His business with the shopkeep is immediately forgotten, at least for the time being— though he is not necessarily on duty, Ignis ever and always considers himself to be an ambassador of the Citadel and, as a result, the crown itself. He closes one hand into a fist as he places an arm in front of himself, bending at the waist into a polite, well-practiced bow.
"We weren't expecting you until tomorrow." Had communication fallen through somewhere, he wonders? It seems strange to him that someone had not been sent to greet this young woman and her party upon their arrival, but he supposes the details he's been given about these particular visitors have been kept rather sparing.
"There's been no spectacle, of course— Ignis Scientia," he goes on, offering his name as part of his explanation. "I'm a representative of the Citadel. Had I known you were arriving today, accommodations would have been made. May I assume you to be Lady Archevauliere?"
There was a schedule? The surprise is palpable in Perne's expression. It's not as if she had any authority in making such a decision. No different from any other time where something of such magnitude has happened. Folding her hands together, she watches the graceful way he bends and it's only when he's finished that she dips in a curtsy. Righting herself, she offers him a subtle little nod, both in acknowledgement of his name (which she's, at the very least, heard) and in response to his question.
"I would be unable to tell you the details of mine journey here," she begins thoughtfully. "Such plans were made by mine father. I was only issued command to make visit. I suspect whatever business you may have, may not be with me directly, and I should think the modest accommodations are fitting. I was not expecting anything so grandiose."
Drawing her ocean-like gaze off of him, she finds herself gazing back out into the streets from where she stands. "Everything here is, however, is it not. Regardless, a privilege I assure you, Master Scientia. You may call me Perne. I should think 'Lady Archevauliere' a tad too stuffy for me here."
"On the contrary— my business is nothing more and nothing less than ensuring you and your party are made comfortable."
His personal errands can always be addressed another time; Citadel business will always and ever take priority. The curtsy is unnecessary as far as greeting someone of his station, but he doesn't correct her, instead offering a small but genuine smile as he draws back up to his full height.
"The privilege is entirely mine. Lady Perne, perhaps, if you would rather not be called by your family name." Still formal, but he cannot even begin to toy with the thought of dropping the title entirely. "I hope that Insomnia has been to your liking so far? It's quite different from Tenebrae, though it's been some time since I visited. Your kingdom's loveliness has no equal."
Somehow, some way, Perne manages to hold back some of her amusement. She wonders, for several long moments, what she possibly has gotten herself into. She should have known there was something more at hand here. Her father never grants her a kindness without there being some reason behind it. If they have someone assigned to their visit, it can only mean that it is of some import. Whatever could it be for? The two who've come with her, surely they would know and have simply left her in the dark this entire time. Certainly not the first instance of that to occur, and most likely not to be the last either.
She folds her hands back together as she rises, careful not to let her eyes linger on his for too long. Whether that is habit, grooming, or simply Perne feeling a sense of uneasiness is difficult to say. In likelihood, it is a culmination of all three.
"I have found it very charming," she replies with a subtle turn in her mouth. "Awe-inspiring. Before coming, I had only heard stories of its tall architecture and contemporary design. Tenebrae feels some ages behind it, in truth. As you are so kind to my home, I should think it only right for me to pass your compliments onto her when I make my return."
Lifting a hand, she gestures indicatively. "Are you often found in pastry shops? Surely you were not here under the pretence of mine family's visit."
"One might argue that Tenebrae has dedicated itself to keeping the past alive," Ignis counters, a smile quirking at one corner of his mouth. Tenebrae and their neighboring city-state of Altissia had very little in common with Lucis on the surface, but those very differences are what have made his past visits, brief as they were, so very fascinating.
Her question, direct as it is, does nudge him just a bit towards being flustered, though he quickly covers it with a brief clearing of his throat and a polite, polished smile.
"More often than one might think. Baking is something of a passion of mine— our meeting here was a happy coincidence. Truly, I thought we would be welcoming your party in an official capacity tomorrow morning."
However, he finds himself curious.
"And yourself? Are you often found in pastry shops, or is this simply tourism?"
What a kind way he has of putting it. Where some would say that Tenebrae may be a bit 'behind the times,' he fashions it complimentary. She'll have to remember it for whenever she returns. There is just the hint of a turn in her expression, grateful for that compassion, though she quickly covers it with a well-practised diplomacy.
