I — I, the count? I mean — I can play at being my father, but — Aurvael was ever positioned as the heir —

[the young lord grows agitated, though in a charming sort of way; plainly, he is embarrassed, but his lips seem drawn in the kind of flustered curl that suggests a suppressed smile, and he seems more bashful than angry. at some point in time, perhaps house haillenarte's fourthborn son once dreamt of being count.]

In the first place, who would believe that I outrank you?!

[though technically, he does, after a fashion, but...]