[ Astarion's lips and brow quirk simultaneously at his adaptability. ]

I know how to play the cards I'm dealt. [ And cheat to pull himself a better hand. Frustrating as it had been in the moment to not have a smoother go, there is a sort of...novelty to having to work for it, with Gale.

Astarion is likely not going to remember those names, but the essence will stick: that there will be competition, and plenty of eyes on them both. ]

I wouldn't undersell yourself. [ A touch more seriously, tipping his head to appraise Gale. ] You did say you are the archmage of Waterdeep, yes? If I were a noble bratling I'd put courting you much higher on my list than Lord Fartsniff who only has mercantile stakes.