"If grain is expensive or cheap, and ordinary people never see a scrap of the benefit either way, why should we nobles, who have guarded the land and maintained order for generations, insist on reforming the Corn Law just to please merchants who care only about money and nothing for the kingdom?"
The blonde girl immediately countered, "But my father told me the Corn Law exists only to protect our estates. Now it makes commoners across the kingdom pay more for bread. The poorer they become, the more disease spreads and the closer unrest comes. In the end, we'll have to spend our own money to deal with it."
She was using Psychological Suggestion, quietly linking the repeal of the Corn Law with "reducing the burden of charity and keeping society stable."
As Altair listened to the two of them, she had only one thought: I don't have to step in today. I can rest.
Listening to their debate, Audrey seemed driven by curiosity as she asked, "Sister Altair, do you think the Corn Law should be repealed?"
Altair smiled faintly. "Whether it's repealed has little to do with me. Land is no longer my family's only major source of income."
She paused for two seconds, then added in a grave tone, "Your family should do the same. Remember to tell your father, Earl Hall, to let things take their course. He shouldn't get involved in this mess. He only needs to look after his own family."
Audrey nodded with a smile. "I understand."
"Sister Altair, do you think the proposal to repeal the Corn Law will pass?"
Altair turned to Audrey with an odd smile. "It will, because this is the choice of the times."
"Don't tell your father what I just said. It won't do him much good."