I just meant, since he's arguing with the Regent about Dixing infrastructure, he must be aware of it to a reasonable degree. He's not blind to everything that happens in Dixing that doesn't directly relate to his job

Yeah, good point. He must know what's going on. Maybe as people started to escape up to the surface, he investigated why...

But yeah, he had no reason initially to think badly of the Regent.

And even near the end, he lets the Regent live when the Regent says he's motivated by concern for the people, doesn't he?

I think wanting fresh air could well refer to the environment OR the political climate?

Or both. :-) (Thanks for the translation note! <3)