I think that to change the status quo, one needs resources. Leverage. [This is said knowingly. After all, he had turned the Fortress of Meropide to a hostile environment unfit for survival to what it is now.] It's important to understand the system and its ins and outs if you want to do something about it. Otherwise, you are just a fool with high hopes.

[A chuckle.] It does not need to be shared for it to be understood. Are you embarrassed for speaking about it to me? [He knows the answer with them sitting here, and Lorenz' hands all over him. The other probably wouldn't have told him if they didn't feel comfortable enough to tell him.]

It is a matter of experience and perspective. It does not make you any lesser because you have not been put on the spot of such unideal circumstances. I'm sure that you'll make do with time. You have shown me that you can be quite confident when you want to. When you aren't letting your thoughts weigh you down so heavily.

[He laughs in the meantime.] So you have. I can't say I can complain. I get good sex and then good tea out of it? Sounds perfect to me. [Shameless.]