Geralt has, in fact, perfected the art of conversing without saying much. Perhaps that's why Julie fits in well; she talks enough for two, and Geralt prefers to listen over wasting unneeded words.

He finds there's more to learn in the spaces where the unspoken fall.

"Mm." It's not disagreement. He lets the topic run its course. If there's a brief lapse into silence, Geralt appears in no hurry to fill it.

But eventually, he asks, "How did you cross paths with her?"

Julie isn't ever near the army barracks if she can help it. Abby must've made her way into the city.