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~~((The Totally-Not-Random May 1st Special -- page 13 of 18))~~
"That sounds like quite the mess," said the King. He broke for sly grin. "Which is saying something, coming from the likes of us."

That earned another laugh from Hanton in that low-yet-chirpy cadence of his. 'Indeed. There have been many occasions over the years when I would not have been surprised if Vantalay had simply fractured into multiple smaller nations.'

"If it is so bad there, then how has the government maintained sovereignty for so long?"

'Because it is an ideological war as much as it is an economic one,' said Hanton. 'Much of the public supports the government. But a similarly large number of them support the companies as well. They do employ many people, after all--and provide better protection in their territories than the government does. But the companies also control considerably less land, which makes that job much easier. It is a complicated situation.'

"I see."

Hector had to to interject and ask a question of his own. "How do you know so much about Vantalay?"

'While I may no longer work for the government as an intelligence operative, keeping abreast of world news has always been a hobby of mine. I didn't tell you anything that you couldn't have learned from publicly available resources.' He allowed a beat to pass. 'Assuming you had been keeping up with said resources for the last thirty years or so.'

The King chortled. "And this is merely your 'hobby,' is it? I fear you will only end up making the rest of us look like fools if you continue to undersell yourself, Lord Gaolanet."

Hanton returned another laugh of his own. 'Your ability to weave together a compliment is something I have always admired about you, Your Highness.'

"Heh. In any event, might you have any information for us that is not publicly available?"

Hanton took another moment before responding. 'That would require me to have informants in Vantalay, Your Highness.'

"I am aware," said William. "So? Do you?"