[ He only seems to find that more amusing. As before, he isn't in a rush to answer. It doesn't come across as patience, or even slowness; it's composure, a willingness to take time with his thoughts and his words instead of knee-jerk response. ]

And I have not. And your word, the word of a stranger, means nothing to me. Until I see it for myself, I'll go on with knowing that there's no such thing.

[ He trusts her about as much as she trusts him. The pause is an even beat with the rest of his words, and while the question that follows is a bit abrupt, his tone's gentle. Curious, mostly. ]

Why?