The ghost of a smile met Serra’s own admission of guilt, accompanied by a soft chuckle. Stubborn and boorish though their young marquess may be, the man had his own charm - and for it, gibes aside, Matthew would follow him to the last. “Thanks.” There’s not much else needs be said on that front.
So he changes the subject.
“A lovely story, huh…” His echo had been but whispered, brow furrowed in speculation. He didn’t buy it, not fully. There must have been aught else to this Saint, to have risen to such standing… People didn’t rise to fame just for being exceptionally kind. Regardless, Matthew could read the room - it wasn’t his place to cast doubt on whatever idol might’ve brought Serra such things as warmth and hope in otherwise dourer times.
Besides, he was much more interested in the practical conversation that followed. Faith in himself… That sounded potentially problematic, at the least where magical affairs were concerned.
Even still, he offered the cleric a curt nod of understanding. “So ‘faith’ can be interpreted that way, eh? Good to have it from a pro.” The teasing smirk that followed lacked any real barb. Overbearing though Serra could be, the spy could at the least recognize her skill with a staff.
“A’ight, so I buy that you gotta maintain a strong belief to make it work. That’s more enlightening than… whatever that was, back there.” He gestured dismissively toward the direction of the seminar. “Thanks a bunch, Serra. I’ll be sure to keep that in mind.” T’was at this point his stomach gurgled, and Matthew grinned sheepishly. “Now, was there anythin’ else you wished to impart, O Wise One?” A wink. Let’s not get too carried away here. “Or shall we away to the dining hall?”
Chin held high, Serra stood just a little bit straighter after being called a pro. Sure, a smirk had followed but she’d known the man long enough to recognize the truth in his words. She thrived when complimented but there was something extra special when it came from someone who was important to her.
“While I do appreciate your efforts to lesson the already heavy burden forced upon my shoulders by our dear, reckless lord, take care not to forget that I am, in fact, the professional here. I couldn't possibly bear the guilt if you let Lord Hector get hurt!" Her own response didn't sound heartfelt but the sentiment was there. After all, it wasn't just a paycheck that kept her loyal to House Ostia.
"The dining hall, yes." Serra was thankful for the break in what had quickly become too heavy of a conversation. Even with someone like Matthew that she did trust, it was just easier and safer to keep herself guarded. She'd allowed herself to be too vulnerable already. "Do you think they'll have the peach sorbet today? It feels like it's been ages since the last time they served it! Someone ought to complain!"
