The Magus and the Minister of War

[an-english-girl.livejournal.com]

So I was re-reading The Thief (fanfic exchange reasons ... wouldn't you like to know?!?) and came across the section at the end where the Magus describes Gen's sword fight.
...The minister of war snorted. The Magus didn't recognise this as high praise, and he said stiffly: "I've been told his father wanted him to be a soldier. I'd be happy to inform his father that he has a son to be proud of."
Had he really not figured who he was talking to, as Gen assumes? Or is this a clever comment on the Magus' part, to praise Gen in a way his father can't just brush aside?

Then I got a bit further on:
"Tell me," I said, "or I'll get up and strangle you with one hand."
Ouch.