[ Dunno', he's seen a two-headed ogre complimenting his arithmetic skills before, normality isn't a usual occurrence for him? Comes with the territory, to be honest.

But he picks up on the fidgeting, and tucks his hands in his pockets, all signs of mild petulance on the rise because he really wants to get back to ... needlessly insulting people ... ]

Respect is something you have. If it's like that, then it doesn't really matter what I tell you or what you tell me, does it? It's a matter of perspective.

[ And then, bluntly: ] Do you care about anyone else besides that person to begin with?