The mage awkwardly excuses himself, to Cassandra's great relief. If he leaves, he cannot tell Varric that they had been arguing about the book. He cannot tell him that she had become - upset. About Swords and Shields. Still, she shoots him a glare as he edges away. Just for good measure.

"See that you do," she tells Varric forbiddingly, and frowns. "If there is anyone in the Inquisition calling you Mr. Respectful, I should like to know their names. They should know how inaccurate their assessment of you has been."