Varian raises his eyebrows, a little surprised.

"He doesn't normally stab people unless he's got a reason to," though the reasons can be many. "I mean- if you'd rather not help that's...fine. I can keep looking myself."

Because if she doesn't like Fern and he doesn't like her, it might not be the wisest of choices. Not that he's not grateful, he just wants to avoid extra conflict.