If you knew his favorite epithet, you wouldn't say that.

But I never concerned myself with his opinion then, and I'm not about to start now. It's just the way things are. I was demoted for getting too close to the humans in my charge. I won't be looked on... fondly for this.

[ he pinches his nosebridge. before vincent can scold him for being cowardly, he adds, ]

I don't intend to let it guide my choices. I'm just giving context.