[ That flabbergasted look quickly passes, and after he shakes his head, he ends up laughing as he puts his head in his hand. It’s still incredulous, but, yeah, he’s definitely less concerned about this now. ]

Ha! Sayin’ that list of names like it’s no big deal? Even getting one of them to form a contract with you would make ya one of the greatest mages that ever lived where I’m from. That whole list? Shiiiiiiit.

[ He straightens up again, but as he does, he seems to have a thought, and that gets him to start digging in a side pocket of his bag. It’s only a minor beat as he continues talking. ]

You and Daybit would get along. Kings of understatement, both of ya.

[ And he grabs his idle consideration from the bag, which is…! A hair tie. He just takes the moment to start to braid his hair without any preamble. It’s already a bit, uh. Bloody. So might as well just take care of that while he’s sitting rather than let it get dirtier and matted. ]