[ Nikolai isn't sure he's entirely convinced Astarion, but pushing further isn't going to do any good. Actions speak louder than words, after all. He allows Astarion to smoothly steer the conversation away from himself, picking up his own small bag from where he'd abandoned it and resuming his own shopping. ]

Well, now you're just flattering me.

[ Of course, it's not a guaranteed that the nobility in Astarion's world is like the nobility in his own, but Astarion hadn't phrased that like an insult. Nikolai takes a great deal of pride in being absolutely nothing like his family or the rest of the nobility of Ravka.

Now he just has to decide how honest he ought to be. Nikolai has been avoiding mentioning his status to most of the people he meets here. But then, none of them had immediately clocked him as nobility, or suggested that the hierarchy in their own world might mirror his own. In the end, he decides honesty is the safest option. The only reason to lie would be his own comfort, and he'd rather not risk causing confusion or hurt just to avoid some potential awkwardness. ]

I did leave off a little when I introduced myself to you earlier. Technically, it's King Nikolai Lantsov of Ravka.

[ To add levity, he fishes a coin from his pocket, flipping it to Astarion to catch and then turning, holding his chin high so that his profile will match the one etched into the gold. It's a thoroughly obnoxious move, of course, but whether it annoys or amuses, it'll probably take Astarion's mind off what he's just been through, even if only a little bit. At least, that's the hope. ]

But since I've yet to meet anyone here who has so much as heard of my country, I've been sticking to just 'Nikolai'. To be honest, it's been a nice break from all the bowing and the banquets and the diplomacy. Why, no one's hounded me about getting married in weeks!

[ All traces of the grave, serious Nikolai who had offered to be in Astarion's corner are gone. He's pure charm, now, practiced and shiny. ]