Immediately, Rita's face turns red. "That's just..." Yep, she realizes how weird it is. They're inanimate objects. "...because to me, the blastia are more than just tools." Not that anyone can really understand her feelings on the matter, but at least most don't have the nerve to say anything about it.

"B-besides, what are you saying that for? You're mechanical yourself. Are you saying you're fine with being called it?" In fact, he didn't actually express a preference, and Rita knows full well that they're not equivalent anyway, but she's flustered and feels the need to deflect right now.