[It's easy to maintain an illusion about his pacing after years and years of matching the stride of someone a full foot shorter than him.]

If you wish. I have also been addressed as Lord Hubert or Marquis Vestra, if you insist on remaining formal. It truly matters not to me.

[It really didn't. This is the man that has equally responded to "Hubie" and "that Emperor's dog."]

[Oh? She really is a sharp one. He's beginning to become intrigued. Hubert hums thoughtfully, considering her points.] I suppose that isn't untrue. I had not meant it in the context of respect—think of it more as novelty. Mere tricks they had not thought the animals capable of learning. Special, but not better.