[ He just looks at Messmer quietly for a moment at that. Not in a cruel way, just ... assessing him. When he speaks, too, his delivery is even despite the potentially accusatory wording: ]

I wonder if you truly believe that as much as you claim you do, Lord Messmer. Not that I doubt how much you value victory and our wishes in the end, but calling everything else 'mere preparation' ... I'm inclined to think your mindset isn't as black-and-white as you claim it is.

[ Pause, before he smiles. ]

Not that that's a bad thing. I just didn't expect it.