Lance knows that inciting defection isn't solely about oppression; it's like hitting someone with a stick and then offering them a sweet date.
You have to give them a way out—this isn't rebellion, just business, and surely a merchant knows how to make the right choice.
"Aren't you afraid of the Church?" Perhaps it was the black bread digesting, or perhaps realizing there was no way to refuse, the fat man began to calm down.
"Church? There's no Church in Hamlet now, and there won't be one in the future," Lance said with a smile, knowing that the fat man had agreed to his deal when he spoke.
"I know the Earl has recruited many Transcendents like you, but you must also know that in his hands, you're just a dog that can be discarded at will.
Yet in Hamlet, as long as you follow the rules, whether or not you're a Transcendent, you can live here. The Church doesn't want to accommodate you, but I do, because I'm also a Transcendent."
