The tone wasn't very appealing but was accepted for now; no need to pull rank or cause trouble when he was just curious.

"If you would like, but that isn't quite what I am looking for." He gives Cloud a look that implies the other blond should consider the reasoning behind his tone, but supplying the answer in case it's missed. "I have had the others as guards before. I know what sort of people they are, where their loyalties lie, what I can expect of them. I want to know those things about you, as well, and sometimes it's easier to find by asking about a person and seeing how they react and what they say."