0. In that case, you should just keep picking [cdb]commoners like me for all the important jobs.
1. Strength in numbers, right? The more of us there are, [cdb]the less anyone will be able to complain.
2. Hm. I believe your point to be a sound one, [cdb]but putting it into action will only heighten our [cdb]chance of failure.
3. Try as you may to trawl a river for jewels, you will [cdb]most often find yourself hauling up mere pebbles [cdb]instead.
4. I get what you mean...I think. Accidentally picking [cdb]the wrong person could really hurt the emperor's [cdb]reputation.
5. And provide the perfect opening for nobles who want [cdb]nothing more than for commoners to be "kept in [cdb]their place."
6. An utter disgrace. Here we stand amidst the flames of [cdb]war, yet some on our side only seek to drag their [cdb]compatriots down.
7. There is no rot as fetid as that which plagues our foul [cdb]aristocracy. It would not surprise me if they breathed [cdb]noxious fumes.
8. He must be exaggerating.
9. Probably right, actually.
10. I mean, it's not like they're literally poisonous.
11. Are you so sure? Spend an hour in the same room [cdb]with some of them and see if you don't feel the life [cdb]being choked out of you.
12. Yeah, I guess they are pretty bad when you put it [cdb]that way.
13. At any rate, it seems you must be the one to plow [cdb]forward for the time being.
14. Uh, come again?
15. You are a mercenary captain, no? Surely there are [cdb]worthy candidates for promotion among your [cdb]subordinates?
16. The situation would be far less volatile if any [cdb]potential appointees came with your direct [cdb]endorsement.
17. Oh good, no pressure at all. And if the person I pick [cdb]doesn't work out?
18. Assuming they are not wholly indefensible, we would [cdb]do our utmost to shield them from criticism.
19. Though I suppose if worst came to worst, we would [cdb]be forced to sever ties with them...and you.
20. Resent his cold calculation.
21. Gladly accept your fate.
22. That's cold-blooded, Hubert. I'm not sure I'm up to [cdb]the challenge, knowing what's at risk.
23. Nobody is forcing you to pick someone. If you think [cdb]it impossible, I will not try to convince you otherwise.
24. I can respect that. Protecting the emperor is priority [cdb]number one.
25. Indeed, it is the first and only priority. Do note, [cdb]though, you needn't force yourself to pick someone if [cdb]you fear the consequences.
26. Right, got it.
27. I guess in the meantime, I'll let you know if I think [cdb]of anyone who might be able to handle the job.
28. Oh, and let's keep the whole "severing ties" thing to [cdb]the real worst case scenario, OK?
29. You might look the calm and logical type, but I know [cdb]your emotions can get the better of you sometimes.
30. ...
31. A keener insight than I expected. Perhaps you truly [cdb]are the right person for this task.
32. Heh. Quite the eye you have on you.
33. Uh, thanks? My vision's not too bad, I guess.
34. Now if you could only pair it with some intellect, [cdb]we would have a true wonder on our hands.