Okay, he doesn't understand everything she says, but the metaphor holds enough water that he can transpose it onto their more magical situation. And whether or not it's in defense of the captain, Skulduggery finds the theory nonetheless fascinating.

"I... think I understand what you're saying. It's all only here to serve as set dressing. The only thing he's put any effort into at all is the camp itself, which is where we're supposed to be focused, anyway. His power has to be limited in scope, after all; otherwise, he would already consider himself a god."

He finally admits, with only a little relcutance, "Maybe that makes the lack of effort slightly more bearable..."