His voice remained calm and measured, shaped by decades of experience.
He wasn't someone who let emotion cloud his judgment, and he had learned long ago to assess situations with a clear mind.
Even so...
It would be a lie to say the trip hadn't unsettled him.
The image of Maple Leaf City's small shelter lingered stubbornly in his thoughts. There had been so many children there, most of them no older than seven or eight, trying to smile despite the hunger and hardship surrounding them.
No matter how composed he appeared, that sight had weighed heavily on his heart.
"Um, don't worry, Grandpa," Kisha said reassuringly. "They were the ones who reached out first, and they've shown no signs of hostility. Since their intentions are genuine, we'll form an alliance with their bases. We'll help them as much as we can while making sure they always have a way to stand on their own."
She paused before continuing.
