The Cream

But as far as we ourselves are concerned, let us consider what will be the best course. If someone kills one man in the land, even one who has few supporters left behind, he still flees, leaving his family and the land of his fathers. But we have killed the cream of the city, those who were the best young men in Ithaca. I think we should think about that.

But, Odysseus is thinking about the next tactical step after the killing of the suitors and says to Telemachos:

Odyssey Book 23 line 104-109 Barry B Powell
Odyssey Book 23 line 122-125 Barry B Powell

The Grave of Odysseus - Pacitti

Odysseus is aware of the consequences of killing the 'cream' of the city. It is out of the question that Odysseus could rule again over Ithaca. Fleeing and leaving the land of their fathers is the best option, before they get killed. But they can't, it is dark and there is no moon, the moon is still close to the sun short after the eclips occured.
So Odysseus is organizing a fake party.

I don't want news of the death of the suitors to get out through the broad city before we ourselfs can go out to our well-wooded farm. There we can take thought about what advantage the Olympian places in our hands.