Question:
The tokens given by the aristocrat, while (i) _________, still served as a reminder that the power of the Crown continued to be held in some esteem even in such (ii)_________ political times.Explanation:
the word phrases such as "still served", "continued to be held" and "even in such" suggests that what happened was unexpected, if not the exact opposite of what was expected. In other words the actual value of the tokens was
in contrast to the effect it was having. So we can say that the value of the tokens was nominal or limited in value.
Therefore, I would say:
The tokens given by the aristocrat, while (i)
nominal, still served as a reminder that the power of the Crown continued to be held in some esteem even in such......
Only
nugatory gives a similar meaning.
Sumptuous is the exact opposite of what we are looking for, and we don't have any clues to suggest
sardonic.
Since a contrast has been setup between the nugatory value of the tokens and the circumstances, I would complete the second half as:
continued to be held in some esteem even in such
difficult political times.
Only
mercurial, which means unpredictably changing gives the same meaning.
There is nothing funny here, so
jocund is eliminated. There is nothing to suggest
magisterial (authoritative). So we eliminate it.
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