[ It's not the first time he's been used as a foil, so Sylvain takes the abrupt interruption relatively in stride, even though the woman that approaches him is someone he's never met before. Still, he greets her hopeful call with a warm smile as if they'd known one another for years. ]

My apologies, my lady, I got distracted. [ He counters her words blithely as he tucks her hand into the crook of his arm, stepping in as escort. ] But you have my undivided attention, I assure you.

[ Whether she wanted it or not. Oops?

But he plays along as she uses him to evade an overly persistent merchant, already chuckling when she tugs him away by the hand. He doesn't look as if he minds the ruse in the least. At her apology, he dips into a gentlemanly bow. ]

It was no trouble at all. Far be it from me to deny a damsel in distress. Although I suspect you could have handled him on your own quite easily. Still, it was my pleasure to be of assistance. I take it they weren't accepting 'no' for an answer?