( her surprise is more muted this time, still contemplative; ) I suppose that—well, if it is a system that he could expect to give him that much information and autonomy on the matter of the phylacteries, I suppose it's easier to understand why one might become a loyalist. I hadn't thought. I suppose the change must be particular to the war.

( the phylacteries being obvious leverage when hostilities do, eventually, resume. as it seems they are almost certain to do. )