"By hand, yes. My access then to larger methods of fabrication was...limited. But I needed something better than a stick."

But then Jayce is saying...well, something new. It's not dismissal, but... it's not belittling him, either. Viktor isn't sure what to think of it. Maybe it's...kind of refreshing.

"...I appreciate the sentiment. For better or for worse, it's...a part of my life. And if we are going to be working together for any length of time...I should warn you that it is progressing, over time."

He realizes how dour his tone has gotten - he clears his throat, adjusting his grip on the sandwich.

"Anyway, I will not let it impede our progress."