[ He definitely hit a nerve, huh. He decides not to hit it again too soon. ]

Well, he's the Count of this district. Second only to the Emperor for his subjects. And the Vorkosgans are extremely high Vor. Second only to the imperial line itself, the Vorbarras. Countess Vorkosigan is a Vorbarra herself.

[ Which is exactly what leads to most of Miles' family getting murdered in about twenty-five years, but he can't think about that just yet. ]