Aectaeon's steps weren't the least bit quiet. In fact, his feet were making sounds louder than his heartbeat.
Yes, he didn't have problems speaking in front of a crowd. But, imagine.
He was told to attend a conference out of the blue. Then, he was supposed to discuss a topic that he had no knowledge about. In front of an unfamiliar crowd no less.
Although he had read the speech outline, that didn't mean that he became an expert. He just became someone who had a bit of knowledge regarding the Knighthood.
'I swear. I don't want to be at a conference again whether as a speaker or an audience. I just want to live my life fighting dragons, okay?'
Please bear in mind that he was being sarcastic.
With a sigh, Aectaeon ceased his steps. There was no one along the corridor where he was, so he had the liberty to act.