"I would discuss it with them. And I'd want to pick which ones."

"And if the result of the discussion was that they're not really even able to entertain the hypothetical where you're serious -"

"Well, I suppose I could instead ignore them indefinitely, building no credibility or rapport and making uncharitable assumptions about them."

She seems to consider saying something and decide against it.

"I will sort through them and try to find transfer prospects who will at least believe you after they are holding twenty titles."

"And who would, you know, behave ethically towards slaves if given twenty of them."

"Oh, I'd been planning to forget about that part, thank you for reminding me, ma'am."

Sigh.

"Is there anything else I should keep in mind?"

"I think you might be underestimating that one - or, uh, underestimating from my perspective, because you're comparing 'odds they'll free their slaves once we don't need them for political power' to 'odds I will do that' whereas I'm entirely sure I'll do that."

"Should I not even bother, ma'am."

"It's a good idea and if there are people who want to make it happen I'll talk with them. I might be sure once I've talked to them. You would - you're outlandishly expensive to free but I wouldn't worry about you not doing the right thing later."

Sigh. "I will be restrained in my outlining of expectations, ma'am."

Sigh. Nod.

"Is there anything else I should keep in mind?"

"Not obvious how we'd make money - I was going to liquidate the estate to pay for all the manumissions - I guess we could just do it slowly."

Nod.

"And we lose one vote, but I can probably manage without it. I think that's everything."

"One vote relative to what you have right now after making more than thirty purchases."

"LIke I said, I think I can manage without it."

Nod.

"If you'd ever like to know why I didn't do things you think I should have done, I'd be happy to explain."

"Why did you buy me?"

"In particular?"

"As opposed to someone cheaper, in particular."