Claudius flashes Lan Wangji a quick smile, grateful for the hand up and for that clever bit of maneuvering. His heart speeds, understandably, at the thought of what threats Lan Wangji might have to guard him against -- but at least he'll be guarded through it. That knowledge keeps his mind sharp and clear. "I'm sure it will," he says, serene, "one way or another. I only wish to assuage any guilt you might be feeling about involving us. On the contrary, I'm grateful for your trust. Had things gone differently, she might've been one of our own, and we might have taken you here to lead you astray. Does she truly have no motive other than evil?"