It is self-defence then. Wrathion nods thoughtfully, because he understands the sentiment. Plenty of people want to kill him, so he's always prepared himself. Better to be able to win a fight that finds you rather than endlessly run from it.

"The Merchant?" he prompts. "He's good at what he does, which is make deals, trade valuable things and keep everything moving. Right now, we're a valuable good being traded across long distances. I'd say he's a man of his word, so long as you understand exactly what his word is."

Which is the game, here. The Merchant is very specific about what he says, and always means what he says. He won't, however, stop you from misunderstanding him.