"You're quite welcome. I'd be more than happy to join you, as a matter of fact-" Martel likes to keep himself sharp against opponents who might actually equal or even in some respects better him...teaching is interesting, but a man of his skill bores without challenge.

Eirene's entrance distracts him, and he rises with a sort 'one moment' gesture. "Eirene. You have neat timing, madam, I'm in the process of acquiring this library management of its own."

He refrains from offering to help her with the heavy load, perhaps because he's aware it's only a matter of time before she actually hits him with her wooden spoon.