Or perhaps that is merely stubbornness from an oft stubborn woman.
As he continues, she studies him thoughtfully. He isn't what she might consider a servant, really, and the only people she's ever known to have done baking or cooking are... the servants of her family. Somehow, she's expected better of Ignis, though she seems to have the restraint not to actually say that. It doesn't stop her from looking just a hair befuddled.
"...If you are asking if I bake, I must confess that I do not. The wise would not trust me anywhere near a baking pan, truly," she replies, an amused tug at the corner of her mouth. "I do, however, have a fondness for cakes. I was planning to commandeer some from here and sample. In such respects, I suppose that would disappointingly be tourism."
"Hardly disappointing in the least— pastries would be worth far less without someone to enjoy them," Ignis offers gamely, his countenance warm and pleasant, genuine. "Most who visit this particular shop are much the same, I would imagine, and I have no doubt the proprietor is grateful for it— there is nothing more complimentary than seeing the fruits of one's labors enjoyed thoroughly by another."
Someone with a fondness for cakes would undoubtedly be a gift, looking at it from that perspective.
"If you've a taste for sweet things, there are a number of places here in Insomnia you ought to visit during your stay. I can recommend a variety of eateries beyond that, as well— admittedly, I am sure there is far more to your visit than sampling the food, but I always find it to be an excellent way to become acquainted with a new culture."
His speech is open enough to border on passionate, his personal preferences easily making themselves known. He surprises himself in doing so, just a bit, but he trusts the environment and the absence of his usual responsibilities have a great deal to do with it.
She takes just a moment to remove her gaze from Ignis, setting it onto the proprietor in question. Yes, it's likely true. Tourism was not necessarily a negative. Some didn't appreciate that kind of attention, but many businesses benefited most from it. It's likely that her little misadventure into the pastry shop is more a blessing than a curse.
When he continues, eventually she returns her attention to him. With her hands bunched in her skirts, she nods along. "I would be interested in looking at them all. I am certain I will have more than enough time to do so. Mine presence here was at the behest of mine family, but I doubt very much that anything business-related will have anything to do with me. Such matters ought to be taken up with those I travelled with."
That is, very little was told to her before she left. Only that she was required to go and to be on her best behaviour.
"If you provide me a list of such locations, I shall make it mine foremost priority to pay visit." After a moment's consideration, she continues. "Unless that was your way of offering to escort me. I assure you that no such thing ought to be necessary. I am quite capable."
Apparently, the idea that his offer might be interpreted in such a way had never even occurred to him— or so the light blush that appears along his high cheekbones would suggest, and he clears his throat softly as a means to maintain his composure.
"Ah— I had intended to give you just such a list, though of course I don't mean to imply that I wouldn't be willing to provide an escort— no doubt you have travel companions offering that particular service more than you would like, already."
They're strangers, and so he cannot know her well enough to say, but given her response and the way she carries herself, he gets the firm impression that she's the sort of person who quite prefers to do things on her own— or at the very least, on her own terms.
"Regardless, we're to see plenty of one another during your stay, I'm certain. If there's any way I can be of aid to you or your retinue, all you need do is ask. As I am at the service of the royal family, I also consider myself at the service of any of the crown's guests."
If she takes notice of the colour that dusts over the height of his cheeks, and undoubtedly she does, Perne says nothing of it. It is as much empathy as it is proper mannerism. A part of her, after all, did say such a thing in jest, not to provide an intentional jab. As such, when he humours her, she looks as though she is not quite convinced. Perhaps he too, is merely putting her on.
"I do not doubt that I should provide the list you intend to grant me to mine family's attendants, they shall be adamant in keeping a watchful eye over me," she agrees with a subtle thoughtfulness.
Perne chooses not to say anything more on it. If it were up to her, she would not be tailed after as if she were little more than a child. It's insulting, but she supposes she can understand precisely why it happens. A Perne left to her own devices can oft be a troublesome one. If only because she thirsts for a life she has been denied. An idea of freedom that has been stripped of her.
Her gaze drops for just some moments, perhaps meant to be polite if not the idea that Perne simply isn't good at maintaining eye contact. "Your offer is kind. I shall not forget it, though I believe it is within mine place as a guest here, of the crown or otherwise, that I ought to be as inconspicuous as I can manage. I am, after all, only a guest. It is not as though I am an ambassador, after all."
