Elma had some damned good dialogue, there; real flavor of nobility/Game-of-Houses with him saying that he cannot comment of issues of lineage on his own recognizance....
It was nice to read something that allowed the reader to understand the implied meaning; far too often, authors throw in random shit that makes no sense, but this was proper etiquette spoken in a straightforward tone. Truly befitting of the character.
And that's good writing, regardless of format.