The City tries to eradicate anyone who refuses to be a cog in its wheels. So that's technically correct, but I would take it as a compliment.

[ Another compliment he'll easily give to her. A squeeze of her hand too. ]

Perhaps. I'd still like to see her grow, given the optimist that I am. But next time I see her, I'll likely just pluck it from her, much like I plucked the fish from the waters here. I'm a generous individual, but I still have my own desires too.