Arcturus' eyes narrowed at the comment. He hadn't said that his tastes were 'common', nor called himself simple. This fellow was lucky that Mr Hector Blishwick was such a mild-mannered, easygoing chap, who didn't rise to such misinterpretation.
'It's a wonder that the ancient Egyptians got anything done at all,' he remarked. Cassiopeia was always trying to tell him facts about Egypt, and other places far away and long ago, and he didn't usually pay that much attention. He'd likely have remembered it if she'd mentioned beer. 'I'm told that they were an interesting people. All the same, I think I prefer being British.'
He shrugged, and took the offered cigarette with a small smile. Nail in the coffin. Arcturus hadn't heard that before, and he found it quite amusing. 'Thanks awfully,' he said. 'Now, if we're to be friends, tell me, what's your name? And whatever gave you the idea for this place?'
The young wizard took a deep drag on his cigarette, and there was none of the gasping or coughing one might expect from a novice smoker. He was used to it, and found it calming.