In his defence, Viatorus is more confused than amused. The curt edge to her response ensures he isn't light hearted, however.

"Things like this take time. Progress is progress, and progress is always good. You have to be patient and remember not to get disheartened." Perhaps it's more genuinely said because he's speaking from experience, but he tries to sound encouraging. They're the kind of words that have circulated through his family time and time again so they come easily to him.