Galiena couldn't help the bit of color that crept into her cheeks at what she felt was an attempt to steamroll her into his service.  The count had not only dismissed her terms out of hand, but made no effort at a compromise. And then to have the contract shoved at her as if she should simply be grateful for the job!?

However, she did manage to keep her composure and forced herself to exude an outward calm before she replied.  She glanced at the pen and the scroll, but left them where they lay on the table, and looked back toward the Count.  

"I understand, my Lord.  But in that case, one of the Arcanists should lead the excursion into Plyren," she said stubbornly, pressing the matter about the ownership of the artifact.