Not only was Cedric not punished for causing a major incident, but he gained higher authority and more resources.
This decision took Ron by surprise, but he felt it was understandable.
In Cassandra's eyes, the sacrifices of those young researchers and the suffering of those prisoners of war are merely acceptable costs necessary to achieve "outcomes."
This is her results-oriented pragmatism.
"You should be glad you chose to withdraw back then, Ron."
Cassandra's tone regained a sense of ease:
"Otherwise, with your balance philosophy, it might be difficult to adapt to the project's direction."
These words were like a needle, precisely piercing the most sensitive part of Ron's heart.
His "balance philosophy" was evidently seen by this leader of the Conquest Faction as some kind of "weakness."
A dated insistence that hinders "progress."
"It seems my earlier divination was indeed a correct warning..."
