[Had Kodachi been any less formal of a lady, she would have given him a shrug; as it was, she waved a hand carelessly to dismiss the apology.]

I started it anyway.

[But that wasn't to say that she didn't appreciate it.]

[She stood there in silence for a moment.]

You could ask questions about me too, you know. [An arch of her brow.] I don't think you want to know, but small talk sometimes involves asking questions so that the other person's talking and you don't have to say anything - or listen.

[She quirked a smile.] Be grateful for my sage advice!