Well... I don't know about that. [He really does, actually-- he already had an inkling of what could have been in the drinks, or what the drinks actually are, all because of the way people act in this place. This entire place centres around hedonism and sex, gambling with bodies and heightening the libido. It's an unnerving place, but Shalem is doing his best to calm himself, and that's by lying. A coping mechanism and a defense mechanism, both.

At least people are kind, and haven't threatened him yet.]

Just so you know, even without the expectations of this place and how it pushes you to conform... I would have at the very least given you an appreciative look.