[It is the answer he expects but it doesn't sting any less. His gaze falls to his feet but he takes in a slow and measured breath.]

No... No, not a search party. I don't want to cause a panic. It's probably nothing. She's... You know how Lady Edelgard is. She's probably made all manner of friends that I don't know where to begin. She'll be back in no time and I am being overly worried for no reason. She'll surely laugh at me when she does return.

[The lies spill out rather easily but they're easy to say. If this was true it wouldn't explain the issue with the DTF. But no one has been able to contact her.]

My apologies for interrupting your evening. I will take my leave. Thank you, again, for your time.