[ royce glances at wen ning, at that note of anger, and it - feels familiar. he doesn't know why - hadrian cared, but not enough to do anything about it. not that royce would hold that against him; it's not like royce has done anything for his own people, as disconnected from them as he is. still. he can't remember why, but he can't hide the affection in the way he holds onto wen ning's hand.

it's a quiet thank you, but a thank you nonetheless. ]

No. I don't think so either. But the world does what it wants. There's no changing the minds of thousands of people. [ sniff. ] It is easier for them to mindlessly blame mir for their problems. So they'll do that.

People only care about what affects them personally.