingness to be emotionally vulnerable," is exactly what led to Set's mass slaughter of humans. Gods operate on a terribly apocalyptic scale, and in his own way — he is alluding to it, for Ratio's own sake. It's a deeply distasteful and disturbing thing to say to a humanist like this man, but it is the most earnestly human comparison Set can make.
Aside from his experiences in love. ]
If nothing else, it will bring the two of you closer. Being able to trust one's closest is important, especially in battle, where a moment's doubt or question could end up with one or both of you dead.
[ And as far as he knows, it's a lot more permanent, under LILITH.
He does reach out a second time, to dutifully pinch Ratio's cheek and grin at him. Like a doting parent plucking at the apples of their teenage child to embarrass them — what a habit for this terrible god to have, then. ]
You do have someone, that is wonderful. Whom is it?
no subject
If he were to reciprocate... it would be fine, wouldn't it? If Aventurine could see what he hides and understand him as he truly is... wouldn't that be wonderful?
And... Set is right. They aren't guaranteed safety here. Even if Ratio tries his best to keep himself out of harm's way, and Aventurine has his luck, that does not mean either of them can't be injured, or even perish. Ratio, especially, with his lack of experience in combat... it might only be a matter of time before he suffers a severe injury. Death? That is a distinct possibility too, even if he doesn't want to acknowledge it. ]
You're... correct. I should not let my worries impede me from having a fulfilling relationship with him.
[ Because if he's fated to die in the near future, then he'd rather know that Aventurine understood him and still loved him with all his heart then have unspoken words in between them.
He instantly recoils from the pinch to his cheek and frowns angrily at Set. ]
Don't do that.
My partner is Aventurine. Have you met him? He dresses rather ostentatiously.
[ It's with obvious fondness that he describes Aventurine's outfit. ]
no subject
[ god ratio is just getting the FUNNIEST lore tonight ]
I have met Aventurine, yes. What an excellent pair you two must make.
[ Someone as severe as Ratio, being offset by the eccentricity of Aventurine is perfect. As the god of war, Set had been married to the god of peace, and the two of them had tempered and enhanced one another in many ways, for many years; thinking of Nephthys now brings with it a unique pain, deep and misery-laden, but a pain that is born of the fact that he had loved her so, so much. Her betrayal, their loss... well, he would not say he is so selfless as to never wish it on anyone else, but it is a thing he'd rather not see anyone go through if they have the ability to prevent it. ]
He and I spoke when I first arrived, when I sought to prove to him that I was worthy of investing in me — and second, during the fight with the imugi in Busan. We assisted one another for an attack, and confirmed a partnership afterwards. I suppose that means I have both of you to work with now!
[ yay!! ]
no subject
An excellent pair... his blushes slightly and averts his gaze. Their relationship is still so new, and he isn't used to people commenting on it. ]
I... thank you.
[ Back home, he would probably end up hearing more derogatory things said about their relationship once it's revealed, if only because of the public's perception of Aventurine. His position as a Stoneheart, and him being the last surviving member of the Avgins. It will no doubt rankle on Ratio, so to hear approval is—well, he has never cared for the approval of others, and the gossip he will no doubt be subject to back home would never dissuade him from being with Aventurine, but—
It's nice. ]
I see. Your cooperation with me will no doubt further reassure him that his investment was wise.
[ Both of them have a good eye for talent, so it's not a surprise that Aventurine saw something of worth in Set. ]