Ferdinand nodded, taking Oliver's serious proclamation for what it was, and responding with a serious look of his own in kind. "It was my father's idea, that one, I must confess. Apparently, he wasn't aware just how dire the state of your house was until Lombard pointed it out to him. I imagine that to be a difficult affair – to be in a position to receive your inheritance, and receive nothing but a name and title."
"A good name though it is," Oliver said, as humbly as he could.
"Hm…" Ferdinand mused, studying him, trying to gauge his true feelings. Oliver didn't need to avoid his gaze, for those were his true feelings. Even if Dominus' name came tainted with a more dangerous poison than he could have expected, he would never have turned it away. These were the sorts of opportunities that could never have been afforded to a peasant. "It is strange that you believe that. I imagine most noblemen would rather have had a quiet life, on minimal lands, without the name of Patrick."
