"Not to worry, I have been punished for several shelving transgressions so far and all of them have contributed to the learning experience. Between us, I have no doubt we'll be making short work of this pile."

He matches Lord John with a small, polite bow of his own. Gale's is a little more casual in its form, but it's an arrogant sort of casualness -- one of someone who may know the correct form but is more familiar with being shown respect.

"Gale of Waterdeep, at your service. Frequent visitor to many a library in my time, I must admit. All the same, I hope you won't hold it against me if we're hit in the chest by a tome or two."

He offers John a playful smile, well aware that despite his overconfidence this is indeed a risk.