Duo nods. "Whatever difference we make here... it has to be lasting, or there's no point, and so it has to be within the native system. Teach a man to fish, and so on." Of course, there was the possibility of changing the system itself. But that push had to come from the will of the natives, too.

A memory echoes in his head. Peace is not something that is handed to you. A shame Darlian was asleep.

"And not where you come from, huh." Duo's grin is mirthless. "Adoration that comes only on account of continued servitude isn't really love at all, huh." And weak-minded public opinion turned fast.