"Perhaps I shall take you up on your offer of lessons then," John says, with another curve of a smile. "Far be it from me to turn down a learning opportunity."

As for the renouncing of his title, of his past... He isn't certain he's entirely ready to let that go just yet. As much as it is a courtesy title, it's also a part of who he is. Hal might have renounced his father's legacy for a time, but John... He has and always will be -- himself. A man of the army. His father's son. Lieutenant Colonel Lord John Grey.

"Might I ask how long you have been here, sir? You spoke of welcoming us newcomers..." It suggests it might have been some time, yet.