[ Tony's fingertips patter idle against the coffee cup as Byerly talks. It's characteristic of him to fidget even while perfectly comfortable, but especially not.

But he's listening, slowly resolving his focus as he keys into the conversation they are having. It is, maybe, a better sign than not that he doesn't just wave Byerly away with a forget it. A pinch at his mouth for that unadorned thing. ]

Well, the thing you said was stupid, [ measured in tone, rather than acerbic ] so I kind of didn't have your back about it. But we should probably be able to come at you for the stupid thing you say without it sounding like we don't think you want to do right by the whole world, mages included.

[ He spreads his hand. ]

You don't have to explain to me that you're a good person underneath it all. I'm an expert at being a good person underneath it all.