Faced with Finch's utter certainty, Earl Ster could only give a scornful sneer. "I don't think so. At least some Mages don't, or we wouldn't have today's Crystal Energy Golden Age."
Finch laughed. "But without Mages like us, who have always tried to restore the glory of the past, would ordinary people have any chance of surviving under royal rule?
"Even a great noble like you, one who earned his title through military service, nearly lost his entire family because of a prince's whim.
"And the person who uncovered it was a Grand Sage who couldn't care less about nobles or royalty!"
Earl Ster stared at him in confusion. "Have you got the wrong idea?
"I have nothing against Mages. But I was born a hereditary noble, and my ancestors were only minor nobles. I love Damboro as it is now, even after the king's son put my own son through all that.
"When you're caught in a plot, all you can do is deal with each move as it comes... If you lose, you lose. But there's always a chance to strike back, isn't there?
"Even if the other party is a prince, I'm not entirely powerless against him.
"But in that supposed golden age of Mages... if a Mage wanted to destroy the Ster Family, would he even need a plot?
"Cities were destroyed and people killed at the drop of a hat. Commoners, princes, nobles—what difference did their deaths make?
"Even if someone survived and wanted revenge, he'd need to live long enough to take it. He might not even outlive his enemy.
"At least now, those of us you Mages call ordinary people can refuse to accept our fate... Not everyone can make Crystal Energy weapons, but if you're willing to pay, you can buy one