He ducks his head a little her answer, biting back a quiet huff of recognition. "Ma Gui was best at that, among us. I fear I've... never understood people well enough to have the same facility." He's always been better at looking out for the physical well-being and strength of those under him.

He considers for a moment, looking back up at her. "But I have always tried to only accept loyalty and service freely given. To compel another by warping their mind is an affront to the dignity of all, and a transgression that cannot be forgiven." He remembers all too well the horrors the Rebel Leader had perpetrated with his powers of mental compulsion, not just to his enemies, but to those who followed him.