[Although he himself is ostensibly here on the Regent’s business, the look that Liem aims Matt’s way along with his question is free from any trace of judgement or suspicion. He simply looks curious and, as has often been the case over the past few months, a little bit sad.]

Politics wins wars, [he points out.] And we are at war. I’ve seen similar done in my own country.

[He still says my own country as though he’s simply travelled far from home—as though it’s waiting there for him to come back. A frown flickers, unbidden, over his features as he does.

He can’t condone the Regent’s methods for inefficiency, but that doesn’t mean he supports them. Despite the reverence he holds for the dominion of order, methods such as these have always left a foul taste in his mouth.]

I wouldn’t call it wasteful. But it is… rather base.