...At least not to her knowledge. It's unlikely her father would have sent her all this way with such a responsibility in mind. Although it seems as if her presence here may be, if anything Ignis has said, a touch more important than she's anticipated.
"Perhaps for the best, then, that I give it to you directly."
Though he cannot say what her family's attendants would do with any degree of certainty, he thinks it's clear enough that she would rather not be chaperoned through such ventures. Understandable, of course— he knows full well that Noctis would have wanted the same. Sometimes, even Ignis himself is too much chaperone for the prince to bear, despite their close friendship.
He offers her a nod in response, taking a small, leather-bound notebook from his front pocket and producing a pen from within its front cover before he sets to writing, quickly putting together the list in question as they speak.
"A guest is a guest, regardless of their title— and as such, all guests are more than welcome to make themselves at home." He glances upwards then, offering a warm smile over the top of his notebook along with his offer.
Her smile in reply to his ability to humour her is considerably more restrained than she truly feels it. Without needing to go into much detail, he seems willing to go along with her wishes. Beyond that, she suspects he may understand a great deal more without her needing to grant details.
A subtle tip of her head and Perne takes him in, wondering if she can trust him so. He's made aware of her family. Of her presence. Of whatever may be going on that she's not yet privy to. Suppose he is only inclined to report after her to her attendants? She should hope not. What a shame for such a handsome face. And yet beauty is used to cover all sorts of ugliness.
She waits patiently, keeping her hands gently, demurely folded together, posture proper and ladylike. This is likely not the first time she's been so at the attention of another.
"That seems dangerous," she replies thoughtfully. "What if untoward sorts were to infiltrate your fair city? Do you not worry you could be showing kindness to an enemy?"
That earns a laugh in response, brief and polite, but should she look past his notebook, she'll see that his smile has pulled to one side as he writes, his amusement genuine.
"Should our well-documented enemies choose to make their way to Insomnia, they would be handled accordingly— and even so, there is a certain strategy to showing one's enemy kindness."
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer— a well-known saying for very good reason. He looks up at her again as he neatly pulls the list from his notebook, holding it out to her in offering.
"That said, you and your party come from Tenebrae— the close friendship between our kingdoms goes back generations. You can't mean to say that I ought to be wary of you."
He doesn't even have to say it for her to get it. Perne is equally familiar with the notion of friends and enemies, though perhaps one might not think so from her appearance. There's very little about an initial impression, or even a second and third, that would imply there's anything about Perne that would warrant that kind of thought process. To the objective eye, she imagines she must seem quite unsuspecting.
She huffs out a very quiet laugh, dropping her gaze when she feels that she's attempted to hold his for quite long enough. "Wariness of me," she parrots thoughtfully. "Perhaps a necessity should one have a particular dislike for dry wit and sarcasm. I do not think such things to be very threatening, and yet not everyone would agree." Her father, she means. To him, both of those are likely to be great disservices to their family representation.
"I think you may be safe, though, perhaps watch yourself just to be on the safe side."
He is also in possession of a wealth of dry wit and sarcasm himself, though this is hardly the time to put such inclinations on display. That, he tends to save for the few who have managed to become close to him despite his tireless efforts to be a consummate professional in all things.
"Those who are threatened by such are, perhaps, lacking in imagination— but I doubt you will find many who are averse to them here. However, I will remain vigilant, as you say." His smile remains, reserved but genuinely amused. She is clever, without a doubt— sharp, and he finds himself grateful for this chance meeting. He doubts their exchange would have been quite so open and telling had it been under the intended circumstances, with him in his role of chamberlain.
"Far be it from me to ignore advice so freely given."
For several long moments, Perne can only take him in as though she doesn't quite understand what he's getting at. Rather, it's more that she is attempting to parse truth from humour. Surely... he must be teasing. He manages to cut short any witty retort she may be inclined to volley back toward him and instead...
Perne manages to clear her throat, politely dipping her eyes. "Vigilance is sometimes a necessary trait. I have no reason to believe that you, or any of yours, would be lacking. That said, my knowledge on your fair city is not grand. After all, it is my first time here. Although I do feel my knowledge on the local patisserie has greatly increased. No doubt, with gratitude to you."
