Despite appearing to be an effete aristocrat, Lord Dorwin possesses genuine diplomatic skill. He is responsible for negotiating the treaties that grant autonomy to Anacreon and the other three entities collectively known as the Four Kingdoms. Dorwin denies that these territories are (newly) independent of the Empire, and his comments are taken by optimistic members of the Encyclopedia Board as proof that the Empire will protect Terminus from threats made by the neighboring Kingdom of Anacreon. However, Hardin's analysis shows that all of Dorwin's statements cancel out, meaning that he has spoken for five days without actually saying anything.