Not that Ellis objects to the idea of chasing bandits around the forest (he and Nell had once made a pleasant afternoon of it) but he does object to the prospect of further errands for the sake of the Viscount's ego. He can catch some of that reflected in Julius' face, and it draws a slight grin from him in turn.

"That's kind of you to say," is what Ellis says aloud. "But I don't mind going where I'm needed."

Which is fairly flexible, when his main skill is lifting heavy things. However—

"If you've time to spare, I've a question for you. Related to Project Sashamiri."