The magicians need that sort of thing. The last Prime Minister only came into power because of a coup, and he was nearly taken out by some other magician a couple of years ago himself. But Tallow is also in charge of a bunch of other stuff – troubles within the empire, for instance. Not like half of them can wrap their brains around why some 'commoners' might hate their guts.

⟪ well, someone's stumbled right into a topic she's very passionate about. suddenly quiet, she nips at her orange... thing. oranges often end up being a bit rare, because they need to be imported, but she's had them often enough to know that this? doesn't taste like them at all. but it's sugary, and that's what she's craving right now. ⟫

You're right though. For every one that gets taken out, there are five more out there, and they all just want power, and money, and more power.