"I am truly glad to be of service, in that regard," he assures her, gesturing broadly to the pastry case near the front window. "Though there is no shortage of such establishments throughout Insomnia, you'll find none finer than this— your own feet guided you quite well."
He could easily remain within this very shop for hours, no doubt, were he the sort with that kind of time to spare, but even now, off-duty, he is not— and he imagines she may not be the sort, either. Someone so sharp is rarely idle.
"I'm afraid I have infringed on your time for long enough, though I have no doubt we will be seeing more of one another— I thank you once more for your earlier suggestion. Perhaps next time we meet, I can share the results."
She'd love to claim it was simply opportune timing, but the truth is that anything would have provided a good escape from whatever it is that her father's got up his sleeve. He's not even in Insomnia and she feels like his grasp is still hanging right above her. Honestly, cakes were the best things she could have run into. She would have found them eventually. If not by nose, then surely by eyes. Perne has very few complaints.
"Yes, we very well may," she agrees with a subtle dip of her chin. She eyes him for some moments before she politely drops her gaze. "I will be very interested to hear. If fortune is so kind as to bring us together once more. I pray that you go well. Thank you for your assistance, your guidance, and your kindness in hosting my family and me here. We will do our utmost to be as inconspicuous as possible."
I'm so glad they had this good meet-cute so we can ruin it with awkwardness at their next meeting
He nods firmly, offering her a courtly bow in response even as she drops her gaze. Off-duty or otherwise, he is always and ever prepared to act as a representative of the Citadel and the royal family.
"I hope your stay in Insomnia is a pleasant one. I look forward to welcoming you to the Citadel proper, when the time comes." Though he doubts he'll be in charge of her party's care directly, being head of the prince's own household puts him in a position to be kept apprised of matters. Drawing back up to his full height, he nods his thanks to the gentleman behind the counter before angling towards the door.
"Until then, do enjoy the sights. The city has a great deal to offer natives and visitors alike. For now, I must take my leave."
With that, he departs, though not without offering her another polite smile on his way out.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
I was going to say you don't know that but I guess you do
"We weren't expecting you until tomorrow." Had communication fallen through somewhere, he wonders? It seems strange to him that someone had not been sent to greet this young woman and her party upon their arrival, but he supposes the details he's been given about these particular visitors have been kept rather sparing.
"There's been no spectacle, of course— Ignis Scientia," he goes on, offering his name as part of his explanation. "I'm a representative of the Citadel. Had I known you were arriving today, accommodations would have been made. May I assume you to be Lady Archevauliere?"
I'm pretty sure I know. . .
"I would be unable to tell you the details of mine journey here," she begins thoughtfully. "Such plans were made by mine father. I was only issued command to make visit. I suspect whatever business you may have, may not be with me directly, and I should think the modest accommodations are fitting. I was not expecting anything so grandiose."
Drawing her ocean-like gaze off of him, she finds herself gazing back out into the streets from where she stands. "Everything here is, however, is it not. Regardless, a privilege I assure you, Master Scientia. You may call me Perne. I should think 'Lady Archevauliere' a tad too stuffy for me here."
there's still room for doubt
His personal errands can always be addressed another time; Citadel business will always and ever take priority. The curtsy is unnecessary as far as greeting someone of his station, but he doesn't correct her, instead offering a small but genuine smile as he draws back up to his full height.
"The privilege is entirely mine. Lady Perne, perhaps, if you would rather not be called by your family name." Still formal, but he cannot even begin to toy with the thought of dropping the title entirely. "I hope that Insomnia has been to your liking so far? It's quite different from Tenebrae, though it's been some time since I visited. Your kingdom's loveliness has no equal."
I think I'd know. I'M PRETTY SURE I'D KNOW.
She folds her hands back together as she rises, careful not to let her eyes linger on his for too long. Whether that is habit, grooming, or simply Perne feeling a sense of uneasiness is difficult to say. In likelihood, it is a culmination of all three.
"I have found it very charming," she replies with a subtle turn in her mouth. "Awe-inspiring. Before coming, I had only heard stories of its tall architecture and contemporary design. Tenebrae feels some ages behind it, in truth. As you are so kind to my home, I should think it only right for me to pass your compliments onto her when I make my return."
Lifting a hand, she gestures indicatively. "Are you often found in pastry shops? Surely you were not here under the pretence of mine family's visit."
probably...
