There's a hint of fondness in his eyes at her catching that. It's certainly not anything tricky, but it's been a while since anyone's cared to put that together. And of course, where he's from, said Cephea, that's one of the first thing one was judged on.

Deep roots, indeed. But, ah, traders...a good guess, but. His mouth quirks, caught between truth and omissive lie. He has nothing to lose by bringing it up, but it's still something that catches in his throat.

He goes with the lie. "Ah, no. Nobles. But a long line, yes."