He hears the question, but doesn't immediately answer. Talking will destroy the delicate focus, and in something like this it won't be kind enough to return easily. He pulls away only after the last letter is etched, and then sinks back with a huffing sigh.

"Bloody awful, that. Think too hard about it and it's all over."

He takes another beat to settle himself before returning to her question.

"Engineering, actually." Calling what he does invention would cheapen his entire industry, he thinks.