Proud.

Fragrantia sighed in relief, and Fallax stared at her with an icy glare. His question was not yet answered, and he did not like this. The Empress gazed at the old man, his gray hair spread over his shoulders, an oval wrinkled face, with a sharp nose. His sharp eyes were as if a beast staring at the prey. 

He asked again, "Will you answer me?" 

His tone did not carry an ounce of respect toward the Empress of the Empire. Fragrantia was aware this old man was not someone who understood what courtesy meant. This old man was too proud. However, Fragrantia needed his help at the moment.

She replied, "This child was found by my daughter when she was traveling outside. He is called Valerian and has the exceptional talents of a battlemage. I thought if the young man was to be trained and cherished, then it must be done by the best."