Ah. Well ... he won't fault anyone for it. Barrayar is a hard planet to live on; he of all people should know that. He's nothing but sympathetic in response.

"Barrayar has a tendency to eat its children," he says gently. "I never intended to come home either, so you're in good company." After a moment's hesitation, he reaches out to pat her hand lightly. "As for my mercenaries, I mostly strategize. But I do fight sometimes, yes." He gestures down at himself. "Despite this body."