"Just because it's a cat, or... any animal?" Xavier asked, as he realised that he'd never discussed pets with an Aurellian before. Animals, yes, in regard to their faith, but not as pets.
He wouldn't have chosen the butler to have any conversation back in Bellailes, but Mr Llewellyn had always been more open to it than the old man running Rosier Spire - when there was no pressing duty to attend to, of course. And with Master Beau off at Belmont Manor, it seemed as good a time as any.