[ At first, it's the word "servant" that gives her pause... but there's no emphasis, and nothing to suggest he isn't speaking in the more traditional sense. She dismisses the concern as fast as it came, with only a slight hitch in their communion to show for it.

Then, without warning, a wave of pure emotion blasts through: angry, contemptuous, and bitter. None of it aimed at Sebastian himself, and all seemingly centered around one single word. ]

... Yeah. I'm familiar with it. [ It's all she can manage to say to such an absurd question. ] The England of your time... describe it to me. Do its people still fight amongst themselves, or are they united? Is it a prosperous land, or one steeped in decay? And this Earl you serve: what kind of leader is he?