"Yes, can't have you end up in your own district, explaining to some long-distant relative who you are and what you're doing there." Ha ha ha. Although at least he's not in the Vorpatril's district, explaining Falco's dear relatives that just because he's Lord Vorpatril he's not an heir to the district. Ugh. Best stay away from that side of the family. Although By's remark about his grandmother takes him aback when coupled with the eyelashes.

Had he done anything beyond talk? Ivan doesn't want to know, even if he wants to know to avoid it from happening in the future. "Wouldn't know. Haven't talked to her, and if you're as smart as you'd like people to think you are, you're never going to talk to her again." That's pretty wide ranging, and a good cover-all isn't it? Ivan thinks so.