It doesn't register with him now. Perhaps when he's more rested, when he's had time to reflect on his actions and this conversation so that he can properly apologize to her for exploding he will realize her meaning.

For now, he interprets 'you lost' a different way. Because he feels like he's lost. Like he's lost so much of himself, that he's put so much of himself into this world and its prosperity.

It's a massive blow to someone who just wants to do the right thing. To someone who is still wavering on the cusp of wanting to be a hero...it's enough to make him pull back. To see his interference as a reason to avoid being that great man he so desperately wants to be.

"Yeah...I lost. We've all lost. But that doesn't mean that the Celliwigians should go without. They need someone. They need something. I just..."

He looks at her, his eyes pleading.

"Lady Ardenbury...I can't do this alone."