[ He gives a casual shrug, trying to preclude any unnecessary worry on her part. ]

It could be at times for others. But I was exceptionally skilled. [ He grins at his own pride, exaggerated a bit for show. ] It irritated my teacher to no end. I was a troublesome student and he couldn't get rid of me.

[ There's no need to mention the methods of removal, had he failed. It's in the past now. ]

You and Claude shared the same instructors?