[Would it be insulting to Zoe if he tried to brush off her death, saying there's no need to apologize? Probably. It's that thought alone that keeps him from immediately dismissing Mizuki's apology, but it takes him a moment before he can think of another response. A second's delay, before he gently shakes his head.]

... Death is a natural part of this competition. [Voice even. Expression carefully blank. There's no polite thank you to be found here.] We both knew something like this was an eventuality, rather than a possibility.