Alric could tell the fellow doesn't exactly do a lot of smiling--he's met that sort, before--so he knows to appreciate what little he's rewarded with, and smiles, only reenforced with some pride at Hijikata's immediate response.

"It would be an honor, I'm certain, to take part, and a pleasure to make your acquaintance, ah.. Mr. Toshizou. ...unless there's another form of address more appropriate."

His smile grows just a bit sheepish at the acknowledgement that he's not quite sure how Hijikata would prefer to be addressed, but he returns a pretty near approximation of a proper bow; the bow itself isn't so much foreign to him, but the particular form isn't quite the same, and that attention to detail shows as the motion's not entirely natural.