[Her response does draw some confusion from him in reply; his brows knit together beneath his mask, his smile fading ever-so-slightly, though he remains largely pleasant.

Mockery? Truly, he's never been inclined towards such. He wouldn't think to start now. If anything, he has always been too serious for his own good.]

Do I seem the sort? Of course not. The question is a simple one— and genuine. I would never think to mock you, General. It would be insulting, to say the very least.

[And what's more, it is simply not in his nature— but she sees the truth of the situation quickly enough, because even before he has finished, she is extending her hand, however warily.

Smiling once more, he takes it with his own, careful, as if concerned he might spook her if he moves too quickly.]

That was not so difficult.