An ally. Or the lynchpin between myself and an alliance with your little band of mortals. [See? He was already reigning himself in by not describing said band of mortals as 'useless' or 'petty.' He can be a team player. All right. No he can't, but at this point, he needs a distraction and that would be you and yours.]

Better you than any of the others with even less in their heads. [Look at that, almost a compliment. He's practically winning friends and influencing people.]