"That's not something I expected to hear you say," Geralt comments, though he doubts it's meant as a compliment. That doesn't stop him from responding as though it is.

It gives him something to do that doesn't involve addressing the fact Jaskier is here and is agreeing to go with him. With them, of all the people the bard has every reason not to want to venture out into the wilds outside of the walls with.

Geralt does prefer the idea to having him stay behind though.

"We'll want to be careful. There are a few of these I get the feeling will drown their riders given half a chance." Which shouldn't be a surprise, really. There are always stories of monster horses, even if most of them are exaggerated or misunderstood. "No need to get water logged before we get eaten."