[He rubs at his lips and takes a moment to compose his thoughts.] You have a bond with Miles because you were sworn directly to him. To me because he is sworn to serve me as a member of my house. To Gregor because I am sworn to serve him as Regent of Barrayar in my time- Count and Prime Minister in his.
In this manner, every subject is at least distantly sworn to Gregor. And in a way becomes a representative governance and a social structure based on loyalty and accountability.
Armsmen are quite different in who they answer to. They are insurance against an Emperor who strikes against a Count or in a civil war... and the limit of Armsmen is insurance that a Count cannot easily strike against the Emperor or stage a civil war with only one District.
[As the explanation goes long, there's a pause here as the server returns, plates laid in front of both of them. He takes a sip of his coffee before continuing.]
To make it simple, you are in essence loyal to Barrayar by remaining loyal to the House, but Gregor would break an enormous social contract to directly order you.
no subject
In this manner, every subject is at least distantly sworn to Gregor. And in a way becomes a representative governance and a social structure based on loyalty and accountability.
Armsmen are quite different in who they answer to. They are insurance against an Emperor who strikes against a Count or in a civil war... and the limit of Armsmen is insurance that a Count cannot easily strike against the Emperor or stage a civil war with only one District.
[As the explanation goes long, there's a pause here as the server returns, plates laid in front of both of them. He takes a sip of his coffee before continuing.]
To make it simple, you are in essence loyal to Barrayar by remaining loyal to the House, but Gregor would break an enormous social contract to directly order you.