Spoiler:
You're on the right train of thought to see that the options are not particularly fruitful.
I think that your reference to Ran complimenting you for "doing well" is a line when you first talk with Zalthorion, not this second encounter.
I will vaguely answer this to make you feel a bit better though - Rangativurk is also seeing how the Guildmaster is answering as you question, so do what feels reasonable in the situation. :)