"Lord Michael," Theodora said with a smile, "Paphlagonia, is it the surname of some noble family from Sirius?"
The sweaty face of the plump banker grew more so: "Ah, no, not a notable surname..."
Beside him, Zoe's face was so sullen it seemed as if water might drip from it. Paphlagonia was merely a place name beyond Asia Minor, and those without any family heritage often liked to use the name of their homeland as a surname.
"You're being modest; I know my sister's picky taste. If it weren't a distinguished and noble family, it probably wouldn't catch her eye..." Theodora continued to smile brightly while stabbing the banker and simultaneously smearing her sister's reputation, making the plump banker almost choke out a plea.
Finally, Aske couldn't stand it anymore and coughed, saying:
