Christopher looked up in agitation. "Yes, please tell me what you need."
"You've already offered me everything that your House can offer, in exchange for saving it. Can I confirm that?"
"As long as it is within reasonable means, and my people are protected…"
"I see. That can be up for negotiation. Well, I still need your answers to some questions that I am going to ask now."
Libitina pursed her lips.
"You must know that a new Bill on the trading of Magical Artefacts or Tools has just been passed in parliament. Do you think that opening up the market for Magical Artefacts is a good thing?"
Libitina rested her gaze on the stunned boy. She was curious how the boy recommended by Samantha would answer.
"I believe that the Bill would be good for the people."
"For the people…Why is that?"
"Previously, only the nobility could get access to Magical Artefacts. Even commoners with money must pay a premium. Now, they can have more options."
"Why do you think there was a restriction on who can buy or use Magical Artefacts in the first place?"
"Because magical artefacts are seen as sacred tools that should be reserved for those who appreciate them, and only the nobility deserve them."
"You don't think that's true?"
"Pardon me?"
Libitina cut a slice of tart and placed it in her mouth. "I must say, the tart is more delish with lemon than strawberry."
"I like strawberry better," Sydney commented.
Sperenza agreed before looking at the lonely tart on Christopher's plate. "Young Master Shantire, is the tart not to your taste? Perhaps a croissant would suit your tastes better?"
"No, Princess, this is fine," Christopher hurriedly said.
"Then enjoy." Her voice was still as sweet, but there was an unyielding tone of command beneath the soft simper.
Christopher had no choice but start eating the tart again under their gazes. Libitina waited until Christopher had his mouth full before speaking again.
"As I was saying, the average commoner has no appreciation for the wonders of magic and the efforts that go into its production. When they see magic, they only see the prestige that comes with it. They see the fame of being a mage, but not the significance of what it means to be a mage, to research, study, and perfect the sacred art of interacting with the powers of magic.
"Yet, the passing of the Bill will give them a great opportunity to taste what we, the rich, experience. I think it is very benevolent of us to do so. It is a privilege. Maybe we should charge them more, or ask for more taxes in return. After all, their productivity will increase with our help, and shouldn't we get rewarded for that? Don't you agree, Young Master Shantire? How do you think we should progress with regard to the trading of Magical Artefacts?"
Christopher was highly disturbed.
'What was going on? Were these really the people who wrote the Bill?'
'If this was the original intention…had he been wrong about them?'
If this was the type of people Samantha was hanging out with…then he had to take her away from them. But, what about his people?