That flicker of humor lingers a moment but is faded by the time he takes up the refilled glass and raises it half a degree. So just pride, then.

"I'll tell you what I said to Rutyer. It's my belief that the best way to see that place made secure is to finish the fight with Corypheus and see his powers in the Magisterium overthrown. As much as the island may be an able touchpoint in the North once cleared of Venatori, it's unlikely to be in the position of waging further wars of its own volition. It's in my own best interests that I remain where I am."