She was watching for his reactions from her question. Every subtle movement was noticed, along with the hesitation witnessed within the pause of his reply. His reaction told her far more than he probably realised, and she felt her lips quirk up into the beginnings of an amused smile in return.

The caution that he had meant that the kid was far from foolish. That was at least something within Elza's mind.

"Heh, you drive a hard bargain, kid," she muttered before reaching back push aside the folds of her cloak to reveal the single pistol resting in its holster against her hip. While Mond was on display, Stern remained hidden against the small of her back. She made no move to withdraw the weapon though.