[He said it completely genuinely, but he is-- was-- a bard, and they have a talent for this sort of thing.]

Ah, yes... [He chuckles awkwardly.] I had almost forgotten you had seen that. I suppose one feels less inclined to clean for guests when you do not expect any.

[He cants his head slightly.]

Most of them are spellbooks, but you are welcome to peruse them if you would like. [His eyes linger on her, though. He's hesitating.]

But I think you did not come to discuss the finer points of evocation magic. What weighs on your mind, my friend?