[How modest and pragmatic. Those are rare traits in people, different than low self-esteem or deflection. He can appreciate them, and it warms the look he gives her. Though he wasn't going to correct her about how he needed the mask for survival.

Now that she was here, he was going to start moving again, putting as much distance as he can between himself and the shopkeeper, though his steps are leisurely.]

I hardly did anything, though I'm glad your debt has been repaid.

[A small pause, because he wasn't sure whether he should be nosy or not, but she had brought it up-]

I have a hard time imaging a capable lady such as yourself needing help. What happened?