[ The look on Augustine's face —the sort of grim, We Are Not Amused exhaustion known to parents of small children throughout the worlds — says, quite plainly, I would facepalm at you, but my hands are full. ]

Yes, John. Of course. That's exactly what I meant, my Lord. [ (Oops, hey, watch the sarcasm —) ] Nothing at all to do with the way your mind is your greatest weapon.

[ This is, of course, by far one of the most polite ways he could phrase that part of it; nearly enough to hide the whisper, impossible to tell if the voice is Augustine's or Alfred's, of «Or the loyalty you inspire in others.» ]

Give him something he'll like, whether or not he's happy with you at the time, and you might just improve the frequency with which he is, [ Augustine continues (concludes) quickly enough. ]