There is a tinge of irony in the lying traveller's response. Had we not been told he was a liar, then we might assume he was cleverly telling the truth, or like you said, telling a white lie.
It isn't hard to imagine the tyrant observed this cleverness and wished to reward it, being aware of the absurd station he occupied, but pleased that the lying traveller would humour him.
I think I mostly agree with your conclusion, except I'd say there are usually gradations of truth, and it is the tyrant who has the privelege to choose which one is best.
There is a tinge of irony in the lying traveller's response. Had we not been told he was a liar, then we might assume he was cleverly telling the truth, or like you said, telling a white lie.
It isn't hard to imagine the tyrant observed this cleverness and wished to reward it, being aware of the absurd station he occupied, but pleased that the lying traveller would humour him.
I think I mostly agree with your conclusion, except I'd say there are usually gradations of truth, and it is the tyrant who has the privelege to choose which one is best.