Teddybear

Kivvien returned to his work.

"Uses that could otherwise be fulfilled. It is utterly pointless to create them. It is only your ego that compels you to."

"It's wasteful, needlessly risky, and dishonorable."

"Because it's immoral."

"Curious why your disregard for ethics and the law would be considered offensive to the crown?"

Kivvien shook his head. "You best not press it. I am a palace official."

"I vehemently disagree."

"Progress is a neutral word. What is being progressed, and how, do matter."

"Progress isn't always positive progress."

The man himself may be less useful than his notes. Kivvien half-regretted waking him at all. "I'm not very approving."

"I...see."

"Such as?"

Kivvien sighed. "How exactly did you fall out of favor with the college?"

"Well being in good standing with the public and the local universities does most of the heavy lifting."

"I've never had an issue collecting from hospitals in the capital."