Interestingly enough, I think this makes him somewhat endearing to Edelgard. Edelgard enjoys debate, and her paired character ending with Ferdinand says that "their contrasting views made for frequent and lively debate, but with each enhancing the perspective of the other".

It's amazing how tolerable condescension is when it comes from somebody who genuinely means well… and has the ability to win a fight with an entire army without taking damage.