"Magic seems to be as much a cultural thing as anything else? People get very protective of that sort of identity." She hadn't figured out the nuances, but given the castle's library. She assume academic magic was held in such a high regard because of the academic ideal. Anything through study and understanding. Which if you have a massive castle full of servants to do see to your every need and the money to afford all the best tomes would make sense.

And if you're poor country farmers or busy city folk, wouldn't be that great to manage.

Bay's attention stays very steady on the young king's mouth as he talks. Whenever he speaks she's not doing much with her research books. Not that she's started yet. "You seem to already have an opinion on magic, I take it your world has it normally? Anyway, I'm Bay."