Natural? He stares at Cassandra for a moment, confused. Then he remembers--it's different here. Mages are born, not given their magic as a literal gift. And while it's not like the Outsider really asked if he wanted that gift, there is still a marked difference between the two. And he hesitates, unsure if he should correct her, or not. Would it be wise, to explain the difference? Would they be harsher on him?

It smacks of politics, something that he had little care for within his own world, let alone a world that he barely understood. He'll have to ask advice from...other sources.

In the meantime, talking about burning people alive is an excellent distraction, and Corvo nods in response to her question. "Yes. If they were dead, it wouldn't make quite the spectacle. And that's what they want. It's a warning to everyone else who would dare stray from the path of the Abbey. 'This could be you'. The Overseers are, ah. Not known for being subtle."