Cesare has no intention of answering her question about Parnasse. He sees no point in giving her information unless he has to. That would be showing his hand too much.

Her flattery won't get her very far either. She's absolutely right. He is used to people falling over for him. So why should he react to surprised when she herself flatters him?

"I believe I know who you hurt more than you yourself do," he says with a roll of his eyes. "You did not harm mere drunks."