There is the weight of an entire world behind that word, the way she says it. There's still pride and determination in her posture, in her face, the way she looks at Satya so fiercely. Rani might even be proud. "Barrayar doesn't have much in the way of religion, but honor -- honor is what matters. Did you know that oral contracts are legally binding on Barrayar? They're considered more formal than written ones. Your word is your breath, and your breath is your soul. To betray your word is to betray your very own self. And most Barrayarans believe in death before dishonor."
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There is the weight of an entire world behind that word, the way she says it. There's still pride and determination in her posture, in her face, the way she looks at Satya so fiercely. Rani might even be proud. "Barrayar doesn't have much in the way of religion, but honor -- honor is what matters. Did you know that oral contracts are legally binding on Barrayar? They're considered more formal than written ones. Your word is your breath, and your breath is your soul. To betray your word is to betray your very own self. And most Barrayarans believe in death before dishonor."