Istredd bows his head respectfully to her, having also noticed that glance away, and he didn't plan on pushing more. Lingering would only continue the pain, and she has the log and money now. He follows Lucifer without argument, musing on it himself.

I suppose I can't be surprised that they would loathe the crown with how little they care about this place or its people. Istredd of all people understands well, as he's already explained he dealt with villagers who welcomed a conquerer when he gave them an easier lifestyle. Life was hard on the continent, he could hardly blame them for seeing a bad person as a hero for giving them food when they were starving.

There is no conquerer here that can take over Thornee, so Nott has no option for that. They simply have to continue existing as best as they can. Istredd frowns as they walk. His instinct, as always, is to be helpful. Just as he wanted to save the elves however he could, his heart does go out to Nott and the civilians there.

I tried to save as many of the natives as I could. We all did. But there were so many dead, and no one searched for them. Josselyn said the cult hadn't been in action very long, but if they hadn't captured Summoned, they probably could have continued killing civilians.

Of course taking the Summoned was the entire point of the plan, so she could try and steal their connection to the Singularity, but it doesn't change how bad that is for the others. Istredd is Istredd, so he feels a momentary sense of guilt.