Harrowheart laughs under his breath and mutters, "Yeah, you might get to see me fight some folks at this party tonight dependin' on how ballsy these highbloods get or if I run into that necromancer."

No, no, that's not party conversation at all! He clarifies that it's all one big joke with a little laugh and a shake of his head. Of course he didn't mean it! He quickly changes the subject to dispel all doubt.

"Isidor didn't tell me not to wear it. I wanted to blend in, that's all. Just didn't wanna wear a tux, come out here lookin' like I'm attendin' my own funeral. But... Wait. So you got a patron? Like a brother or a sister? They here tonight?"

Then he nods at Emily curiously and asks, "And your family don't do patrons and scholars?" He gestures vaguely to her torso. No sash! What gives?