[ The reaction Gerome gets might not be what he's expecting - instead of lashing out in any angry or aggressive way, or becoming offended by the thinly-veiled accusation, he looks... embarrassed? As embarrassed as a dragon with limited facial expressions can look, anyway. ] Well. I must admit, this is not what I expected to hear. But I am ashamed to admit that I am aware of the mysterious occurrences you're speaking of.

[ The space behind Laurent shimmers with magic, and what once appeared to be a simple stalagmites are now piles of books, some high enough to nearly touch the ceiling of the cave. ] It was not my intention to keep these books for as long as I have. But if you are here in search of them, then I am afraid that time has slipped from me, and for that I offer my sincere apologies.