In preferences - text speed, slide it all the way to the left such that it says instantaneous.
Admittedly, sliding toward the slower side wasn't very nice of a design, we can possibly address this in another patch.
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. :)
That is an interesting question.
It is very rare, but we got poor reviews thinking that the lexicon is an inadequate way to convey info even when it is optional read, and that is not very rewarding.
Unfortunately, tangentially related things like towns or the armies probably won't be mentioned in the plot until needed.
Thank you for the kind words! The MC seems to be a common question, so we'll answer that with more depth here.