I do pride myself in being difficult to forget. [ For better or worse? Most would proclaim the latter. Ardyn doesn't kid himself that's not the case more often than it isn't either. Still! He didn't get where he was with a lack of charm, that's for sure. ]

I confess then that you're a lovely young woman whose just my type. [ ...Or used to be, once upon a time. Little does he know though how Maria might feel about being a 'stand-in' for another pretty, tragic blond from a sad man's past. ] But also- I confess it might be rather untoward of me to say such a thing without even giving a name first, hm?

Ardyn Izunia, [ he greets, giving a small bow with a flourish of removing his hat before rising up and placing it back atop his head. ] And the pleasure of meeting you is mine indeed.

[ One does catch more flies with honey than vinegar, so they say. Ardyn though was only sweet on the surface. Thankfully, that's all that most people got to see. ]

Maria, [ he echoes, committing it to memory. ] I admit, I historically have a weakness for blondes. Not for the reasons of they have more fun or any such thing though, no, but- Ah. Well, it might be a bit foolish now that I'm thinking of how to put it.

[ All the more reason to lean into it. A bit of dramaticism does wonders for one's presentation, he thinks, and so he'll keep testing that. Really, he tests a lot to see how far he can take things but- Details. ]

I used to travel through the countryside when I was younger, [ he admits, which are fond memories despite everything. ] So I think, perhaps, women with golden hair just tend to remind me of the gorgeous waves of grain or blooms of wildflowers of the same color I'd see then. Remind me of a simpler, pleasant time in my life.

[ After a pause: ] See? Foolish, like I said.

[ He finds it a bit cosmically ironic that one of the few times in his recent, miserable life he is being genuine but isn't believed. Ah, well. Isn't that just the way of things? He's not upset about it, actually, and instead thinks Maria is a smarter woman than she's letting on to see through his posturing to some degree.

That just makes her all the more interesting to him admittedly. He does at least have the mind to act mildly chagrined at her call out. ]

A man has to have some secrets, doesn't he? What I said is true, mind you, but there is more to it than that. Maybe we could discuss it again over drinks sometime?

If you're enjoying me now, you'll definitely enjoy me even more then.

[ He would be amused if he knew. It's not intentional, no, but secrets do entice. It's more useful to withhold than it isn't these days, he knows, so.... As long as she stays interested, he'll keep what he can closer to his chest. ]

Drinks on me, absolutely. Only fitting when celebrating a successful connection. [ Getting ahead of himself, probably, but- He didn't get this far already by not taking risks. ]

[ Ha. He likes that she keeps him on his toes, honestly. Not many people can these days. ]

I did, [ he answers, giving an almost sheepish sort of smile. ] And as a betting man, I'd be willing to wager I'm correct in my assumption. But I do know what they say about assumptions too, so- I'll leave it to you to ultimately decide.

[ It did speak well to his chances, yes. He doesn't outwardly let that be obvious though even if he does find himself a bit glad. Relieved, more like- Even if things had gone badly, he could have adjusted. He's just glad he doesn't have to.

It means he might be able to get away with more later, too, as a mental note he files away. ]

I'd like to hope so, [ he decides on. ] Though I can't imagine I won't have a good time on my end regardless.