Sir Kieren and Silver Hand watched as those nobles who once prided themselves on their status and looked down upon them now all offered smiling faces, with some even secretly slipping Gold Coins into their pockets.
Kieren swatted away a hand that was clutching a purse and looked at the hand's owner, a certain Imperial Earl, and said with a grave expression.
"What are you doing, what do you think you're doing? Let me tell you, I am the most upright person there is and will not accept bribes."
Silver Hand had already pocketed a Ruby but upon hearing what Kieren had said, reluctantly pulled it out again and chimed in, "Exactly, exactly."
The Earl, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Sir Kieren, you misunderstand, this isn't a bribe. It's just a little specialty produce I brought along."
"Is that so?" Kieren's expression softened somewhat. He took the bag and weighed it in his hand for a moment, feeling that the specialty produce had a considerable heft, and then, satisfied, accepted it.
