Seven -
Steven Brust's Dragaera universe, unattributed conversation
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"Yes, an e'Dahala. It's an excellent opportunity for him. I don't see why you're being so stubborn about this."

"No? Well, let's see. Suddenly your cousin cannot possibly be your heir because you're absolutely infuriated at her--again--"

"She is the daughter of a Teckla and a piece of rotten meat, and has less honor than my left boot. It would be an insult to Blackwand to spit her upon it. Her soul would do nothing but tarnish the finish."

"--yes, yes, thank you, I'm quite aware. As I was saying..."

"Yes, as you were saying, do go on."

"Thank you, I will. So since you don't have the time or the inclination to get married and beget an heir in the normal fashion, you've decided to adopt one..."

"He's an adult already, so I wouldn't have to suffer through any of the actual raising of a literal child."

"Point in this scheme's favor."

"Indeed."

"So, finally, the crowning glory of your scheme: you've picked an e'Dahala."

"Please. Do explain your distaste. I hang on your words breathlessly."

"Explain! Why, I think I have been doing nothing else for an hour!"

"... all right, I deserved that."

"You did."

"So--Paarfiisms aside--what exactly is so wrong with the e'Dahala?"

"Two words."

"... funny, I thought I just said 'Paarfiisms aside'. Weren't you listening?"

"Ah... heh. Point to you. But, still, two words: Fersen's Bridge."

"..."

"There isn't a Dragon in the House who doesn't remember Fersen's Bridge. The rest of the e'Drien must be spitting at the sound of your name by now."

"Oh, quite. I have three duels on the morrow."

"And so, bearing the remembrance of Fersen's Bridge in mind, you still think that adopting an e'Dahala boy is wise."

"Oh yes."

"Please explain this to me. I'm merely a Jhereg, I don't understand this sort of rarefied manuevering."

"That was unworthy of you."

"I am, of course, unworthy by definition. As are the e'Dahala and you know that."

"There is only one problem with your argument."

"And that is... what, exactly?"

"I don't give a damn what they think."

"Ah."

"Ah?"

"Quite."