He doesn't press the issue of how easily people can be bought nor does he correct Gyre, who he assumes is speaking literally. It wasn't always a monetary matter, of course. Luka could buy almost anything he desired with his wealth, but there were always those things that money couldn't buy, things that only magic could offer.

Luka thinks Gyre must surely have something that he'd want so badly that he would compromise his principles for it. Most people do.

"He did, but in only as much detail as Ten can provide." Luka knew the essential elements of the cave, but not down to every fine detail. "Nine seems like an inventor. I'd believe it if someone told me they did make those. I wonder why?"

He takes a few steps closer, listening to their sounds carefully. "Some kind of substitution, obviously, but why mechanical?"