"Oh, so thoughtful of you to ask!" Bright, cheerful in his delivery. Like time is not of the essence. "He is in the House of Hope, enjoying my hospitality and the rightful rest and repast of a proper prodigal son, let me assure you."

All technically true. That is the fun part of language -- honesty need not be straightforward, every word, story and soliloquy gifting a wealth of meanings.

"Probably for the better, given the state of matters. Especially if someone does not deal with that brain very soon."

How he can saunter and carry on so casually in the face of people who would very likely do him violence if he were a different creature and had an ounce less leverage!

"You already know what I seek, once the dust has settled, and I would much rather it sooner than later. So I am either claiming it from the husk of an elder brain centuries from now or you will be handing it to me following your victory, the stones reunited. ...For fun I'll even throw the Archduke in with the stone, if you're feeling so inclined. I'm sure he'll be delighted to come waltzing back into the armageddon the lot of you have created for yourselves."