Her question, direct as it is, does nudge him just a bit towards being flustered, though he quickly covers it with a brief clearing of his throat and a polite, polished smile.
"More often than one might think. Baking is something of a passion of mine— our meeting here was a happy coincidence. Truly, I thought we would be welcoming your party in an official capacity tomorrow morning."
However, he finds himself curious.
"And yourself? Are you often found in pastry shops, or is this simply tourism?"
no subject
Or perhaps that is merely stubbornness from an oft stubborn woman.
As he continues, she studies him thoughtfully. He isn't what she might consider a servant, really, and the only people she's ever known to have done baking or cooking are... the servants of her family. Somehow, she's expected better of Ignis, though she seems to have the restraint not to actually say that. It doesn't stop her from looking just a hair befuddled.
"...If you are asking if I bake, I must confess that I do not. The wise would not trust me anywhere near a baking pan, truly," she replies, an amused tug at the corner of her mouth. "I do, however, have a fondness for cakes. I was planning to commandeer some from here and sample. In such respects, I suppose that would disappointingly be tourism."
no subject
Someone with a fondness for cakes would undoubtedly be a gift, looking at it from that perspective.
"If you've a taste for sweet things, there are a number of places here in Insomnia you ought to visit during your stay. I can recommend a variety of eateries beyond that, as well— admittedly, I am sure there is far more to your visit than sampling the food, but I always find it to be an excellent way to become acquainted with a new culture."
His speech is open enough to border on passionate, his personal preferences easily making themselves known. He surprises himself in doing so, just a bit, but he trusts the environment and the absence of his usual responsibilities have a great deal to do with it.
no subject
When he continues, eventually she returns her attention to him. With her hands bunched in her skirts, she nods along. "I would be interested in looking at them all. I am certain I will have more than enough time to do so. Mine presence here was at the behest of mine family, but I doubt very much that anything business-related will have anything to do with me. Such matters ought to be taken up with those I travelled with."
That is, very little was told to her before she left. Only that she was required to go and to be on her best behaviour.
"If you provide me a list of such locations, I shall make it mine foremost priority to pay visit." After a moment's consideration, she continues. "Unless that was your way of offering to escort me. I assure you that no such thing ought to be necessary. I am quite capable."
no subject
"Ah— I had intended to give you just such a list, though of course I don't mean to imply that I wouldn't be willing to provide an escort— no doubt you have travel companions offering that particular service more than you would like, already."
They're strangers, and so he cannot know her well enough to say, but given her response and the way she carries herself, he gets the firm impression that she's the sort of person who quite prefers to do things on her own— or at the very least, on her own terms.
"Regardless, we're to see plenty of one another during your stay, I'm certain. If there's any way I can be of aid to you or your retinue, all you need do is ask. As I am at the service of the royal family, I also consider myself at the service of any of the crown's guests."
no subject
"I do not doubt that I should provide the list you intend to grant me to mine family's attendants, they shall be adamant in keeping a watchful eye over me," she agrees with a subtle thoughtfulness.
Perne chooses not to say anything more on it. If it were up to her, she would not be tailed after as if she were little more than a child. It's insulting, but she supposes she can understand precisely why it happens. A Perne left to her own devices can oft be a troublesome one. If only because she thirsts for a life she has been denied. An idea of freedom that has been stripped of her.
Her gaze drops for just some moments, perhaps meant to be polite if not the idea that Perne simply isn't good at maintaining eye contact. "Your offer is kind. I shall not forget it, though I believe it is within mine place as a guest here, of the crown or otherwise, that I ought to be as inconspicuous as I can manage. I am, after all, only a guest. It is not as though I am an ambassador, after all."
...At least not to her knowledge. It's unlikely her father would have sent her all this way with such a responsibility in mind. Although it seems as if her presence here may be, if anything Ignis has said, a touch more important than she's anticipated.
no subject
Though he cannot say what her family's attendants would do with any degree of certainty, he thinks it's clear enough that she would rather not be chaperoned through such ventures. Understandable, of course— he knows full well that Noctis would have wanted the same. Sometimes, even Ignis himself is too much chaperone for the prince to bear, despite their close friendship.
He offers her a nod in response, taking a small, leather-bound notebook from his front pocket and producing a pen from within its front cover before he sets to writing, quickly putting together the list in question as they speak.
