[The grievances that Hayame voices now sound more like laments about her reputation than doubts about her own character. He would have thought the judgements of others of her own culture more meaningful to her than the opinions of two-legged folk from alien worlds — but perhaps it is a lack of understanding from her peers that truly drives Hayame to withdraw from them, rather than doubts about her worthiness as a person.

He doesn't comment on the tightening grip of her hand, even when it becomes painfully strong. Instead, he simply places his other hand overtop their joined ones.]

Being clever-tongued is not the same as being right — and I am surely not the only other person in Meridian to know that.

[Many criminals lure in their victims with charisma in order to get what they want. It's true in his world, it's true in this one, and it's probably true in most if not all others. Even if Hayame has difficulty connecting with the fellow members of her faction, Liem refuses to believe that none of them like her, or that all of them would trust the likes of Sebastian the Demon over her.]

Your strength and dedication and bravery speak for themselves. Don't think I haven't noticed the work you've put in to supporting this occupation, or how staunch you were in making sure Manon made it safely back to Springstar. You've done good work, for Meridian and for everyone who wants to one day go back home.