The Game

Somehow the conversation at the party turned to technology versus magic.
"To believe magic useful, I would first have to see it outperform current technology," Maeve commented.
She felt a wave of intense interest hit her. She didn't turn until he started to speak
"My lady," his voice was silk and steel. "Isn't such an opinion a bit hypocritical, from someone wearing magical artifacts?"
She felt the challenge in his words but also a flicker of amusement.
He was raising to her bait. The game was afoot.
"You almost sound personally offended, Mr..."
"Sarmad."
"Sarmad. Do you dabble in magic?"