"You are stupid, I'm glad you recognise it," Solomon agreed sanguinely, going to the bureau to collect his used mug. He turned toward Tony, and though his expression was cool, his eyes glinted more with amusement than anything else. It was a dark, cutting sort of amusement, though, almost a cruel-edged one that would have been exasperation if he and Stark had known and liked each other any better.

"Maybe you won't end up like me," he pointed out, "but since you don't have any idea of the difference between pretence and truth, you're certainly well on your way to becoming the man Malicant showed you. Congratulations."