Eleanor watched his denial with an indulgent expression, like someone watching a child insist they hadn't stolen candy while still carrying sugar on their face. Her smile deepened slowly, too amused to be discreet. Kael remained motionless in his chair, arms resting on the armrests, trying to maintain the same neutrality he used in the face of wars, ancestral entities, and political collapses. Unfortunately for him, none of those things possessed the specific ability his grandmother had to turn composure into a pastime.
"You always think silence is invisibility," she commented, raising her cup and taking a long sip. "But, my dear, in certain environments silence speaks louder than shouts."
"I only came for the report."
"Yes, and I only wore this for comfort." She tilted her head with feigned innocence. "We all lie a little."
Kael let out a controlled sigh.
"Information."
