Julien adds rugby to his mental list of words to research later, even as he laughs. He's certainly fought and won his fair share of duels, but words can be just as effective a weapon in his experience. He is skilled in both manners of combat.

"Facilitating peace and the comfort of others are worthy contributions to make," he answers.

Yet John's perception of his advantageous build, perfectly suited to knighthood and at its physical peak, and martial bearing is not something to dismiss -- he has the honed instincts of a veteran warrior, and those too are likely to be picked up upon if the circumstances are right.

Julien visibly considers for a moment, then sighs. "I have fought in the past, but I've no wish to speak of it. Will that soothe your disbelief?"

There is no offence in his tone, but there is a hidden calculation behind his words, deeper than the thought he openly showed; he has no personal aversion to his actions prior to El Sera, but they are troublesome to reconcile with El Sera's façade, and that is reason to be reluctant. Let John make of that as he will -- it is a portion of the truth, but Julien offers no justification for it.

Instead he looks to John with curiosity, within the bounds of politeness.

“What of your livelihood?” he asks.