[ At those words, his reaction is immediate. His head tips forward just slightly and the barest hint of red appears on his neck. He does not believe that he is any better or even more forward-thinking than any other man or woman in Ishgard, and perhaps his thoughts concerning his own people are in poor taste. ]

I do not think that designation belongs only to me. [ He has led several charges towards change and adapting, but he would not call himself anything in such certain terms. ] Others have longed to move forward as well but lacked the impetus to do so; all I did was provide an example for them to follow.

[ And he truly does not believe that he has done more than anyone else. But returning to the matter at hand, he merely inclines his head in agreement with her statement. ]

For the time being, fortune is with us, as all continues to be well within our borders. I hope that this will continue so that we might also continue reforging alliances and partnerships with the other city-states.