I know that's not what you meant, but that's what I hear whenever I hear that idiotic question.

[ with some irritation, as he crosses his arms over his chest, stubborn to the last. ]

No one is stupid enough to ask me to my face because half of them know my reputation and the other half don't want to be demoted, but the rumors are incessant, and -- how am I an idiot? [ his tone shifts to indignant, arching his eyebrows, almost challenging maes to explain himself. ] There's nothing to talk about.