[ hm, on some level, he does have to admit it is a shame... but more than that, he feels a profound sense of relief. no matter what else CERES might throw at him here, the most immediate threat to his well-being has passed. ]

No, it's better off this way. Something like that is too dangerous to go around unchecked.

[ he tries to laugh a little at that, but in the end it just comes off as stitled and awkward. especially as he can tell she's staring at the rather pronounced red scratch on his cheek. ]

At that point, I'd gone too far to back down.