Nathaniel's smile doesn't falter for a second, but he does clarify. "Howard said that?" The continued stare is all the answer that he needs. Nathaniel sets his drink down.

"Not really anything to hide, or really anything to argue, we're long past that point. Yes, once I get control of this harbor, I can remodel it how I please, and removing the town in favor of more lucrative ventures really is the best for everyone. I already said I'd give them a fair price for the land, what more do they need? The deal's already in place, anyhow. Everybody seems to agree this is for the best, or we wouldn't have gotten this far. Don't know why a couple of out-of-towners are arguing against it."

The look on Togusa's face is as if his drink has turned sour on him. He's already disengaged, realized that the man's intentions are plain, but unable to be turned away from this course of action. It was worth a try.