"What, I'd get bored slower in a small house?" There's some humor in there, albeit somewhat dry in tone. Mostly it's just real warmth and something a little automatic in what amounts to the banter. It's... a lot of house, with not a lot of people in it.

He will feel better in the cave with Alfred, both because company and because it'll be easier not to worry -- and because there's a real desire and interest in seeing Bruce in action.

"It will be good for me, and I'm looking forward to the insight. heck, i'm looking forward to spending some time being a little afraid of Alfred." He'll gain some insight there too, he thinks. Into Alfred, mostly, but that's a good thing.