In all honestly, she likes the way that he addresses her. As if she's already someone in such authority over him that he can feel ashamed. Claudia does get the sense it's more of an internal criticism, but decides to savor his apology just the same.

So, why don't they try this out? Might as well get a head start on these things. Maybe it'll solidify his decision to contract with her further, if he knows just the sort of woman he'd be living with.

"Nonsense," she coos, being so bold as to reach out and cup his flushed cheek with her cool hand. "Better to be like this than frostbitten, wouldn't you say?"