Can you not? I am, of course, aware that there are those who can and will talk, but I cannot help but feel as though I ought to give you something in return for your service. Nay, I want to give you something in return for the aid you have given all of us.

[ They may be only friends, but he does feel indebted to her already. And what is more, he wishes that they could be more than merely friends. ] Should the eye of the Heavens' Ward fall upon us, rest assured that I will not allow any discomfort nor shame to fall on you.

[ His lips turn up as if he wants to smile, but his expression remains wholly serious. ]

I will not allow anyone to cast you out, not when you have done so much good already. And, I hope that you will continue to do so. [ Not for himself, of course, but for his fellow Ishgardians who may need it more. Even so, he too does not wish to see her sent away from him either. ]