"Provincial by galactic standards," he clucks in response, disapproval clear in his face - but amusement clear in his voice. Far from being offended, he's taking some delight in Beth getting cheeky. She so rarely does it - Or, no, that's not true. She simply so rarely does it in a way that's like this. It's never playful. He likes this playful side of her.

"By galactic standards, all Barrayarans are provincial. But amongst the rubes, I am the most sophisticated of all. You're a rube, and you bought my act."