Claudius laughs at the question, appreciating it. “Most of diplomacy is flattery. But I do try to be specific and sincere in what I flatter — insincere flattery is easily caught, and if you go too far with it, you may cause more offense.” For example, you might offend an emperor, and the emperor might then activate the blood parasites he fed to you. It happens from time to time. “Even sincere flattery can be difficult to accept for certain people. That’s why it helps to be specific. Someone might, for example, reject being called good if they have prior associations with the word, but if I say thou hast been patient in allowing me to practice signs, and adapted thy lessons to what I wish to learn, and who I wish to learn them for, with admirable grace … thou couldst demur, but thou couldst not deny thou hast done those two things.” He smirks. “So yes, I’m a constant flatterer, but thou art special. I remain grateful Galahad has a friend in thee.”