Du Pont's words left the others staring in astonishment, while Robert's scalp tingled.
They had thought this young man had come to fob them off and persuade them to stop, but what he said was something Robert had not even dared to imagine.
Could everything this guy said be true?
"Those not in a position of power should not concern themselves with its affairs. You have your difficulties, the councilors have theirs, and I have mine." Du Pont picked up his teacup again, looking utterly composed.
"Fortunately, our country is not entirely filled with useless fools, so they sent me to solve the problem—to hear your grievances and help resolve whatever I can. For anything I cannot solve, you will have to find your own solution."
"Of course, if it truly comes to that, I can give you a small boat ticket. But what blame you might end up carrying afterward is not something I can guarantee." As Du Pont spoke, he summoned Mage Hand and filled his cup to seventy percent.
"Please make it quick. The sun is about to set, and I do not wish to waste too much time on you. We are strangers, after all, and helping you brings me no benefit. Please show some respect for everyone's time. Even the dwarven gentleman needs more time to savor his drinks, does he not?"
The apprentices exchanged glances, apparently communicating through Message. At last, Robert, seated in the middle, spoke. "If this new policy cannot be revoked, can we have more time or some other way to gather the money?"
Du Pont calmly applauded, his face full of satisfaction. "Good. It seems you have understood what I meant. This is indeed something I can help you with."
"A beautiful and kind-hearted instructor has opened a bank here.