"For better or worse, Ishgard's children have always looked to something to believe in. I see no reason to suspect that has suddenly changed. With the void left by my father," he doesn't change his tone, but it's clear that it's a little pointed, to say what she shies from, "there are plenty of those looking to fill it," he takes a sip of his wine, considers, "In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if my new political appointment comes as a bid to keep me from trying to take that mantle," he shakes his head, "Which just shows how little anyone seems to know about myself or my motivations, really. Perhaps once, I might have been convinced to do something of the sort for the sake of Ishgard, at the request of the Archbishop, but it would have been a duty, a burden I would have gladly shouldered, but a burden nonetheless."

"T'would be an easy space for someone to attempt to fill, all the more so with Ascian backing, though I confess I know little and less about precisely how they fit into all of this. I shall leave that to those more capable than I." He trails off, realizes that they've once again descended into talking about politics and logistics almost exclusively, and he tries to at least bring them to a more pleasant version of the topics,

"But while it will all be difficult, I doubt not that the effort will be well worth it. If nothing else, to have proof of Saint Shiva blessing this new direction for Ishgard will appeal to some of the populace, at least." It's surprisingly shrewd, since it's highly likely that the Warrior of Light has given him a report about the true nature of Ysayle's gifts.