[Well. He doesn't dismiss it outright, at least, though it's clear that he finds the suggestion somewhat distasteful.]

It's not as though I'm not conscious of the fact that I have little to back up my... [Hm, what was the best way to put it.] natural assumptions of superiority. My powers are minimal, my knowledge, likely irrelevant.

[The Ascian understood this; he was arrogant, not delusional. But it was a way of thinking that permeated all of his interactions; he's not remotely sure if he can break the habit. He's definitely sure he doesn't want to, but if it would be to his benefit? Ugh.]

Observation, if nothing else here, is something I'm familiar with. And I've no inclination towards manipulating the situation of this place. That was ever towards a particular goal back home- one that's impossible here.

[He sighs heavily; when he looks at Irhya, his expression is slightly too tired to be properly sarcastic.]

...well, I shall have no lack of excellent role models.