Fingertips rapped thoughtfully on the table as she listened to Galt speak, her head tilted to the side as she listened intently. In many social situations she was careful to temper her stare as she had been told, admittedly most loudly by her brother, that when she was overly focused on a person or topic that her gaze was almost intimidatingly fierce. Silke had no desire to give such an impression and thus took pains to temper her countenance as best she was able. Sitting with the former thief, however, her mask slipped slightly as she concentrated internally on the the issue of the bandits and how best to utilize them to raise the newly christened count to a higher station.

Of course, his long explanation was leading her down the path to the conclusion that the bandits in the area were irrelevant. Surprisingly, he was so firm in his belief that he was eager to learn, and she knew that almost no one had any measure of excitement for mathematics and accounting. What few noblemen she knew had earnest passion for the subject had an entirely different disposition than Galt. Perhaps his skill with a sword and his considerable charms were a result of his upbringing (or lack thereof) rather than his natural inclinations, but she found that unlikely. Either he was deflecting away from discussing his former comrades or he was anxious about his new financial responsibilities. Silke didn't know him well enough to decipher which was the real impetus for his driving their conversation back towards bookkeeping.

"I'm sure you're familiar with the concept of pressing your advantage. Right now, in this moment, you have the advantage of being the hero whom everyone knows and is fascinated with. I'm aware of your objections to being painted as a hero, but it is something you can capitalize upon regardless," she elaborated, turning to glance out the window. It really was quite lovely outside in the palace. Though their location was relatively remote considering how busy the rest of the castle was, it was still lively, and she almost found herself lost watching people through the window.

"There's a variety of ways that lords climb the ranks so to speak. Many marry for power and influence through their new in-laws, an indirect route, but one that is highly successful and reaps rewards for the next generation. Others build their wealth through their cunning and wield it as a means to achieve recognition and prestige. Some are accomplished social adepts that trade in secrets, lies, and truths in equal measure, and can subtly manipulate the court to gain their clout. Each aristocrat presses their advantage, their strength, to achieve their goal."

Silke took a calculated pause to let Galt ruminate over those roads to success she had just laid bare. None of them seemed to suit him, at least not yet, and she wanted him to arrive at that same deduction. He didn't leap at her proposal to introduce him to eligible ladies, and was not enthused about wedding, he didn't have the experience and business acumen to delve deeply into how to benefit through investment and trade, and the fact he was shunning other company implied he didn't have the endurance for spending endless weeks attending every event and function where a peer might attend.

"So," she said, looking back towards him and lowering a head onto her palm. "I thought we might make you into more of a hero. You know how they move, how they think, how they fight, and between the two of us we're clever enough to come up with some plans that will make any conflict have minimal risks." Tapping one piece of blank parchment with her finger she continued more softly. "And it doesn't have to all be for glory. Any spoils, any rewards, we could use for something meaningful to you. I could teach you how to fund a home, a decent one, for children that need one, for example." Silke couldn't understand what his life was before now; she could sympathize, but not empathize. What she kept returning to, though, was how much more difficult everything was after her mother had passed, and how hellish it would have been if she didn't have the security of her father, brothers, and a stable home.