[ Cain laughed a short, soft sound, and shook his head at Aymeric, one brow crooked in sly interest. ]

Oppose us? Who would dare? I need to teach you some romaniya, I think you'd really... really understand.

[ But he listened, avidly, nodding and flicking his eyes often between the path ahead and Aymeric as he spoke. Blew a breath to get his sweaty bangs out of his eyes. ]

So you've... been walking a tightrope. How long? I... How long has that been going on, I mean?

So... you've got the people, who want reform. The church, who's got like... an investment in the opposite, mostly. Nobles probably somewhere in between but who want all the trappings of power and authority and whatever.

We need a miracle to unite them behind, Meric. We can't just... propose, theorize, tell all these people what we plan like lecturers. Even if you believe in my ability and I can prove whatever we need with models, that's not enough to overcome... all the negatives I bring to the table, and the weaknesses you're already pretty much maneuvering with, you know?

You don't have enough, um... political capital, with all those parties... to waste on one mad fucking gamble with me. And the same people that have a target on your back will paint one on mine, and dig in their heels, because voting against some crazy foreigner with bizarre science experiments would be an easy victory to net against you. And until they see proof that I can make shit work, the victory is all that matters. Digging a petty fucking thumb into your eye.

[ He drummed his fingertips on the sword again, mind racing. ]

I need something that brings in the clergy wholesale. Need to be in a position that complements your strengths.

So... we need a miracle... and if the Fury is like Mars... something big, symbolic, iconic. Three weapons, or a shield...