In my view, the cost is worth the opportunity.

[ a face chosen to reassure, or to scapegoat. these aren't kind times, and his division is largely elves and mages. and elven mages. and rifted elven mages -- ]

And frankly, I am buried in bloody letters without one. You will be heading up far more than I. Take a secretary,

[ she considers. ]

Perhaps one you needn't pay.

[ there are plenty about the inquisition who won't expect a lift in their stipend to serve the same cause. ]