[ She smiles at his words, although it's not a happy smile— rather, it's wry, full of frustration despite being an expression usually reserved for joy. Once, when asked about the vintner, she complained to the Traveler about him being painfully aloof; yet here he is, giving not only reason for it, but good reason, leaving her with the knowledge that she's avoided someone thoughtful and kind— someone whose companionship she genuinely doesn't mind right now— for something entirely unfair.

It's yet another mark against him. If he's not careful, he's going to end up on said Traveler's level, and that would be bad for them both.

So she shakes her head, her expression hopefully as severe as she's aiming for. ]

I don't need your protection. [ The words aren't angry, not like they were when she practically yelled at him about not needing his food. ] I have long learned to take care of myself regardless of how I am viewed by the general populace. [ And while their thoughts toward her may certainly darken, if they were to learn of her previous irritation toward him, or the situation in which they find themselves now, the people of Mondstadt can't really treat her much worse than they do already.

That doesn't mean she won't keep this a secret, though. Even if she hadn't already promised, she has no interest in people learning more about her— or worse, seeing her in some way as weak.

But that is not something she is interested in getting into. So, a change of subject is needed: ]

So tell me, Ragnvindr: what are these selfish reasons of which you spoke?