It's a good question. Even though his comment had been a pure deflection, he actually gives that query due consideration, taking a moment to sip a bit of mead before answering.

"Well. Our Counts do," he admits. "Count, that is. No pun there, I promise you. Sometimes they politic like the worst sorts of democrats, with the added hideousness of the fact that they have all the arrogance of knowing that there's no way for them to lose their positions." He smiles, and there's something very edged and satisfied in it, something he isn't fully aware is creeping through. "With a few exceptions."

Then smile loses its edge as he toasts her, a salute to her inquiry. "Yes, touche. We've our share of liars here on Barrayar as well. Men of ambition and ruthlessness, lying to accomplish their dreams."