[That actually earns him something that isn't quite a break in the rolling politeness, but something close - a gentle upward quirk of one brow, which almost seems amused. Kaoru leans from the table a little, but with posture so straight and well-kept, even that doesn't take him far enough to rest against the back of the chair.]

I'm afraid that there's nothing neutral about it, and I certainly didn't mean to imply ill of you. [Or rather, "you shouldn't read insult into everything", but that would break too far away from niceties to be feasible. Kaoru holds one hand out as though to help with the explanation that will follow, and the gesture is still very elegant even though it holds a little more command behind it than usual.]

I have no interest in matters that are intangible. [Said very primly, cut and matter-of-fact.] Wondering about things that one can't affect with their own two hands - I don't see much of a point in it. In that realm, what will be will be. In the world that we inhabit, there are other things that require attention and focus instead.

[The sentiment of a good clan leader, or at least one who's willing to see their goals through to the end.]

I suppose you could say that is what "governs my thoughts".