Not understanding was one thing, but that itself proved a conclusion—and overturned Rimuru and the others' previous speculation.
The other party was not observing them because excessive self-awareness had caused a conflict with the Machine Clan's racial logic.
"Then... since you still think all of this is unnecessary... why..." Rimuru organized his thoughts, pondered for a moment, and asked, "Was it because your former Sovereign was... human?"
Luo gently shook her head. "Humans."
"Weak, complex, short-lived... yet possessing unparalleled creativity and the power known as change."
Luo picked up the remaining strip of meat in her hand and stared at it silently. "That was the Sovereign's definition of humans."
"Has my observation... caused you trouble?"
Seeing how concerned everyone was about her and humanity, even if Luo's thought processes did not care much about such things, she had long noticed it. She set down the meat strip, raised her eyes to Rimuru's golden ones, and asked.
"Not exactly..." Rimuru exchanged glances with Lilith and the others, then said helplessly, "But this is your territory, after all... It's only natural to feel uneasy when you're being watched by the locals, right?"
"..." Luo was slightly stunned. After a brief silence, she suddenly said, "You do not need to worry about that."
"Strictly speaking, observing you is my personal decision."
"It has nothing to do with Amishir."
"We already knew that." Nine Tails immediately spoke without ceremony. "It's no secret that Amishir's supreme command consciousness has been dormant for nearly ten thousand years... But if this is your personal decision, then we have no obligation to cooperate, do we?"
"...I can offer compensation."
"Forget it. How much personal wealth could a Machine Clan member possibly have..." Nine Tails curled her lips and said blandly, "What interests us more is your motive... understand?"