[ Well. Okay, yes, he should have figured that out. But it still boggles his mind a little. Both of the multi-system governments in his universe are empires. ]

No, not at all. The Barrayaran Imperium is - well, an empire. With an Emperor. Although the Counts can vote, so that makes it somewhat parliamentary?

[ Except for the fact where the position is 99% hereditary. ]