Istredd laughs again, a rare occurrence from him, but Kell's inspired it a few times in a positive way. They've reached that point. "She can be intimidating, yes." That wasn't the case in the Brotherhood, but they were all raised together, it's difficult to intimidate people who knew you before you were powerful. But he knows that Yennefer has a presence, he's watched other people react to her here.

"That's why I'm not reassuring you she's not that bad. But as long as you're not lazy and simpering, it will be fine." Istredd will ask her to be patient if it turns out he's not doing well, but he isn't going to interfere from there. Alchemy is not his strong suit. Like any trained mage from his sphere, he knows how to make potions, but she excels at it.

Istredd is also a genius which is why he simply nods. "We geniuses tend to be very good at learning skills and knowledge, but not always good at the rest of life." He is obviously speaking from experience, that is why he said we. There are any number of ways he has had to learn to be better here. "Intellect without wisdom can do more harm than good. Believe me."

He thinks that accounts for a lot of his worst mistakes. He's very smart and he thinks a great deal. Researches, makes opinions, theories. But it's tunnel vision at times. Too much in his head, too much exciting about learning, to think about the consequences.