His answer is smooth and seems honest enough, at least, but something sits just wrong about it.

It's the implicit apology. I didn't find anything useful before. Like she might be disappointed he hadn't told her, and he's explaining himself before she can ask. That doesn't make it a lie, but it does mean it could be one, and if it is, then Shion is damn good at lying. And that's something else to keep in mind.

"The important thing is to stay safe," she reminds, keeping her thoughts close to the vest. "'Useful' is secondary. Maybe even to 'getting out'. Did you see any of these creatures last time?"