[Thankfully, she is a stranger to him, and Ardyn will not cast any judgment upon her for being willing to investigate, despite how pale her complexion might seem to any observant eye. He sees only a young woman claiming to be stealthy if she must, and that's all he needs to work with.]

Come now, there's no need for such formalities.

[When was the last time he was called something like that? Even if only born of politeness and habit, it settles unwell in his mind. But his demeanor remains unaffected, even as he takes a casual step back behind the corner of an adjacent building, just to slip out of sight of the women. His tone is hushed.]

You may call me Ardyn if you like. And those women there... [He motions in their general direction, though it's likely unnecessary.] They've already caught a glance of me milling about, so if I draw closer, I'm sure they'll stop their gossiping. And I'm dying to know what they're saying.

[He gives her an appraising look.] Though if you are able to get close enough to eavesdrop... well. That would be ideal.