“I do my best to protect the lives and well-being of others as a general rule, yes; at least as far as my mortal limitations will allow. That being said, I do feel the need to suggest that I do not have the time nor the resources to chase after those who insist on putting themselves (and others) in danger. Reckless behavior is unbecoming of anyone, much less a young lady such as yourself, and I cannot allow myself to be put at risk on the part of foolish errands and vendettas. Doing so would not only jeopardize myself, but the lives and well-being of my family, associates, clients, and colleagues.
"There is a calculated risk that must be taken into account whenever a decision – such as protecting another person, or more precisely, putting your own life and reputation on the line – and I am far more reluctant to do so when the person in question has persisted in ignorance and naivety.
"Although all human life does, of course, have great intrinsic value, there is something to be said about keeping a broader perspective in mind. Particularly when lives are at stake. Ideally, a person would be willing and capable to save any person in need… but there are times when choices must be made, as well as sacrifices, and as such, as difficult as it is, things of a most sensitive nature may need to be evaluated and prioritized above others.
"Consider the story of Zhao Yun, one of the Five Tiger Generals that served under Liu Bei. In one particularly dramatic bit*, Liu Bei’s infant son was kidnapped by the enemy army. Zhao Yun bravely took on the entire army by himself and managed to rescue the baby and deliver him, miraculously unharmed, to Liu Bei in an unparalleled display of courage, determination, and love for his commander.
"However, when Liu Bei saw what his general had risked to bring his son back to him, he cast the infant aside and reprimanded him for doing so. Although he was grateful to have his son back, to be certain, he was thoroughly disappointed in the potential cost that the general was willing to risk without careful consideration and discussion with his superior – who could evaluate things appropriately in terms of successful warfare. Liu Bei’s reasoning was that he could always make more babies, but if he lost Zhao Yun? Years and years of training, experience, wisdom, and general bad-assery would be lost. And to be frank, a seasoned general is going to be much more valuable in winning a war (and potentially saving countless other lives) than an infant would be.
"It really has to do with the idea of greatest potential for a positive outcome, overall…
"Of course, ideally, we all could be as incredible as Zhao Yun and save the baby and come out completely unscathed. It’s just… highly improbable, and to think otherwise falls under that same vein of foolishness that I mentioned earlier.
"Regardless, I suppose in the end it all comes back to Boscombe, doesn’t it~?"
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