[ A shrug meets that sentiment. He's come to know her well enough to understand she has a certain...perspective of herself, and though he has—as is his tendency—made no remark upon it, it's hardly gone unnoticed.

It reminds him of Ciri, in some ways, in her youth. Uncertain of what she was truly capable of. ]

The design was yours. [ It's a plain statement, as though he never once considered approaching anyone else. Frankly, he hadn't. ] I think you'll make me a fine sword. And, [ he adds, ] I would prefer to exchange coin over a debt of favours. Keeps it simple.

[ Is there truth to that? Perhaps. He does like to keep these exchanges straightforward, and gold for services is as straightforward as it gets. But if it makes it a little easier for her to accept the money, as well, then that's an added benefit. ]