Arthur watched him pacing back and forth like a spinning top at the side of the stall, and couldn't help but tease: "However, if you really receive the medal, don't tell people you got it because I built the bridge for you. After all, I declined the baronetcy precisely to avoid suspicion."
Eld didn't take Arthur's words to heart at all, as he thought about how to draw while responding: "You can rest assured about that. I swear, if I really receive the medal, I will erect a sign at my doorstep saying, 'This medal was not obtained through nepotism, but through my own true talent and learning.'"
Arthur glanced at him: "Best add at the signature: 'Eld Carter—the earliest discoverer of Cateron.'"
Eld, thick-skinned, said: "Of course, the Royal Society will surely thank me for this creative discovery by then!"
But turning his head, Eld also heard something amiss: "You just said... you declined the baronetcy to avoid suspicion?"
