Byerly chooses to ignore the comment about leaving him here - honestly, Ivan is so distractible that as long as you don't dignify his comments with a response he'll forget them within the minute - and instead focuses on that bit about history. "I'll admit that I'm not quite certain," he says, "but I believe he is, yes. Quite elderly at this point. Perhaps a bit less handy with the sanguinating. But still there, and probably just as vicious. I shall have to drink a toast, later, to avoiding one's most unfortunate ancestors."

He hoists the rug a little higher, then comments, "I met yours earlier, by the way. Your ancestor. Charming girl. I can see where you get your lively good humor from." Byerly bats his eyelashes at Ivan's scowling face.