"A guest is a guest, regardless of their title— and as such, all guests are more than welcome to make themselves at home." He glances upwards then, offering a warm smile over the top of his notebook along with his offer.
no subject
A subtle tip of her head and Perne takes him in, wondering if she can trust him so. He's made aware of her family. Of her presence. Of whatever may be going on that she's not yet privy to. Suppose he is only inclined to report after her to her attendants? She should hope not. What a shame for such a handsome face. And yet beauty is used to cover all sorts of ugliness.
She waits patiently, keeping her hands gently, demurely folded together, posture proper and ladylike. This is likely not the first time she's been so at the attention of another.
"That seems dangerous," she replies thoughtfully. "What if untoward sorts were to infiltrate your fair city? Do you not worry you could be showing kindness to an enemy?"
no subject
"Should our well-documented enemies choose to make their way to Insomnia, they would be handled accordingly— and even so, there is a certain strategy to showing one's enemy kindness."
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer— a well-known saying for very good reason. He looks up at her again as he neatly pulls the list from his notebook, holding it out to her in offering.
"That said, you and your party come from Tenebrae— the close friendship between our kingdoms goes back generations. You can't mean to say that I ought to be wary of you."
no subject
She huffs out a very quiet laugh, dropping her gaze when she feels that she's attempted to hold his for quite long enough. "Wariness of me," she parrots thoughtfully. "Perhaps a necessity should one have a particular dislike for dry wit and sarcasm. I do not think such things to be very threatening, and yet not everyone would agree." Her father, she means. To him, both of those are likely to be great disservices to their family representation.
"I think you may be safe, though, perhaps watch yourself just to be on the safe side."
no subject
He is also in possession of a wealth of dry wit and sarcasm himself, though this is hardly the time to put such inclinations on display. That, he tends to save for the few who have managed to become close to him despite his tireless efforts to be a consummate professional in all things.
"Those who are threatened by such are, perhaps, lacking in imagination— but I doubt you will find many who are averse to them here. However, I will remain vigilant, as you say." His smile remains, reserved but genuinely amused. She is clever, without a doubt— sharp, and he finds himself grateful for this chance meeting. He doubts their exchange would have been quite so open and telling had it been under the intended circumstances, with him in his role of chamberlain.
"Far be it from me to ignore advice so freely given."
no subject
Fond... of both?
For several long moments, Perne can only take him in as though she doesn't quite understand what he's getting at. Rather, it's more that she is attempting to parse truth from humour. Surely... he must be teasing. He manages to cut short any witty retort she may be inclined to volley back toward him and instead...
Perne manages to clear her throat, politely dipping her eyes. "Vigilance is sometimes a necessary trait. I have no reason to believe that you, or any of yours, would be lacking. That said, my knowledge on your fair city is not grand. After all, it is my first time here. Although I do feel my knowledge on the local patisserie has greatly increased. No doubt, with gratitude to you."
no subject
He could easily remain within this very shop for hours, no doubt, were he the sort with that kind of time to spare, but even now, off-duty, he is not— and he imagines she may not be the sort, either. Someone so sharp is rarely idle.
"I'm afraid I have infringed on your time for long enough, though I have no doubt we will be seeing more of one another— I thank you once more for your earlier suggestion. Perhaps next time we meet, I can share the results."
no subject
"Yes, we very well may," she agrees with a subtle dip of her chin. She eyes him for some moments before she politely drops her gaze. "I will be very interested to hear. If fortune is so kind as to bring us together once more. I pray that you go well. Thank you for your assistance, your guidance, and your kindness in hosting my family and me here. We will do our utmost to be as inconspicuous as possible."
I'm so glad they had this good meet-cute so we can ruin it with awkwardness at their next meeting
"I hope your stay in Insomnia is a pleasant one. I look forward to welcoming you to the Citadel proper, when the time comes." Though he doubts he'll be in charge of her party's care directly, being head of the prince's own household puts him in a position to be kept apprised of matters. Drawing back up to his full height, he nods his thanks to the gentleman behind the counter before angling towards the door.
"Until then, do enjoy the sights. The city has a great deal to offer natives and visitors alike. For now, I must take my leave."
With that, he departs, though not without offering her another polite smile on his way out.