[ Trahearne looks blankly between the two of them. ]

If it was not you, Commander, then I haven't the slightest.

[ The tone is unfamiliar to him. Could it have been the goddess?

Well. This is embarrassing. ]

I'm a bit shocked, but we may as well leave it be. [ He squints at the bid already on the board. ] Twenty coins is twenty more than I would expect in the first place; I suppose I'm somewhat flattered.

It's all right. [ He grasps Otegine's shoulder in a reassuring manner. ] No need to kick up a fuss about it now.

[ he will address the elephant in his own room. shortly. ]