[ for a moment, his smile seems almost brittle— but it passes quickly, and might very well have just been a trick of the light, an odd relief of shadow. ]

Now we're definitely reaching conversational territories most likely best not broached under our current circumstances. If you would actually have a conversation with me, then approach me for one later and ask your questions again.

Perhaps I might think about answering them sincerely.

[ though presumably this conversation is happening before solomon purposely needles at him, so? hm. ]