The sheer indignation - over something as superfluous as whether or not he'll go bald! - earns a laugh from Ned. He doesn't laugh often, or loudly, but when he does, it transforms his whole face, makes him look like a different man entirely.

"A certain number, huh?" he echoes, voice rich with amusement. Ned is one of the people here who has never really seen that aspect of Charles. He's seen a few sides (pedantic, nurturing, tea-loving, terrifying, apologetic, determined) but never flirty or Casanova-ish.

"I'd say it would take more than losing your hair to deprive you of charm."