“They would certainly offend Judge Ghis, no doubt.”

A man easily riled, and deeply petty regardless. And the thought of any conversation taking place in his presence only reaffirms his desire for subtlety on their own part: he has only just earned full faith in the eyes of the Empire, and the Consul does not favor him— he would rather tread with care in regards to his own humanity.

His own weakness.

“Yet I imagine your presence does that well enough.”