[Adrasteius makes a dismissive gesture. He pays attention to what Bel's said, choosing to just let the boy cry if he needs to.]

Most of the magisters are half-asleep, half-drunk, or too fiercely inbred to get anything done. Sometimes all at once. I wouldn't put any stock in any of their opinions.

[Never mind that Adrasteius is also a magister. Minor detail.]