"Implication, you see?" he asks, smiling. "Even a Testan swordswoman doesn't like feeling that anyone addressing her has left off the bit about the sword, which changes things, ne. So over there it's a good joke, if you're quick."
He nearly gets a hand up to his face before the snerk erupts. "Of course," he agrees, not quite straight-faced but making the effort. "Well, I'd ask about this charming and brilliant act but," he makes woe-eyes, "evidently it would be bad for my health, ne."