"Need," Marron said. "The decree was destroying people's livelihoods. Someone needed to do something. I happened to be in a position to try."
"But why you specifically? There are other Guild chefs. Other people who could have organized resistance. Why did you take on that role?"
The question felt like a test, but Marron couldn't identify what he was actually testing for.
"Because I cared," she said simply. "And because I could. Those felt like sufficient reasons."
Edmund studied her for a long moment, then made a note in his journal. Marron tried not to let it rattle her.
"You're being very careful with your words," Edmund observed. "I appreciate that. It suggests you understand this conversation has weight." He closed the journal. "Let me be direct, Ms. Louvel. I'm interested in your cooking methods. Specifically, I'm interested in why your food produces unusually consistent results. Better results than your skill level alone should generate."
