China can think of a few capitolites who would be offended by his use of the term, chafing at any implication that he would be different from his fellows and thus seeing himself at their level. That reaction would be just absurd, thinks the woman who arbitrarily considers herself everyone's superior without a hint of irony.

She smiles warmly. "We need them."

For all her efforts to maintain the appearance of a pleasant soul, she can't resist joking around a moment. She leans forward, eyes wide with feigned surprise. "Here? Do you speak truly? Could you tell me where these hidden treasures are?"