He reached up and gently stroked the top of her head (which was also technically her "hat").

"She and I went through a lot together, and she was sort of one of the only ways I could protect myself against a lot of things," or people. "She never turned on me."

He nods at the greeting.

"It's nice to meet you, Tomoe-san," at the mention of the people he shrugged. "I don't really care what they think, honestly. They were assholes in Deerington, can't see that being any different now."