Shrieky considers sweeping the book to the floor again, but decides to wait until Tyrion leaves before doing so. Because manners. He's working on them.

"I like fables, and history. I like to know of unusual creatures, and how things became what they are now." Shrieky resists the temptation to add 'Mermaids' to his list of interests, because the last time he did that it resulted in some terrible and sad story telling. "Have you been able to read for very long?"