The Warrior's Apprentice (Vorkosigan Saga, #2)

by Lois McMaster Bujold

“A verbal agreement is the most binding of contracts! Your soul is in your breath, and therefore in your voice. Once pledged it must be redeemed.”

The paymaster and his assistant fled, leaving him alone in the beautiful conference chamber with two crates of money. That the paymaster didn’t even bother to set guard, demand receipt, or see it counted merely confirmed its worthlessness.

Miles pressed his lips together firmly. He must not break down into howls of laughter. Yet here he sat, a man with an imaginary battle fleet negotiating for its services with a man with an imaginary budget. Well, the price was certainly right.