[He starts a bit at her reaction, mostly because she's so close to the railing - but she's not going to fall. It would be very difficult to fall from up here, he can see that. Yet his fear of heights continues to control him, and it's what keeps him over here, away from the railing and further away from Marianne.

Hubert ends up folding his arms, inclining his head a bit as she speaks.]

I was joking, Marianne.

[It's still not gentle, but it isn't particularly blunt either.]

You haven't been gone for all that long, don't worry.

[The last words, though...]

Silly or not, this is something you want, isn't it? In that case, it isn't silly. I'm already here, after all; we may as well see if there's anything to the rumors.

[It's cruel of him to do this. He knows that. He shouldn't lead her on. Perhaps he should take this time to be honest with her. Maybe Lady Edelgard is right and he should tell her as much as he can. But... he knows he can't. Partially because he can't allow any potential leak of their plans and partially because he wants to be selfish. He doesn't want to ruin this evening, this moment.

He wants to pretend that they're a normal couple, for just a little bit longer.]