Alyxander turned his gaze to the younger boy as he spoke, keeping his, warm, friendly smile. "Before I became a slave to my former master and mistress," he began, avoiding calling Lady Malora and lord Draco by name. "my parents had taught me much of my basic knowledge. From there a few of the older servants, whom had been 'taken in' as I was began to secretly teach me more of speech and literacy. I also learned from listening to what was being said around me and what the reactions to words were to figure out their meaning." No need to be secretive, as always. He was willingly open, and saw no reason to make up lies.